Dasia Taylor

Dasia Taylor is an inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for equity in science and healthcare. As the founder and CEO of VariegateHealth, Taylor developed a medical suture that changes color to indicate infection, utilizing beet dye as a natural pH indicator. This innovation, conceived while she was in high school, addresses the need for affordable and accessible infection detection, particularly in underserved communities and for patients with darker skin tones, where traditional signs of infection can be more difficult to detect.

Taylor's work has earned national recognition, including being named a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search and receiving the Seaborg Award. Her achievements have been featured on platforms such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, PBS NewsHour, CNN, Smithsonian Magazine, and The Washington Post, highlighting her impact as both a scientist and a public speaker. She was also honored as Iowa’s Woman of the Year by USA Today and featured in the Rebel Girls book series, establishing her as a leader in STEAM advocacy.

Beyond her technical accomplishments, Taylor is a keynote speaker and role model, recognized for her commitment to equity and her ability to engage audiences of all ages. She volunteers in educational outreach, encouraging young people to pursue curiosity-driven learning and innovation. Through her company and public speaking, Taylor continues to promote accessible healthcare solutions and inspire future leaders in science and technology.