Shelita R. Augustus is an advocate for educational equity with expertise in higher education, research, and diversity initiatives. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Applied Science. Her research has been funded by the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Shelita was the first NASA-sponsored recipient of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science Employer Fellowship and led the creation of NASA’s Biospecimen and Tissue Sharing and Collection Program that ultimately supports ongoing research collaboration for long-term human spaceflight.

She is currently the Science Hub Program Manager at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she promotes student success and inclusivity within STEM disciplines. Shelita also serves as the Program Coordinator for the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Collaborative and as the Educational Outreach Specialist for the Institute for Broadening Participation, both organizations that aim to increase STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups. Shelita is pursuing a Doctor of Education at Purdue University, continuing her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments.