Don Pinkerton is the founder and president of LynnLab, housed at The Brickyard Collaborative in Lynn, Massachusetts. With an extensive background in life sciences, Don has spent much of his career sharing his love for science with his community. For several years, he was a teacher at Revere High School and currently serves as the Director of Education and Outreach at Regon Institute. At Ragon Institute, he leads programs that expand access to STEM education for underserved communities.
Don engages local students in an exciting lab project.
To Don, life sciences encompass all things related to the living world, such as biology, biotechnology, and environmental science. Don’s passion for science began in childhood while exploring beaches and woods, fascinated by the natural world.
What is LynnLab?
Many communities, like Lynn, MA, have struggled to provide equitable access to hands-on STEM education. LynnLab emerged from the idea that “science should be a local community resource.” LynnLab is a community-based life sciences lab and education nonprofit, similar to budding
Don is featured with another group of students getting into the labs. Check out that snazzy protective eye gear!
grassroots science-based community initiatives across the country, such as Baltimore Underground Science Space and BOSLab.
Don founded LynnLab to “democratize science by making hands-on, high-quality STEM learning accessible to the community– particularly to young people.” LynnLab provides resources for students to engage in biology, biotech, and environmental science labs. With a particular dedication to exposing youth to the possibilities of STEM, LynnLab is expanding programming to include opportunities for adults and anyone else who is intrigued by science.
Collaborating with Thinkubator Media
LynnLab partnered with Thinkubator Media vicariously through BioConnects New England. Don cited the experience as “invaluable.” The team provided Don with strategic guidance, creative support, and a sounding board to support LynnLab’s continuous growth.
Next Steps with LynnLab
Driven to create an even greater community impact, programming is rapidly evolving at LynnLab. New initiatives at LynnLab include:
Summer and fall STEM programs for teens
Science workshops with an artistic twist
More adult programming
Continued community-based life science education
For more information, visit www.lynnlab.org or follow LynnLab on Instagram and Facebook. It has been a pleasure collaborating with you, Don!
Teaming up with PhagePro: A Chat with Dr. Mimi Yen
Thinkubator Media takes great pride in the companies we support. Through our shared work, we have formed lasting relationships that enrich our team and our clients. It is an honor to support professionals, many of them women, in their growth and success. Our team develops a full understanding of each client and their needs so that we can best support them.
Dr. Minmin “Mimi” Yen is one of such unique clients who has established herself as a biotech innovator. As a co-founder of PhagePro, Dr. Yen and her team are reviving a century-old medical practice, using phages for virus protection, to revamp the way we synthesize and access vaccines. Their findings have the potential to increase efficiency
A graphic depicting a bacteriophage, the inspiration behind PhagePro.
We first connected with Dr. Yen when the PhagePro team sought to redesign their website and develop clear, compelling copy for the complex biotech startup. She shared that, “one of our biggest challenges was translating complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging language while remaining technically accurate. Thinkubator Media helped us achieve this without oversimplifying our work or losing credibility."
Dr. Yen's Experience
"Thinkubator Media brought structure to a process that felt overwhelming. I would tend to get stuck in the nitty-gritty of designing a website - wondering about color schemes, how to code columns, or whether this word was the right choice. They helped us [determine] what mattered most by asking the right questions and then moving efficiently from ideas to execution. This saved us time and resulted in a much more cohesive final product.”
“Throughout our time together, Thinkubator Media acted as true thought partners. Despite the entirety of our work being virtual, the process felt very personal and hands-on; [our] communication was clear, consistent, and collaborative. The Thinkubator Media team took the time to deeply understand our science, mission, and values, thus helping us articulate our story authentically.”
“Their guidance strengthened not just our website, but our overall narrative as a company, thus leaving us on a stronger foundation. The highly skilled team stood out for their professionalism and warmth. They were responsive, thoughtful, fun, and collaborative throughout the process, which made even challenging conversations about messaging feel easy and energizing.”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
As our work came to a close, Dr. Yen shared that the PhagePro team was left with a lasting impression. “Working with the team helped me better understand how to think about branding as storytelling. Thinkubator Media showed us how to frame our science in a way that connects with different audiences while staying true to who we are."
“Our biggest takeaway was that clear, thoughtful communication can be a force multiplier, especially for mission-driven, science-based organizations like ours. Thinkubator Media helped us see how powerful it is when your message is both precise and accessible.”
