Jennell White, Ph.D., has joined the faculty of the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology as an assistant professor.

A member of the American Society of Hematology, Dr. White studies the regulation of red cell-endothelial interactions using mass spectrometry and flow-based adhesion assays, working toward therapeutic targets to develop alternative therapies to address sickle cell disease.

She received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2003, a master’s of science degree in Basic Medical Sciences in 2005 and her doctoral degree in Physiology in 2011, both from the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Dr. White, in 2014, established the Biomedical Career Advancement Program at the School of Medicine. The program, a collaboration between the School of Medicine, the Michigan Area Health Education Center, the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority and the Detroit Public Schools Community District, provides a six-week paid internship to high school students. They work alongside clinical and research faculty of the School of Medicine to explore clinical, health policy or basic science research. More than 200 students have enrolled in the program since its inception under Dr. White.

In 2020, she received the WSU Champions of Diversity and Inclusion Award, recognizing her leadership and tireless efforts in addressing the underrepresentation of minorities in research and for her work in reducing health care disparities.