Biography

Jeanita S. Pritchett Clay, Ph.D., is the chief scientific diversity officer in NCATS’ Office of the Director, where she addresses systemic issues that have hindered diversity and inclusion in translational sciences; supports initiatives to mitigate health disparities; and develops policies, programs, and practices that embed equity to improve organizational culture.

Prior to this appointment, she served as the acting director of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In this role, she was responsible for leading the development and implementation of the NIST FY22–FY24 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan and supporting the development and implementation of the U.S. Department of Commerce Equity Action Plan and the U.S. Department of Commerce 2022–2024 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Strategic Plan. She also developed and curated diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA)–related learning opportunities for NIST staff and launched the Inclusive Leadership Through Equity, Accessibility, and Diversity workshop series.

Pritchett Clay began her career working as a National Research Council postdoctoral research fellow and analytical chemist at NIST, where she focused on developing reference materials for clinical and food-and forensics-related programs. After spending years at the bench, she pivoted her career to focus on recruitment and retention strategies, STEM education, outreach and engagement, and strategic initiatives to foster inclusive workplaces. She notably is the architect behind a career coaching program developed for postdoctoral researchers at NIST to help them gain clarity about their goals and elevate them toward the next step in their careers. Since its inception in 2018, the transformative career coaching program has involved more than 140 participants.

Pritchett Clay earned a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago, an executive certificate in leadership coaching from Georgetown University, an executive certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University, and a certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business. She also holds a B.S. in chemistry from Tennessee State University.

Professional Interests

Drawing on her experience as a research chemist, educator and DEIA professional, Pritchett Clay’s approach to her role as the chief scientific diversity officer role is grounded in her passion for promoting a learning culture, leveraging data-driven decision-making processes, and cultivating organizational environments where everyone can thrive.