Recognized as one of Cell Mentor’s 1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America, Dr. Dominique Carter is a distinguished leader in science policy and international affairs. With a robust background in the federal government, Dr. Carter combines interdisciplinary technical expertise with strategic insight, championing science to address pressing challenges across health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and technology. A recognized thought leader and force in her field(s), she is driven by an unwavering commitment to advancing science for the public good and empowering industries to make meaningful strides toward a more sustainable, equitable and just food system for all. Dr. Carter's career trajectory is a testament to her dedication to impactful science policy.

Her career in science policy commenced as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she supported the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) within the Office of the Director (OD). In this role, she supported an agency-wide strategy for fostering international science cooperation that included advancing OISE’s mission through initiatives that promote global collaboration, science diplomacy, and cross-border innovation. Specifically, Dr. Carter worked to strengthen science and innovation partnerships in Europe and Africa by assessing emerging science & technology landscapes in these regions, providing strategic recommendations for new partnerships that leverage science capabilities and infrastructure to empower emerging economies. This early experience showcased her ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation, a skill she further honed during her time at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). There, as an Agricultural Science Advisor, she provided invaluable thought leadership to the Chief Scientist on a range of critical issues, from biotechnology and research security to data governance and strategic planning. Her contributions were instrumental in shaping the USDA's vision for the future of agricultural research and innovation.

What truly sets Dr. Carter apart is her ability to translate scientific knowledge into actionable strategies that address real-world challenges. This is evident in her leadership in developing the 2020 USDA Science Blueprint, a comprehensive plan that guided USDA science agencies in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to meet global food security needs. Accordingly, she also co-led the Sustainable Agriculture Intensification Science Theme Team to develop a 5-year roadmap for USDA science agencies to deliver innovative, environmentally, and economically sustainable solutions for meeting global demands for safe, healthy, and affordable agricultural products. She also spearheaded the development of key performance indicators to measure the impact of USDA science investments, ensuring accountability and maximizing the return on research funding.

This work led to Dr. Carter being invited to serve as the inaugural Assistant Director for Agricultural Sciences, Innovation, and Workforce by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), where she leveraged her understanding of the agricultural enterprise to maximize innovation in the agricultural, life science and bioeconomy industries, and to provide high-quality scientific advice to decision makers. Her contributions were pivotal in shaping and executing groundbreaking policy initiatives, including the first-ever White House Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health; the Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy; and National Security Memorandum on Strengthening the Security and Resilience of United States Food and Agriculture (NSM-16). Dr. Carter also formerly held the position of Vice President of Food & Nutrition Affairs at FoodMinds, where she provided senior counsel on nutrition policy to agricultural commodities and food & beverage companies.

Dr. Carter's influence extends far beyond her formal roles. She is a sought-after advisor and thought leader, lending her expertise to prestigious organizations such as the Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory Council and the Advisory Board of SIA-Africa, a non-profit organization working to develop sustainable global alliances in science and education across Africa. Dr. Carter’s commitment to international engagement and development is evident by her active participation in prestigious fellowships including in the inaugural US-China Youth Forum on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Opportunities and the Atlantic Council's Millennium Leadership Fellowship. As an inaugural Global Innovation Fellow for the US-China Youth Forum on Entrepreneurship, she actively fostered cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration on critical issues surrounding innovation and economic opportunity for both countries. Dr. Carter's selection as a Millennium Leadership Fellow by the Atlantic Council further underscores her exceptional leadership potential and commitment to global impact. This highly competitive program, renowned for cultivating young leaders in international affairs, provided her with advanced training and a global network to further amplify her efforts in fostering community and driving positive change in sustainable food systems on an international scale. Furthermore, her participation in the FedTech incubator showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to translate research into real-world solutions. Paired with a federal agency, she delved into the intricacies of business model development, product design, and R&D, gaining invaluable experience in commercializing federal research for broader societal benefit. These experiences have broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of the global challenges and opportunities at the intersection of science, technology, and policy.

Currently, Dr. Carter serves as a Principal at Lewis-Burke & Associates, where she continues to champion science and innovation by providing strategic counsel to clients across various sectors. She is a Food Leader Fellow with the Aspen Institute and a Stephen M. Kellen Term Member of the Council of Foreign Relations, and an alumnus of prestigious the Masters Series for Distinguished Leaders (MSDL) leadership fellowships.

Dr. Carter's journey is not just about professional achievements; it's about empowering others and creating a more equitable and sustainable future. She is a mentor, an advocate, and an inspiration to aspiring scientists and policymakers alike. Her story exemplifies the power of combining scientific expertise with a deep understanding of policy and a passion for making a difference in the world.