“I genuinely loved working with the Thinkubator Media team. They brought curiosity, care, and creativity to every interaction, and it truly felt like they were invested in our success. I would enthusiastically recommend them to any organization looking to clarify their story and elevate their brand.”
Field Notes: Understanding AI and Its Impact with Dorrian Wilson
This month, our dynamic team member, Dorrian Wilson, is shedding some light on the sudden rise of AI. She gave us a better understanding of what artificial intelligence is, how it's really impacting us, and how to develop a more ethical relationship with it.
Dorrian established herself as a leader in AI governance and risk, “helping organizations understand not just what AI can do, but what it should do.” Her current work includes AI risk and governance in the energy sector, consulting work through SheGov.AI, and a research background focused on ethics, consent, and systems that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. She also writes and speaks publicly about AI governance, transparency, and human-centered leadership in the age of automation.
Our featured expert, Dorrian Wilson
“I’ve spent my career working in regulated, high-impact environments where trust, safety, and accountability matter. I care deeply about translating complex systems into language people can actually use to make informed decisions. So for me, I come to AI through governance, not hype.”
What Exactly is AI?
So we wanted to know, what’s really going on with AI? From trajectories with immense promise to ones that foretell an impact that is much more daunting, AI still appears a bit unregulated. Thankfully, Dorrian was able to ground our understanding in reality.
But first, what exactly is AI, or artificial intelligence? According to IBM, AI is a system of learning that allows machines to replicate human behavior, such as planning, organizing, and producing content.
“AI has real power to streamline creation, decision-making, and productivity, but the ethical risks don’t come from the technology itself,” said Dorrian.“They come from how humans deploy it. The opportunity and the risk are inseparable. The way forward is not fear or blind adoption, but governance. Clear boundaries around data use, transparency about limitations, accountability when systems fail, and human oversight where impact is high. AI should expand human capability, not replace judgment or responsibility. The greatest risk is treating AI as neutral or infallible when it is neither.”
Using AI Ethically
To put it plainly, here are Dorrian's pros and cons of AI:
Pros of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Pros of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Free people’s time and resources
Obscure accountability
Increase efficiency
Reinforce bias
Surface insights at scale
Create harm when deployed without proper guardrails
Support better decision-making when used responsibly
Poor data practices can compromise privacy and trust
Reduce administrative burden
Over-automation can lead to decision-making without context
Improve and increase access to information and services
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Dorrian Wilson, a modern-day leader in AI governance.
Whether we want it or not, artificial intelligence is here, embedded in many facets of our work, home, and school lives. But the current hype around it has crafted a dizzying cocktail of overuse, fear, and avoidance. We were curious about how to find a sustainable middle ground that can make our integration with AI simpler and safer.
Dorrian shared the top five tips to support readers in their journey with AI, as it is rapidly integrated into our daily lives. Below are some questions to consider when seeking out the best AI practices and programs as they become increasingly available.
Top 5 Ways to Identify High Quality AI
Transparency: Does the tool clearly explain what it does, how it was trained, and its limitations?
Data Practices: Where does the data come from, and how is user data handled and protected?
Human Oversight: Is there a clear process for human review, escalation, or correction?
Accountability: Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
Fit for Purpose: Is the AI appropriate for the task, especially if decisions affect people’s lives, rights, or opportunities?
“AI is powerful, but it’s not magic. The smartest users are the ones who stay curious, ask good questions, and remember that responsibility always sits with humans, not machines," Dorrian concludes. So, it seems that AI, when created and used responsibly, isn’t so scary after all? Let us know your thoughts.
A Taste of Organic Farming with Rolling Hills
Steph is smiling with some of Rolling Hills' famous carrots, freshly harvested!
Thinkubator Media had the opportunity to see into the world of organic farming with Stephanie Spock of Rolling Hills Farm in New Jersey. From providing local farmers’ markets, retailers, and restaurants, to planting and picking every carefully chosen crop, the Rolling Hills family tends to every level of operation with their bare hands. This labor of love has become a tight-knit, honest, and passionate community, spearheaded by Stephanie and her husband, John, along with their daughter, sweet little Nellie. From Earth to table, we got a chance to understand how and why they do it all. Stephanie beautifully illustrated the shared passion and dedication of the Rolling Hills family and team.
