Biographies.]]>
Walker's career includes cancer research, chemistry work, and physical chemistry work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, serving as Interim Chair in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in computer science, mathematics, and bioinformatics. Walker is very invested in increasing the number of Black students in STEM and openly advocates for more diversity in his field.]]> 2021-06-11]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Biographies.]]>
As the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University, Dr. Dryden has focused on health inequities, systemic racism in healthcare, and the historical context of medical practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she highlighted the disproportionate impact on Black communities, advocating for equitable healthcare responses. Her research aims to build communities of care, particularly for Black LGBTQ+ individuals, and she emphasizes challenging systemic biases in health and science while fostering community-driven wellness solutions. Dr. Dryden's work is a testament to her commitment to social justice and health equity.]]> 2021-06-18]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
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.]]> 2021-06-23]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Auguste is now an assistant professor at Virginia Tech in the Department of Entomology. His research focuses on arbovirology, including viral discovery, vaccine development, and understanding virus-mosquito interactions. He has made significant contributions to vaccine development for viruses like Zika and studies on the impact of insect-only viruses on mosquito-borne disease transmission. Dr. Auguste is also dedicated to mentoring and supporting underrepresented minorities in STEM, actively participating in various recruitment and outreach programs. ]]> 2021-06-18]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
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.]]> 2021-06-24]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Green's career includes teaching high school and college, where he gained a deep appreciation for the art of teaching. He became a professor and later the chair of the Department of Physical Sciences at Alabama State University. Green's journey highlights the challenges faced by Black students in predominantly white institutions, the importance of support networks, and the need for diversity in STEM.]]> 2021-06-30]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech ]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Mendenhall's career journey includes earning her Ph.D. from Clark Atlanta University, where she worked on synthetic DNA and nanobiotechnology. She further advanced her research at Cornell University and Georgia Tech, focusing on biomedical engineering. Now a tenured professor at Morehouse College, she mentors students and emphasizes the importance of continual learning and persistence. ]]> 2021-06-14]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Winger’s professional work emphasizes equity in math education, advocating for inclusive teaching practices. This commitment to creating equitable environments is evident through his continuous work with educators and organizations, where mathematics is accessible and affirming for all students. His story highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the ongoing fight against systemic racism in education.]]> 2021-06-30]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Lemer's career highlights include her postdoctoral work at Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology, where she advanced her skills in bioinformatics and gene expression analysis. She later joined the University of Guam, where both she and her husband, also a researcher in population genetics, were offered positions.

Key points from the interview highlight Dr. Lemer's challenges and experiences as a woman of color in academia. She discussed the cultural differences in racial perceptions between France, the U.S., and Guam, emphasizing the microaggressions in France versus the overt racism in the U.S. Dr. Lemer finds Guam to be more inclusive, though she notes ongoing issues with sexism. She advocates for greater support and inclusivity for Black researchers and emphasizes the importance of speaking up and helping others advance in their careers.]]> 2021-06-15]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Key moments of the interview cover Dr. Guiton's complex identity as mixed-race, embracing her Black identity in America while facing challenges fitting into both African and African American communities. She also candidly discussed her experiences with mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and being open about mental health challenges. Mentorship played a crucial role in her career, and she now advocates for diversity and inclusivity in academia, dedicating herself to creating a supportive environment for BIPOC students in STEM. ]]> 2021-06-19]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Gray attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, where he faced rigorous and discriminatory environment. His undergraduate experience, particularly working in an aquatic toxicology lab, solidified his interest in research. After completing his master’s at The Citadel, he faced barriers in pursuing a Ph.D. but persevered, eventually enrolling at UNC Greensboro. Dr. Gray’s journey through academia has been marked by resilience and a commitment to mentoring future scientists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. ]]> 2021-06-15]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Cox’s undergraduate experience highlighted the lack of diversity in his biology courses, often being the only Black student in advanced classes. He decided to pursue graduate school after gaining research experience at the Danforth Center, leading him to Texas A&M University for his Ph.D. He faced challenges such as balancing family life and studies, managing publishing pressures, and adapting to Texas culture. His love for mentoring students and his passion for science communication, demonstrated through his "Bioguy" persona on YouTube and streaming platforms, drive his commitment to academia and expanding public understanding of science.]]> 2021-06-16]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
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.]]> 2021-06-27]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Biographies.]]>
Dr. Duncan’s professional career has been marked by significant contributions to environmental science and education. She worked extensively with the EPA, developing analytical methods for environmental contaminants. Her innovative research includes the New York African Burial Ground Project, where she applied soil chemistry to uncover historical and dietary information about interred individuals. She emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science and the importance of broadening the scope of research and education. ]]> 2021-06-10]]> Permission to publish materials from the Black Excellence in STEM Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>