Black Excellence Oral History with Jessica Ware, June 24, 2021 (Ms2024-072)

Dublin Core

Title

Black Excellence Oral History with Jessica Ware, June 24, 2021 (Ms2024-072)

Subject

Description

Dr. Jessica Lee Ware, born on May 12, 1977, is an entomologist currently holding a dream position at the American Museum of Natural History. Raised in Toronto by a single mother and later her father, Dr. Ware grew up in a challenging environment but found solace and inspiration in academics and nature. Her early life was marked by financial struggles and the complexities of her biracial identity. But despite these obstacles, Dr. Ware excelled in school, eventually attending the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she discovered her passion for entomology. She continued her education at Rutgers University, where she earned her Ph.D. and began her career in academia.

Throughout her journey, Dr. Ware has faced numerous challenges, including racism, financial hardship, and balancing motherhood with her academic pursuits. Her determination and resilience led her to secure prestigious fellowships and a tenure-track position at Rutgers, which she eventually achieved. Dr. Ware's work extends beyond her research on dragonflies and termites; she is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.

Date

Identifier

Ms2024-072_JessicaWare

Oral History Item Type Metadata

Interviewer

Narrator

Jessica Ware

Duration

00:57:17