A Farmland Love Story
“At Rolling Hills Farm, organic farming isn’t just a method — it’s a mission. Our journey began with a deep desire to grow food that we’d be proud to feed our own family — clean, nutrient-rich, vibrant food grown in living soil. Over time, that desire grew into a calling to share this food with our wider community. From there, we've been able to help transform people's thinking about farming, health, and sustainability.
"I (Stephanie) majored in Environmental Science and Geology, where I realized one of the most tangible solutions to environmental issues was to change how our food was grown. After my first farming internship in Alaska, I fell in love with the land. John majored in philosophy and political science. After college, he traveled to Europe to live on farms. When he came home, he got his first farm job at Double Brook Farm, where we met.
"A mix of grit and hard work, a love of good food, and a shared vision for a healthier world inspired us on our journey as a family of farmers. Our farmers’ resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and compassionate hearts are the pillars of our growing farm and brand. Our growth has been incremental and intentional. We've invested in equipment that improves post-harvest processing, built strong local markets through CSA programs, and continue expanding into new territories like NY, NJ, and PA. Each season teaches us something new, and we are devoted students."
What Does it Take to be an Organic Farmer?
"Becoming an organic farmer took years of learning — from hands-on apprenticeships to building the systems and infrastructure that now support our diversified operation. We didn’t inherit a perfect setup; we built it.
The team that started it all; the power couple Stephanie and John Squiccaiano
There’s nothing more rewarding than walking the fields just before harvest and seeing the results of months of mindful labor — rows of glowing heirloom tomatoes, crisp specialty greens, or peppers among the many other crops we grow. It's knowing that what we grow will nourish families and support regional food security.
"But the challenges are real. Organic farming demands a deeper understanding of ecology, plant biology, and soil health. There's no chemical shortcut when weeds take over, pests get ambitious, or a late frost surprises us. The work is physical, relentless, and often weather-dependent. But those hard days also make the wins that much sweeter.”
Although they all serve a greater purpose, not all organic farms are created equal.
“We go beyond USDA standards. At Rolling Hills, we prioritize regenerative practices that restore soil fertility, biodiversity, and water cycles. Our produce doesn’t just meet the organic label — it’s vibrant, flavorful, and nutrient-dense.
"What sets us apart is our connection to the communities we serve and our transparency. We're hands-on with every aspect — from seed to harvest, and packing CSA shares to selling at market. Our products are 100% traceable, our practices are rooted in care, and our mission is always growing.
"Currently, we are expanding our crops and winter growing each year. This winter, we are leading research on crops that can be grown throughout our region for the winter."
John tending to some tasty broccoli.
Support Local Farmers Today!
Farming is nothing short of knitty-gritty. Long hours guided by natural rhythms are accented by quiet nights surrounded by loved ones and happily growing produce. Having experienced the produce myself, we get a taste of that love from those rolling hills in every bite. You can find more cute family photos and vibrant pictures of produce on their Instagram page @rolling_hills_farm. You can also check out their website and join their newsletter for tasty recipes highlighting their seasonal goods.
From the team at Thinkubator Media, we want to thank the Rolling Hills team, with honorable mention to all of our farmers and their families who sustain our nation. You can support your local farmers by attending local farmers’ markets in your area or by visiting local farms. Some mobile programs can deliver fresh produce to people with limited transportation, but options may vary depending on location.
With massive budget cuts directly impacting many small, family-owned farms across the country, several organizations support and connect with farmers. Farm AID, OFRF, and SAFSF are just a few of the groups that continue to support our farmers.
We can make our nation stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Starting with where we get our food. Supporting local farmers supports us, and that is the true heart of the American way.
A New Day in Hair Care
In the Black community, we take great pride in presenting ourselves to the world in unique ways that feel good. Whether honoring ancestral traditions or innovating with new styles, our fashion reflects the complexity of our essence and culture. Due to the unique textures on one head alone, styling and maintenance can be a challenge in this increasingly busy world of ours. A variety of hair extensions and wigs offer stress-free and low-maintenance options that protect the hair while offering new and exciting opportunities to change things up.
