No annual report would be complete without recognizing the efforts of those who go the extra mile to promote equity and diversity. One of those individuals is Ann Kimble-Hill, an assistant research professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the IU School of Medicine.

Kimble-Hill is a staunch advocate for creating more programming opportunities that ensure career pathways for underrepresented students in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics within the IUPUI learning community.

As part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in January, Kimble-Hill was among the 2021 Building Bridges Award recipients. The award honors Indiana University faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners across IU’s campuses who capture Dr. King’s spirit, vision, and leadership.

Kimble-Hill was recognized for her leadership and mentoring of students in pipeline programs such as the American Chemical Society’s Project Seed. She also has served as the national chair for the society’s Committee on Minority Affairs, and is currently a member of the society’s Diversity, Inclusion and Respect Advisory Board and Broadening Participation Task Force.

Kimble-Hill employs this platform to rally colleagues at IU and abroad to submit and publish manuscripts designed to educate the STEM community on social and racial justice policies and processes.

“Over her career, Kimble-Hill has used the many intersections of her identities to become an advocate for women, underrepresented minorities (particularly African Americans), and people with ability challenges in academia and STEM at large,” a nominator said.