Kiera Matlock

High School Graduation Year: 2007
Year First Awarded the Carson Scholarship: 2003
Sponsored by: The Abell Foundation

Kiera Matlock was awarded a Carson Scholarship in 2003 as an eighth grader. Her academic journey led her to study at Coppin State University, graduating in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In 2021, she graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Biomedical Diagnostics.

Kiera is currently a Microbiology manager at a testing lab. In this role, she manages a group of ten technicians, completes data analysis, performs laboratory tests, and performs administrative tasks. In her spare time, Kiera volunteers at her daughter’s school by helping with field day, picnics, and chaperoning for field trips. She also serves as the Treasurer for a non-profit organization. As an undergraduate student, Kiera had the opportunity to participate in chemistry labs where she made acetaminophen. “There was something so exciting about putting different chemicals and compounds together to create something that people use on an everyday basis.” This experience was something she really enjoyed, and it inspired her to pursue laboratory work. She also participated in a research lab that focused on genetic mutations in fruit flies.

We asked Kiera how the CSF inspired her, and she said that it helped her start thinking about the future and college. Receiving the Carson Scholarship encouraged her to consider her path after high school. In Kiera’s spare time she enjoys reading To Kill a Mockingbird, watching Grease, cheering for the Ravens and listening to “Your Spirit” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

Kiera’s advice to our current scholars is: “Figure out what you want to do, set a goal for yourself and stick to it. Don’t give up, even if things are hard. You can always get through things. Ask for help if you need help, ask for guidance, if that is what you need.”