Our Mission & Vision
Founded: February 2026 in New York City
Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Mission
To accelerate the translation of infectious disease research into public health solutions while creating equitable pathways for women scientists to lead in biomedical research.
Vision
A world where infectious disease research rapidly transforms into life-saving interventions, and women scientists have equal access to resources, funding, and leadership opportunities.
Our Story: Why NITR Exists
The Nexus Institute for Translational Research was born from a journey that defied the odds—and a deep belief that every young woman deserves a chance to pursue science, no matter where she starts.
Founder Dr. Maika G. Mitchell's path to science was anything but conventional. Growing up as a homeless teenager in NYC, becoming a scientist was never part of the plan. But Dr. Mitchell knew she was smart, determined, and hungry for something more. What she didn't have was a roadmap—until a high school mentor saw her potential and opened a door to possibility.
"We're building pathways for the girls who are told they don't have a chance. Because I was one of them."
— Dr. Maika Mitchell, Founder
That mentor, who lived with HIV/AIDS, became more than a guide—he became proof that one person's belief can change a life's trajectory. When he passed away, his legacy became Dr. Mitchell's calling. She pursued HIV/AIDS research in graduate school, driven by a personal mission to honor his memory and fight the disease that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
Then cancer touched her family, adding another dimension to her passion for translational research. She witnessed firsthand how diseases don't discriminate—but access to care, research funding, and health outcomes certainly do. These experiences fueled her commitment to health equity and community-engaged science.
Over 20+ years, Dr. Mitchell worked at top medical centers and government agencies, navigating the complexities of academic research and witnessing the barriers that prevent talented women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—from advancing in science. Too many brilliant young women never see themselves in STEM careers because they lack role models, mentorship, and support systems. Too many early-career women researchers face critical career transitions without guidance, funding, or community.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the urgent need for diverse perspectives in infectious disease research. Health equity cannot be achieved when the researchers developing solutions don't reflect the communities most affected by disease.
NITR was founded in February 2026 with a clear mission: to create pathways for women at every career stage—from high school students exploring STEM to established researchers leading transformational projects. But this work is deeply personal. It's for the girls who are told they don't have a chance. It's for the young women who can't see themselves in science because no one looks like them in the lab. It's for the researchers who need just one person to believe in them.
Dr. Mitchell didn't just want to give back—she wanted to make a dent in the cosmos. She wanted to build the infrastructure, mentorship networks, and funding pathways that didn't exist when she needed them most. NITR is that infrastructure.
Our approach is simple but transformative: rigorous mentorship, evidence-based programs, sustainable funding, and authentic community. We're not just talking about change—we're building it, one mentorship pair, one workshop, one grant at a time.
This is personal. This is urgent. This is necessary.
This is why NITR exists.
The Spark
Graduate
Career
Feb 2026
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
2027
High School Mentor
Graduate school
20+ Years
NITR Founded
First Programs
Youth Pilot
Small Grants
Leadership
Dr. Maika G. Mitchell, MSc, PhD
President, Founder & Principal Investigator
Dr. Maika Mitchell is the founder and President of the Nexus Institute for Translational Research. With over 20 years of experience in biomedical research and clinical operations, she brings deep expertise in infectious disease research, translational science, and advancing health equity.
Dr. Mitchell has led strategic initiatives at NYU Langone Health. She serves on numerous editorial boards, including International Journal of Surgery Global Health, Annals of Medicine and Surgery, and Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Recognition: Selected for the Wiley Index of Inspiring Black Scientists (2026).
Professional Affiliations: Association for Women in Science (AWIS) NYC Chapter, American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Preciosa Elizabeth Akinbo, CPHIMS
Secretary
A Senior Clinical Research Associate with over a decade of infectious disease trial experience, Preciosa served as Senior Project Manager for the NIH RECOVER Initiative.
Mary S. Thomas, MHA, SHRM-CP
Treasurer
A healthcare management professional with extensive experience in research operations and grant administration, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Organizational Information
EIN (Employer Identification Number):
41-4226786
Legal Name:
Nexus Institute for Translational Research, Inc.
501(c)(3) Status:
Nexus Institute for Translational Research, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3). Public charity classification: 509(a)(2). Effective date of exemption: February 10, 2026. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Registered State:
New York