So, as you can tell by the title of my blog, I am a scientist (molecular biologist). Or to be more accurate, a scientist-in-training. I am currently a 4th year graduate student studying cell signaling and cancer biology in the department of molecular pharmacology at a global research institution located in the Midwest. Sounds fancy enough, but if you met me, I am almost positive you wouldn’t assume that I am in science. Before you jump on me for that comment, first blame media-influenced society. Society perpetuates biases and stereotypes. And as of now, when one thinks of a scientist, they think of a brilliant, socially awkward, (sometimes evil) old, white man. I am none of what I just described, except maybe the brilliant part. Ha Ha Ha.
I am a young single black social butterfly that hails from a midsize city in the deep south (Alabama). I have always been exceptionally good in math and particularly interested in biology. I grew up in a magnet school system. Magnet schools in Alabama were public schools that have competitive entrance processes. So typically these schools were made up of above average students. One could guess the demographics of these schools (for those who don’t want to leave it up to chance, these schools were mostly comprised of white students). So, in attempt to reintroduce myself to the black identity, I decided that I would continue my education at a historically black university. I was so fortunate to attend Tuskegee University, rich in history and culture; something I appreciate more now that I attend a predominately white institution.
So enough about me (for now). Why am I writing this blog? I realized that in my field, there is no voice for minority women. There is limited prospective. And the prospectives that are often given are politically correct or diluted. No one likes to give “the real”. I believe this is an injustice. A recent study has shown that black women express more interest in the STEM fields than white women; however, they are less likely to earn a degree in these fields than white women. This suggests that black women encounter unique barriers in STEM fields. I hope through this blog, I can chronicle my experience and past experiences in life sciences to help provide some perspective and emphasize some harsh realities. This blog will also talk about other experiences I have in graduate school that extends from my relationship with my advisor to dating where there is zero prospects. Fill free to comment, ask questions, or even request my thoughts on certain subject matter.
20X, 40X, 60X oil lens for depth and clarity.
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