Today, we express ourselves freely, though it comes with a hefty price tag. Oftentimes, cultural expression has been viewed as a threat in times of social unrest, leaving people afraid to live. The Louisiana Tignon Law of 1786 is a perfect example of how our skin, hair, and clothes have been the center of much speculation and policing; arguably, since time immemorial. With similar laws sweeping the nation and even the world, we have still found ways to innovate and celebrate our uniqueness. Thankfully, we've evaded the times when our style was ordained by law, despite some residual judgment from loved ones and colleagues alike. Being that our mere existence has caused such a frenzy for centuries, Black women continue to show up boldly, loving ourselves and encouraging others to do the same!
A Hair Care Crisis
After we appeared to master the art of self-expression with vibrant hair colors and styles, elaborate nails, and accessories to match, a new storm was brewing. Recent studies have found that some of these beloved beauty enhancements come with a plethora of side effects. Braiding hair has allowed Black women to get creative with their braided and twisted hairstyles. Relaxers have been popular for decades, making our hair more “manageable” for daily wear and styling. But after a National Institute of Health (NIH) 2022 study found that several popular relaxer brands contained carcinogens, their reliability came into question. There is an ongoing class action lawsuit, and we’ve seen a subsequent rise in natural hair styling options.
However, this new search for trusted hair styling go-tos has come with some murky discoveries. While many women have returned to natural hairstyles, hair wefts and extensions have soared in popularity. According to a Consumer Reports study, 100% of the braiding hair tested on the market was found to contain cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting chemicals. With many women, again, of all races, donning these extensions for several hours, multiple times a week, if not for weeks on end, they are blindly participating in the deterioration of their health.
One of many setups used at a salon to make the styling go smoother for both client and stylist.
Fortunately, since 2020 alone, several women entrepreneurs have risen, entering the STEM field to formulate healthier synthetic hair alternatives and reclaim ownership in the hair industry. With beauty and hair care being such fundamental parts of self-care for Black women, we make up approximately 12% of beauty industry revenue, with only about 2% of brands being by and for Black consumers. These women, however, have taken a stand to bridge these economic gaps and improve synthetic hair quality for all.
The Brands Reshaping the Hair Industry
Tare Robinson Korumene of Nigeria has been turning plantain stems into beautiful and silky hair extensions under her growing startup, DUNNALLY Hair. Her products sell for about $7/pack though they are priced in naira, the currency used in her home of Nigeria. Korumene is adamant in her call to action, encouraging us to not only make the more sustainable choice for our health, but to improve our economic standing by supporting our communities. Robinson’s company, ECO Fip, also features eco-friendly textiles made from the same materials, showcasing the limitless potential of her sustainable goods.
The Rebundle brand by Ciara Imani May features the braidBetter product, offering customers several color options of plant-based and hypoallergenic synthetic hair. The site is filled with exciting tips and resources for hairstylists and clients alike. The Rebundle products are made from the fibers of banana stems, creating a durable and silky extension that rivals some of the highest quality human hair. With bundles starting at $36/pack, they are washable and reusable, making these well worth the investment.
Liliana Augusta of Liliana Augusta Beauty, or LAB, is on a similar mission to bring sustainable, plant-based, and affordable bundles of hair to the masses. Her Hair Without Harm features several colors of synthetic braiding hair starting at $30/bundle, free of plastics, chemicals, and animal byproducts.
A woman is seated, getting extensions added to her hair in a twisted style.
The Nourie brand goes a step beyond the traditional practice of coating synthetic hair in harmful chemicals that damage the hair and scalp. Instead, Nourie has coated their tresses in plant-derived ingredients that actually nourish the scalp, supporting long-term hair health. These 2-pack bundles start at $32 with an emphasis on low-heat, braiding, and twisting techniques.
Ruka hair is another synthetic braiding hair that has been formulated by Black scientists without the harmful chemicals used in traditional braiding hair. Ruka features hair care products and sets of braiding hair starting at $16/pack. The brand also has a selection of clip-ins, wigs, and hair bundles ranging from $130 - $478. Deeply rooted in cultural dignity and the sustainable future of Black hair care, Ruka offers consumers safe and culturally relevant solutions.
The Slayyy hair brand, by Diann Valentine, is a super affordable option available at several national retailers and in their digital store. Valentine’s product takes synthetic hair and, using her Slayyy Secret Sauce, processes it in a much safer and healthier way, leaving braiders and their clients with colorful, lightweight, irritation-free hair to suit their style needs. At about $7 a pack, the Slayyy extensions make safer haircare more affordable.
