Celebration Honors “Black In STEM” Teachers, Researchers and Students at SLU
03/07/2023
Saint Louis University hosted its first-ever Black In STEM Celebration Friday night at the Center for Global Citizenship.
The event, designed as a commemoration of the unique experiences and contributions made by Black STEM professors, researchers and students, was hosted by SLU’s Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement. The celebration was created “to empower Black people in STEM by fostering confidence and inspiration,” according to organizers.
At the event, Cynthia Chapple, founder of Black Girls Do STEM, gave the keynote address on Black Resistance in STEM. Her address was tied to the Black History Month theme of Black Resistance as chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Four members of the SLU community were recognized with awards at the event.
George Washington Carver Award: Donald Lawrence, Ph.D.
George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of products using peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans. He also promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. Born into slavery before it was outlawed, Carver left home at a young age to pursue education and eventually earned a master’s degree in agricultural science from Iowa State University.
The recipient of the George Washington Career award, Donald Lawrence, Ph.D., a fellow in pathology, was cited as a faculty member who “possesses a thirst for knowledge and education.”
Lawrence was honored for embracing Dr. Carver’s belief that it is “simply service that measures success."
Hidden Figures Social Change Award: Michael Hankins Ph.D.
The Hidden Figures Social Change Award is named after three African-American women at NASA. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson helped launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The award was given to Michael Hankins, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry.
Hankins was cited for being a faculty member “who demonstrates a story of greatness demanding acknowledgment.” Hankins promotes the importance of determination, hard work, and resilience through cultivating change within the STEM field.
Cynthia Chapple Student Excellence Award: Zenae Cherry and Rhea Caldwell
The Cynthia Chapple Student Excellence Award is named after the keynote speaker. Chapple, is an innovative scientist, an advocate for black girls and women, and a champion for high-level STEM learning to be a reality for all children.
Two recipients were honored: Zenae Cherry as a graduate student and Rhea Caldwell as an undergraduate.
The students were said to “understand they are capable and confident that STEM is a place for them.” The students were cited for their diligent work and ability to overcome barriers and obstacles along their journey in STEM.