Michelle Williams, ScD, is a Professor of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington, Seattle, and Director of the Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program. This program is funded in part by NCMHD's Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program (MHIRT).

Williams leads an effort to train young minority investigators in the fields of epidemiology and public health. In addition, this program helps students to build partnerships and research collaborations with scientists from around the world. She told the Council that the program has two simple goals:

• To increase the number of individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds going into academic leadership positions in public health/global health.
• To strengthen academic institutions in developing countries.

Williams said the program creates world ambassadors. She said, “We know we have been successful when we leave behind more than we take.”