With several brands on the rise with a shared mission to improve hair care quality, the future of hair care is in good hands.
Phicil-itating Change with Sheila Phicil
With years of experience in health care, most recentlyat Boston Medical Center (BMC), Sheila Phicil has recently switched gears, paving her own unique path to modernizing healthcare. As the former Director of Innovation for the Health Equity Accelerator at BMC, Phicil organized and interpreted patient data in order to seek ways to center patients and their unique needs.
Sheila holds a dual Master’s degree in Public Health and Financial Economics, is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
As a “social change futurist” and former “intrapeneur,” Sheila brings her unique skills to existing data collection systems by addressing racial health disparities. Like an entrepreneur, an intrapreneur is a self-led member of a larger organization, such as BMC. Through trial and error, several hospitals nationwide have adopted the same initiatives that Phicil helped onboard. She has spent the last few months sharing her expertise and guidance with healthcare facilities across the nation.
Her hands-on, interpersonal connections with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals have led her to create a niche product of her own to advance healthcare on a global scale.
The Woman Behind the Innovation
As a Black woman of Haitian descent, Phicil shared how she’s witnessed the potential for science and technology to “provide the change needed for social change.” Scientific processes often help actualize the socioeconomic outcries we have experienced over countless years, quantifying them and bringing these experiences to life. With greater accessibility to education and opportunities, more people are getting a chance to enter the science field and ask meaningful questions that embody the facts of life.
Staying grounded amidst navigating and deciphering the minutiae of this patient data is vital. Sheila creates a balance between her work and her well-being by enjoying time in nature, soaking up the sun, and traveling. She also actively checks her perception and privilege to embrace deeper expansion and understanding of herself and the complex world around her. She is also sure to set boundaries between her work and personal life.
Life as a Social Change Futurist
Sheila’s multifaceted venture, Phicil-itate Change is an innovation studio that brings high-potential healthcare concepts and radically patient-centered solutions to life. Following their SEEDS Framework, the team supports fellow healthcare innovators, patients, and venture studios. The innovation studio is rooted in bringing real-life solutions to everyday people that will improve the medical experience on all fronts. With countless hours of dedication and expertise applied to the project, the team is building a platform to ensure a sustainable, actionable, and effective product for both patients and healthcare providers.
While collecting data in a broad sense can be helpful, Sheila’s program will help humanize the data and numbers collected in different forms and files in healthcare offices. Providing deeper insights into each patient will allow healthcare startups to offer resources that encourage advancement and wellness for each person. The team’s flagship product, the COMPASS Project, brings these features together in an AI-powered platform. The COMPASS Project paints a clear picture of the powerful potential when innovation meets human empathy and care.
The Inspiration Behind the Work
“Why are they in that circumstance and I’m not?” echoed through Sheila’s young mind when she saw the sad commercials of starving children back in the early 1990s. As a true community beacon, Sheila spent much of her youth organizing and working with diverse groups of people to meet common goals. She’s always found inspiration and wisdom from the guidance and collaboration with teachers, colleagues, and patients alike. Since supporting her younger siblings and honoring the ways of her parents as a young girl, Sheila Phicil has grown into a nurturing and harmonizing force, driven to bring as many people along with her towards a brighter, healthier future.
She was particularly inspired by a 10-day mission trip to Haiti in her early college days. After visiting the island to disperse medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, and crutches to locals in need, she discovered several discrepancies. Despite the organization’s kind-hearted efforts, speaking to the locals individually revealed unique challenges that these well-intended resources merely exacerbated.
A majority of the locals traveled across various terrains to get supplies. Before she left, a surprising number of items were returned. Her team members were hurt and confused, but being the only Haitian-Creole speaker present helped her communicate with the locals in greater depth. These deeper, personal conversations revealed that many of the locals couldn’t use the supplies in their daily lives, so continuing without them was easier. Rather than being ungrateful or ignorant of the use of the items, the team simply didn’t supply what the locals needed. This revelation sparked a deep awakening in Sheila that has since shaped her work to facilitate greater change.
