DR. BEULAH S ABUNDAYO

PharmD, MPH Senior Research Associate; Department of International Health in the Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH) & Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research (CIR) & Johns Hopkins John G. Bartlett Specialty Practice

Though honored to be considered a Woman to Watch, Dr. Sabundayo says she has a hard time calling herself an exceptional woman.

“I work in a facility that is almost exclusively women. I am on a team with exceptional women like Dr. Anna Durbin and Dr. Kawsar Talaat. I have such respect for their work ethic and passion to advance our studies to make a difference in the world.”

Dr. Sabundayo had many female role models in her life.

“As a young person, I was determined to be the first woman in space.”

Dr. Sabundayo followed the work of Sally Ride and Marie Curie in fields that were traditionally male dominated. She pointed to the work of strong women like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michelle Obama and stated that she has tried to apply it to her own work and life.

Fresh out of pharmacy school, Dr. Sabundayo recalls coming to Baltimore as a young woman with a huge southern accent and lots of blonde hair.

“Walking into a room, I was not taken seriously. I was very studious and serious”. To stop the judgements, she shed her accent and got rid of her blonde hair. “As you age things do change, but the fact that women are judged by appearance is difficult. Men don’t typically have that in the industry and that needs to be addressed.”

When asked what she was most proud of, Dr. Sabundayo happily said, “I have two daughters who are 16 & 20.” During the pandemic they spent lots of time together. Dr. Sabundayo saw the opportunity to witness her daughters’ resilience, perseverance and kindness as a silver lining.

Dr. Sabundayo is also extremely proud of the work being done within the Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research on the COVID-19 vaccines.

“We’re continuing to work with two of the vaccines that are in research. Being able to say that we are part of the solution to get us out of this pandemic, has been remarkable. I’m enormously proud of all the work we’ve done on COVID vaccines.”

In addition to her work at the Center for Immunization Research, Dr. Sabundayo sits on the board for the Pratt Library.

“We’re a community center, trying to address the digital divide, trying to provide connections to social work services, lawyer services and others that support the city of Baltimore.”

Dr. Sabundayo encourages women to pursue education.

“The more education you get, the more it will broaden your views. Do not let it pigeonhole you into what you are going to do. I went to pharmacy school; I maintain a pharmacy license, but I do not work as a pharmacist. I draw on those experiences.”

“Find what it is that you love, and then figure out how to make a living doing that. You’re going to have your job for a long time so find something you love.”