Influential Woman · Clinical Research

Kira Murray

Research Assistant, Stress, Aging, and Relationships (STAR) Lab

Lubbock / Fort Worth, TX

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Texas Tech University Degree Bachelor's in Science (expected Spring 2028) Cert HIPAA Privacy and Security Training Cert Biosafety Training Cert OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens Cert Biological Science Responsible Scholarship Cert Social and Behavioral Responsible Scholarship Cert Institutional Signatory Official Human Subject Research Cert Export Compliance Cert Texas Tech University Human Subject Research Cert Conflict of Interest Cert Basic Nature Protection of Biosafety

Her Story

About Kira

I'm currently a sophomore at Texas Tech University working toward my Bachelor's in Science, with my sights set on becoming a physician. I started my research journey this January at Spar Labs on campus, where I'm completing my certifications and working on my IRB protocols for independent research. Being a D1 track and field athlete adds another dimension to my life - I sprint, and I've loved the sport since high school after trying contemporary dance and gymnastics. What really inspires my work is the understanding that there's a big gap when it comes to health disparities for Black women. The maternal mortality rate is very high, and cardiovascular health is a major issue in our community. I want to become a culturally competent physician and open my own private practice specifically for Black women to help close that gap. As a first-generation student from Philadelphia, I'm driven to make everything count and take every opportunity that comes my way. My typical day involves waking up for class, heading to the lab to finish weekly tasks and work on certifications, then going to practice, and if time allows, returning to the lab. The name of the game is discipline, and I've learned that what you can control is your effort and attitude.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kira

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to God first, and also my mom. She's very strong and always wanted me to do things that I thought were good for my soul and my heart. She always says how I would be a good person, and I want that to reflect in what I do in college. Especially being a first-generation student, I want to make everything count and take every opportunity I can.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've received came from my coach, Coach Rob. He said the only thing that you can control is your effort and attitude. I think that goes with a lot of things and can be applied to lots of things in life.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would tell them that every time that you feel like you're taking a step back, or you feel like everything is at a loss, just know that the gold mine is right there. Your goal is closer than you think it is. And a good story is never perfect - it always has its challenges.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think the name of the game is discipline. That's one of the main things that needs to be looked at. In graduate school and any other professional settings, it's not that they wouldn't care, but it's more like what can you bring to the table - BS is just not going to cut it, especially if you're trying to contribute to society in a healthcare way.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are family, respect, and morals.

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