Black Excellence Oral History with Michelle Samuel-Foo, June 23, 2021 (Ms2024-072)

Dublin Core

Title

Black Excellence Oral History with Michelle Samuel-Foo, June 23, 2021 (Ms2024-072)

Subject

Description

Dr. Michelle Samuel-Foo, born in Trinidad and Tobago, grew up in a large family practicing subsistence agriculture. Excelling in her studies, she won a scholarship to Brewton-Parker College in Georgia, where she graduated summa cum laude in biology. Her passion for science led her to the University of Georgia (UGA), where she pursued a master's in plant breeding and a Ph.D. in entomology.

Dr. Samuel-Foo's career began at the University of Florida as the IR-4 Southern Region Coordinator, managing a program focused on sustainable pest management. Personal circumstances led her to Alabama State University (ASU), where she transitioned to full-time teaching and mentoring. At ASU, she established an urban teaching garden and an entomology lab, actively engaging students in STEM.

Her dedication to diversity and inclusion in STEM, along with her leadership, earned her the presidency of the Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. Dr. Samuel-Foo's journey highlights the importance of mentorship and her commitment to fostering scientific curiosity in underserved communities.

Date

Identifier

Ms2024-072_MichelleSamuel-Foo

Oral History Item Type Metadata

Interviewer

Narrator

Michelle Samuel-Foo

Duration

01:10:23