Dr. LaKiesha Williams

Dr. LaKiesha holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and is an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University where she studies injury biomechanics. Dr. LaKiesha has accomplished many firsts in her life. She was the first African American to obtain a graduate degree in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University, the first African American to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Mississippi State University, and the first female and first African American faculty member in her current academic department.

Dr. LaKiesha has received many awards based on her scholarly achievements. Some of these include the IBM Women of Color Rising Star Award, MSU’s Champion of Diversity Award, and LSU’s 2010 Rising Star Alumnus Award. She enjoys exercising, spending time with family, and serving the needs of others. She credits purposeful implementation of biblical principles (such as integrity, character, faithfulness, hard work, and diligence) into her home, work, and social life for being the source of her success. Dr. LaKiesha and her husband, Dr. Byron, reside in Mississippi (USA).