Leyte Winfield

Leyte Winfield serves as Division Chair for the Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Spelman College, where she also directs the Cosmetic Science Program and co-directs the Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM. Her leadership spans academic administration, research innovation, and national STEM diversity initiatives.

Educational background includes:

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Academic Leadership, The Chicago School (2014)
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Medicinal Chemistry, Florida A&M University (2004)
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, University of New Orleans (2003)
• BS in Chemistry, Dillard University (1997)

Dr. Winfield's research integrates synthetic organic chemistry with transformative educational practices. Her medicinal chemistry work focuses on anti-proliferative compounds targeting cancer pathways, while her chemical education scholarship pioneers culturally responsive pedagogy and systemic interventions for underrepresented groups. Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks in chemistry education, examining social presence in digital learning, identity-affirming laboratory experiences, and community-based capacity building at minority-serving institutions. Her work consistently centers Black women's experiences in STEM through initiatives like the Black Beauty STEMinist Project.

Major scientific recognitions include:

• Cottrell Scholar designation
• American Association for Cancer Research recognition
• Council for Undergraduate Research recognition

As principal investigator, she has secured significant funding from the National Science Foundation (HRD-1332575, 1912385, 1626002, 2315607) and National Institutes of Health (P20MD008719-01) to develop blended learning models, peer mentorship systems, and cohort-building strategies that increase retention in STEM majors. Her advising philosophy emphasizes learner agency development through self-regulated learning frameworks.

Dr. Winfield leads the Black Beauty STEMinist Project in partnership with L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, and PATTERN Beauty, creating digital archives that document Black women's contributions to cosmetic science while developing pipeline programs for future industry leaders.