By: Nathan Anderson
Brittany L. Witt, PhD, has reached a historic milestone for the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science (MBS) program, becoming one of the first alumni to earn a PhD after completing the program.
A Birmingham native and graduate of Ramsay High School, Witt began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Auburn University at Montgomery in 2017. After graduation, she entered the field of histology and became a certified histotechnician, building a successful career in laboratory medicine.
But as much as she enjoyed the profession, she knew she wanted more.
"I eventually realized that I wanted to pursue additional opportunities for growth and advancement," Witt said. “This led me to enroll in the MBS program at UAB.”
At the time, Witt was working full-time in the Department of Anatomic Pathology at UAB Hospital and needed a graduate program that could accommodate her professional responsibilities while allowing her to continue learning. "The MBS program provided exactly that opportunity," she said.
The MBS program helped broaden her understanding of science and introduced her to research in ways she had not previously experienced.
“It provided valuable exposure to the scientific process and reinforced the idea that learning is a continuous journey, regardless of career stage or area of expertise,” she said.
Although she initially pursued the program to expand her knowledge and create new opportunities, she quickly discovered a passion she had not anticipated - teaching.
After completing the MBS program, Witt learned she had accumulated enough graduate-level coursework to teach science courses at the collegiate level. She soon began teaching Anatomy and Physiology at Jefferson State Community College, an experience that immediately confirmed she had found her calling.
"I enjoy engaging with students, helping them understand complex scientific concepts, and witnessing their enthusiasm for learning," Witt said.
That experience inspired her next academic step - pursuing a PhD in Biology at UAB.
"I realized that teaching and higher education were not simply interests—they were the career path I wanted to follow," she said. ”Earning a doctoral degree would allow me to continue growing professionally while creating opportunities for leadership, research, and advancement within academia.”
One mentor who played a significant role in her development was Dr. John Shacka, whose guidance helped build her confidence and prepare her for the next stage of her academic career.
“As director of the MBS program, it was a special moment for me to be present for Brittany’s doctoral hooding,” Shacka said. “I am thrilled for Brittany, as I know how hard she has worked for this pivotal moment in her career; her perseverance and professionalism are unmatched. I am so happy our program was able to provide Britanny and all our alumni with the readiness in biomedical science needed to achieve their career goals.”
Dr. Shacka’s mentorship, along with the support of others, helped her recognize her potential as both a scientist and an educator. Several individuals also encouraged her to pursue doctoral education, including her husband, Demetrius Witt Jr.
At times, Witt struggled with self-doubt, particularly because she had rarely seen people with backgrounds similar to hers pursue terminal degrees in the sciences.
"Having someone who continuously challenged me to grow and believed in my potential made a tremendous difference in my confidence and willingness to pursue ambitious goals," she said.
Those relationships helped lay the foundation for an extraordinary accomplishment. In May 2026, Witt became one of the first graduates of UAB's MBS program to earn a PhD. For her, the milestone represents much more than earning two degrees.
"Neither program was easy, and both challenged me in different ways," she said. “Through both programs, I developed valuable technical and professional skills that have strengthened my abilities as an educator, researcher and leader.”
During her PhD studies in the Tollefsbol Lab, Witt focused on epigenetics and breast cancer prevention, areas that aligned closely with her interests in health, nutrition, and disease prevention.
She became especially interested in understanding how lifestyle and dietary factors can influence disease risk, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by health disparities.
Today, Witt serves as a credentialed course instructor in UAB's Department of Biology, where she continues to invest in her passion for science education. As a first-generation college student, Witt hopes her journey encourages others to pursue opportunities they may not initially see for themselves.
"I certainly did not have all the answers," she said. "Through seeking opportunities, shadowing in laboratories, immersing myself in my coursework, and remaining open to learning, I gradually developed the confidence to pursue my goals."
Looking ahead, she hopes to become a full-time faculty member and eventually establish a research laboratory focused on gamification and innovative teaching strategies in science education.