Today, Keersten Ricks carries the title of Chief of Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). The USAMRIID is dedicated to developing vaccines, diagnostics and treatments to protect both military personnel and the Nation from deadly infectious diseases.

Their work involves assessing biological threats, creating effective countermeasures and testing these solutions. As chief of DSD, Ricks leads efforts to design, evaluate and provide operational support for diagnostic tools and systems. In 2025, Ricks was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by President Joe Biden for that very contribution. Ricks’ journey exemplifies integrity, hard work and determination, and it began here at NC State.

Ricks enrolled in 2006 at NC State, to pursue studies in chemistry with a minor in toxicology. During her first year at NC State, she joined the Scholars Village in Sullivan Residence Hall, eventually serving as a Student Village Assistant for what used to be the University Scholars Program. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation for her future research and leadership by providing mentorship and exposure to many perspectives, which helps as she guides her team and directs projects.

As an undergraduate, Ricks conducted research in Dr. Reza Ghiladi’s lab in the Department of Chemistry and completed an internship at LORD Corporation in Cary, NC, a diversified technology and manufacturing company that develops adhesives, coatings, motion management devices and sensing technologies for the aerospace, automotive and oil and gas industries. These opportunities helped prepare her for the next step in her academic journey, pointing her in the direction of applied research.

After graduating in 2010 as NC State Valedictorian, Ricks pursued a doctorate in chemistry at Vanderbilt University. There, she worked on the development of rapid immunoassays for improved point-of-care malaria diagnostics in David Wright’s lab for 5 years, sparking a deeper desire to solve real-world biological problems.

It was during a trip to Haiti during her graduate studies that she saw firsthand the impact of her work. The generosity and resilience of the people she met left a lasting impression, fueling her passion for applied research that could make a real, lasting difference. Embracing her own advice to “find and do what makes you happy,” she realized that her fulfillment comes from using science to solve biological threats and support underfunded communities around the world.

After earning her doctorate, Ricks secured a postdoctoral fellowship with the National Research Council. There, under Randal Schocepp, she served as an advisor from 2016 to 2019 at USAMRIID. Under his lead, Ricks and her team later traveled all over the world to train partner labs on the targeted bio-surveillance techniques she developed during her postdoc. For Ricks, this experience was about more than sharing knowledge. It was about building a lasting network and encouraging teamwork.

“Connections, collaborations, and storytelling are key,” she says, a guiding principle that shapes how she interacts with others.

From 2023 to the present, Ricks has worked in several countries in Africa and Southeast Asia to help mitigate the risk of vector-borne disease by advancing the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to those types of diseases.

This August, Ricks visited NC State as a guest of the Honors Forum, where she shared inspirational stories from her global work and emphasized the importance of staying authentic and true to oneself.

Drawing from her own journey, she encouraged the next generation of students to embrace their passions and values, reminding them that success comes not just from achievements but from living with integrity and doing what makes them happy. Throughout her impressive career, she has consistently embraced her aspirations and values, even as she tackled challenging scientific work and leadership roles.

By listening to her own advice to ‘Stay true to yourself, but still value other people,’ Ricks has remained grounded and motivated, allowing her authentic self to guide her choices and career path. This commitment to authenticity has not only fueled her professional success but has also given her a clear sense of purpose in her work, one that extends beyond personal achievement to making a meaningful impact on global health and protection.

As important as her job is, Ricks emphasizes that “work-life balance is important.” Her dedication to combating infectious diseases is matched by her understanding that rest, reflection and connection with others are essential to long-term success. Outside of her career, she is a CrossFit coach and manages a farm. Managing the demands of high-stakes research and international collaboration with time for self-care enables her to stay energized and focused.

“Try to be more present and aware of yourself,” she advises, highlighting the value of mindfulness in managing both professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

This stability is a vital component of her leadership style and serves as a model for aspiring scientists and students in general. Ricks shows that self-care is not just possible, it’s necessary for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Ultimately, Ricks’s story encourages us to live authentically while prioritizing equilibrium in our lives. Staying true to who you are provides clarity and direction, which can help you navigate complex challenges with resilience and determination. Meanwhile, embracing a lifestyle that aids your creativity, health, and relationships equally. These are key ingredients for a fulfilling career and life. Her example inspires others to pursue their passions boldly, while also reminding them that success is measured not just by achievements, but by their well-being and happiness.