Pamela Tamez

At Johns Hopkins, Pamela Tamez is a lecturer in the MS in Biotechnology program who brings a unique blend of expertise in biotechnology, academic program leadership, and mentoring that spans the academic, public, and policy sector. She is an accomplished biomedical scientist, educator, and strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in scientific workforce development, federal research administration, and higher education who has dedicated her career to advancing inclusive scientific excellence.

At the National Institutes of Health, Tamez has held a series of progressive leadership roles, including Supervisory Health Science Policy Analyst in the Office of the Director. She has successfully managed national initiatives aimed at broadening institutional participation in NIH funding, recognizing excellence in mentoring, and fostering faculty development. Her leadership in training and workforce programs has impacted more than 5,000 scientists, including the recruitment and mentorship of over 75 graduate students, postdocs, and early-career faculty.

A recognized champion for equity and innovation in science education, Tamez has received multiple honors, including the NIH Director’s Award and the National Institute of Nursing Research Director’s Award. She has served as Chair of the NIH Training Directors Committee and continues to advise and mentor first-generation college students in STEM through Future Link.

Tamez holds a PhD in Drug Discovery from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a BA in Biology from Southwestern University. She held faculty and leadership roles at the University of Notre Dame, where she spearheaded high-impact global research collaborations in anti-malarial drug discovery with industry and nonprofit partners. Her scientific contributions include the development of a novel malaria infection model, widely adopted by international institutions, and authorship of over 25 peer-reviewed publications.

Whether guiding research policy, mentoring emerging scientists, or designing inclusive biotechnology curricula, Tamez is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate the complex intersections of science, society, and enterprise.