Chrystal Starbird
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drstarbird.bsky.social
Chrystal Starbird
@drstarbird.bsky.social
Scientist, mother, perpetual learner. Assistant Professor, Structural Biologist, Advocate, and Speaker. Views my own.
signal @starbic.01

www.starbirdlab.com
Pinned
Hi All! I’m a structural biologist who studies the structural basis of signaling via RTKs. I’m a new Assistant Professor at UNC and a #firstgen scholar who fights to make science accessible! I’m a bit spicy 😁, but try my best to lead with kindness. A recent lab outing:
Me doing a western, 7 meetings, preparing two grant submissions, answering emails, and trying to eat lunch and make good choices
a man in a purple suit is standing in front of a row of metal poles with plates on them
ALT: a man in a purple suit is standing in front of a row of metal poles with plates on them
media.tenor.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:56 PM
I have to have surgery at the end of this month for something non elective. My portion due, to the school I labor for, is ~$4300 with the high option insurance 😡
February 10, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Agreed. I just wish the Patriots were doing much better at the moment.
February 9, 2026 at 3:01 AM
February 9, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Technically, I was born in Tacoma (near Seattle), but I’m From
Boston. This is embarrassing 😬😬😬
February 9, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Just WOW! 🥹🇵🇷 #BadBunnyBowl
February 9, 2026 at 1:39 AM
Super Bowl prep! Pernil has been cooking all day for tripletas. We are almost ready! #BadBunnyBowl
February 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
For #BlackHistoryMonth we’re partnering with scholars to highlight and connect Black scientists worldwide.

Explore the Index of Inspiring Black Scientists to find collaborators, mentors, speakers, and new research.

Explore the Index.

👉 https://ow.ly/3xrw50Y8lha
February 6, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Thank you! It was a team effort, but I was so glad to be a part of it!! 🙌🏾
February 7, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Thank you for sharing!!!
February 6, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Happy Black History Month! I am sharing a permanent and continuously updated list of inspiring Black scientists! Check it out! Huge thank you to the folks who gathered this info. Thank you to @drstarbird.bsky.social and the rest of the Index Committee! www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
Index of Inspiring Black Scientists | Wiley
The Inspiring Black Scientists Index is a curated database celebrating diverse contributions to science. Join us in promoting education and collaboration.
www.wiley.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Love to hear that! 🙌🏾
February 6, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Representation Matters, ESPECIALLY now. Huge shoutouts to Gelila Petros & Alex Washington (UNC PREP alumni), @drstarbird.bsky.social, Wiley, Hutch, and the entire committee! We did it!

(Yes, there’s actually a couple more Atlas projects in progress 🤪🤭🤫)
I am SO incredibly excited to announce the launch of a global list of Inspiring Black Scientists. You can use this list to nominate and connect with researchers. Please share and join us in highlighting these outstanding scientists for #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond!

www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
February 5, 2026 at 6:33 PM
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
February 5, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
So honored to be apart of this!
I am SO incredibly excited to announce the launch of a global list of Inspiring Black Scientists. You can use this list to nominate and connect with researchers. Please share and join us in highlighting these outstanding scientists for #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond!

www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
February 5, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Please share it with your students, your network, and use it to expand your own networks for these purposes. Please also consider nominating yourself or a colleague as well!
February 5, 2026 at 5:50 PM
This list is meant to:

Foster collaboration with researchers in your field from other countries

Explore opportunities for mentorship

Connect with scientists in your field or career stage to build your network

Find scientists to give seminars or speak at conferences

Discover new research papers
February 5, 2026 at 5:49 PM
And the amazing resource that is the Atlas of Inspiring LatinX/Hispanic Scientists, which you can learn more about and access here:

www.fredhutch.org/en/about/abo...
Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists
The Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists is a grassroots effort developed to showcase the expertise, talents, and diversity of Hispanic and Latinx scientific faculty.
www.fredhutch.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:46 PM
This list builds on foundational and transformative lists such as as the Highlight of 1000 Black Scientists in America, which you can learn more about here:

crosstalk.cell.com/blog/1000-in...
1,000 inspiring Black scientists in America
To remove the bleach from the history books, the Community of Scholars formed this list of inspiring Black scientists.
crosstalk.cell.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:45 PM
A recent study demonstrated that the average US citizen cannot name a living scientist. There is also a wealth of data that makes it clear that representation is important. This list is intended to be one of many that highlights scientists to learn about, collaborate and network with.
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
You can nominate exceptional researchers at any stage in their career and from all around the world to this list at any time: it is designed to be a permanent resource that is updated quarterly with new additions. This is the direct link to nominate:

www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
Index of Inspiring Black Scientists | Wiley
The Inspiring Black Scientists Index is a curated database celebrating diverse contributions to science. Join us in promoting education and collaboration.
www.wiley.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:41 PM
This list was a collaborative effort led by a committee of academic scientists and leaders, with a special shoutout to the emerging scientific leaders who truly led this effort, including @jpflores.rbind.io , Alex Washington, and Gelila Petros!
February 5, 2026 at 5:39 PM
I am SO incredibly excited to announce the launch of a global list of Inspiring Black Scientists. You can use this list to nominate and connect with researchers. Please share and join us in highlighting these outstanding scientists for #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond!

www.wiley.com/en-us/resear...
February 5, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
February 1, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by Chrystal Starbird
Hey cuties. Everything sucks ass. Get some valentines and send them to your friends.

I'm sad. You're sad. They're probably sad.

Send them a valentine.

It keeps Skype a Scientist running, which hey, is very good too.

squidfacts.bigcartel.com/product/deep...
January 28, 2026 at 3:58 PM