Dr. Julia Derk has always been passionate about community building and improving human health. She is a scientist, activist, community organizer, and advocate. Her specific focus as a Senior Scientist for Howard Hughes Medical Institute is to understand and treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. For Clear Direction Mentoring, Julia is the co-Founder, Volunteer Executive Director, and Board President as well as a mentor, leader, and friend to all within our community. Her mission is to help build a world where all individuals interested in STEMM educational paths and careers have access to empowering, inclusive opportunities that ignite their passion to discover and allow them to become their best selves. Julia knows she would never be where she was without the impressive power of mentorship and community buoying her along the way. She is honored for the opportunity to be part of this community, learning and growing just as much as all of the fellows, as we all navigate a better way forward together.