Paulyn Cartwright

Profile

Paulyn Cartwright is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. She also serves as Director for the Office for Diversity in Science and Training. She served as the rotating Program Director for the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems for the National Science Foundation 2020 to 2021.

Cartwright’s research focuses on understanding the evolution and development of marine invertebrates. As a principal investigator she has maintained an active research program for more than 14 years during which time she has mentored graduate students and helped position them for successful research careers.

Cartwright works to broaden participation in science through the Office of Diversity in Science Training. She coordinates three NIH-funded training programs targeted for underrepresented students in STEM to help them pursue careers in research. She mentors underrepresented minority students as they apply and prepare to transition to graduate school. In addition, she develops and organizes educational enhancement curriculum. Prior to this role, she served as Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology where she managed a graduate program and implemented new policies to lower barriers for participation STEM and increase student success. She also worked to improve the retention of talented diverse graduate students.

Cartwright received her Ph.D. in biology from Yale University. Following her completion of her degree, she was a National Science Foundation Sloan Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Evolution at Harvard University and the University of Kansas.