Rochelle Diamond

Rochelle Anne "Shelley" Diamond is a research biologist, queer activist, and chair emeritus of Out to Innovate, formerly known as National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. She was the Director of California Institute of Technology's Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource Laboratory 1982-2024 and also the Lab Manager for Ellen Rothenberg's research lab (1982–present).

Early life and education Diamond grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and was a tomboy as a child. After college, Diamond married a man who was a friend. Her husband was aware that she was lesbian, but was somewhat accepting. They divorced after 10 years of marriage. The lab studies immature cells in the immune system and the signals that influence what specialist roles the cells take on.

Activism Diamond became interested in activism after experiencing homophobia in her personal and professional life. Diamond has devoted her work with NOGLSTP to empowering LGBTQ+ people in STEM and fighting against discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face in the workplace. She believes that "scientists and engineers are more productive when they can be themselves". Part of her work to increase the visibility of queer people in STEM includes keep a running list of "queer scientists of historical note" and supporting a mentoring program for young students and scientists to meet older people in their careers of choice.

Personal life Diamond married chemist Barbara Belmont after they met in the queer activist community in Los Angeles. They have been married for more than 30 years.