Dublin Core
Title
Black Excellence Oral History with Vernon Morris, June 27, 2021 (Ms2024-072)
Subject
Description
Dr. Vernon Morris, as an Air Force brat, grew up in many places including the United States and Japan. His early education was marked by combative experiences with teachers, leading him to focus on sports and later develop an interest in science. Influenced by mentors at Morehouse College, he pursued atmospheric chemistry, contributing significantly to the field through projects like the Aerosols and Ocean Science Expeditions (AEROSE) campaign, studying the impact of African dust storms on the Atlantic region.
After finishing his education, spent many years at Howard University in various roles within the Department of Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Atmospheric Sciences. Later, he went on to become the Director of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU).
Key points from the interview include Dr. Morris's role in creating initiatives at ASU to support African American and BIPOC scholars, his experiences growing up in a military family, and his journey through higher education and scientific research. He also discussed the challenges of addressing social justice issues within academia, the importance of structural change, and the need for future generations to focus on impactful actions, coalition-building, and leadership involvement to create lasting equity and inclusivity in STEM.
After finishing his education, spent many years at Howard University in various roles within the Department of Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Atmospheric Sciences. Later, he went on to become the Director of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU).
Key points from the interview include Dr. Morris's role in creating initiatives at ASU to support African American and BIPOC scholars, his experiences growing up in a military family, and his journey through higher education and scientific research. He also discussed the challenges of addressing social justice issues within academia, the importance of structural change, and the need for future generations to focus on impactful actions, coalition-building, and leadership involvement to create lasting equity and inclusivity in STEM.
Date
Type
Identifier
Ms2024-072_VernonMorris
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Interviewer
Narrator
Vernon Robinson Morris
Duration
02:31:58