She mentioned that she was motivated by Dr. James McCune Smith, the first African American to achieve a medical degree who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837.

Kristy who is now a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University working on diabetic skin wound healing expressed her gratitude to her community adding that she hopes that her accomplishment can inspire others in the same manner that McCune Smith did for her.

“I came across Harriet Washington’s book, Medical Apartheid, and learned about Dr McCune Smith’s story. Hearing about his story, being born into slavery, defeating that in a way, and travelling here to pursue education I thought if he can do that, I can do anything,” she said.

“Today, I made history as the first Black graduate of the University of Glasgow PhD of Immunology. Being the first black student, of all genders, to graduate with this PhD is a huge honor, and I owe it all to Dr. McCune Smith,” she added.

Kristy mentioned that she hopes that her record-breaking achievement would not be the last in the university.” I’m the first, and I won’t be the last, and I can only hope my story inspires more people to attend,” she said.