4. Kizzmekia Corbett

Very few individuals can say they led a team of scientists in developing a COVID-19 vaccine, but Kizzmekia Corbett is one of them. As an incredibly intelligent and educated individual, Corbett is credited for significantly contributing to the scientific development of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. In 2022, Corbett received the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. This accolade notes Corbett’s exemplary actions in her field while still at the beginning of her occupational journey.