With many active components to her work, Sheila is set to make big and lasting changes in the field of healthcare innovation. We look forward to seeing how Phicil-itate Change continues to grow and foster deeper trust in the healthcare system.
Chiderah Okoye: Transforming Power Systems
Chiderah Okoye was raised in a world of science through the love and legacy of her family. She was always inspired and encouraged to improve the lives of others through science and technology. She grew up in Maryland, surrounded by empowered women in healthcare. Chiderah naturally developed a stronghold in STEM early on.
Chiderah’s Early Years
In middle school, Chiderah decided to become a biomedical engineer, gaining instant encouragement from loved ones to ensure her success. In high school, her mother connected her with a doctor from Case Western Reserve University - renowned for its biomedical program. Her mother, who never drove long distances, left her apprehension in the backseat when she personally escorted her daughter from Maryland to Cleveland for the program. Chiderah’s family paved her way in gold, gifting her a beautifully planned roadmap, sealed with love. Look at how far she’s come!
Chiderah Okoye looking fabulous in a headshot.
Early in her career, she spent much of her time sharing her resources and expertise in her community while deepening her involvement in STEM programs with a tangible social impact. Through the National Black Society of Engineers (NBSE) conference, she connected with Rockwell Automation where she would go on to shift career paths again. There she saw how the company solved business problems for companies of all sizes by designing and deploying systems for manufacturing and information operations. While this emerged as a passion, the NBSE’s call to “positively impact the community” led her to find ways that she could identify and solve business and community needs as well.
In her early college studies and beyond, Chiderah has remained an avid student. She actively learns from and appreciates the perspectives of her peers, mentors, and the world around her.
Transform Power Systems
Today, Chiderah has shifted her focus by creating solutions for business and community challenges in the clean energy sector. Transform Power Systems (TPS) is Chiderah’s latest venture. On one end, the organization designs and deploys power distribution and renewable energy systems to help businesses and communities meet their sustainability objectives. More recently, TPS has launched its Workforce Hub, rooted in training and placing emerging leaders in clean energy careers.
With rising concerns about the climate crisis, the TPS Workforce Hub programming allows adults across different educational, skill, and career experiences to join the frontlines of creating a sustainable future. Not only will selected participants grow and transfer their skills, but they also earn generous stipends while they learn!
The TPS Workforce Hub offers two core programs:
TPS Clean Energy Fellowship
This program is for professionals with degrees looking to apply their skills in the clean energy sector. Our program helps fellows:
Transition their expertise into clean energy
Expand their networks
Establish themselves as thought leaders in the sector.
The intensive upskilling curriculum grants fellows the opportunity to:
Engage with industry leaders
Explore applied environmental justice principles
Contribute to real-world projects that enhance their professional portfolios.
Adult Mobilization Program (AMP)
This program is for individuals with prior work experience who have not obtained a college degree. Participants receive several opportunities for training and growth through;
Foundational training in energy fundamentals
Individualized career guidance to identify viable roles that align with their skills and aspirations
Support in obtaining industry-recognized certifications
Chiderah and her team have a huge vision for the impact the TPS Workforce Hub can have in advancing Massachusetts's sustainable future. In this startup phase, TPS continues to garner the support needed to bring this program to its full potential.
As Chiderah’s World Turns
In the spare time that she has between family life, work, research, community service, and studying, Chiderah has had to prioritize her wellness to maintain all that she is navigating. She has gone from regularly teetering on the edge of burnout to becoming a vocal advocate for her restoration. Her work days incorporate daily walks and “silent/screenless meals” to make sure she stays grounded. Chiderah prides herself on the strides she’s made to compartmentalize her work and home life, making for a more fulfilling experience for herself and her loved ones.
We need clean energy for a brighter future. Everything we do requires energy to function; from the water we drink to the phone charging by the bed. Transform Power Systems (TPS) plays a unique role in creating greater job retention and sustainability for an up-and-coming generation of professionals. From expanding the program to spreading the word about clean energy initiatives to local communities, we look forward to seeing all that TPS has to offer.
The Legacy of Black Women in STEM
From barbaric medical practices to outright plagiarism and theft, modern science carries a dark history. Modern science hasn’t always offered the most fair playing ground for women, people of color, or the disabled. Oftentimes they would either be tortured, stolen from, or ultimately abused in the name of innovation. The notion of race itself and the prejudices that come with it are based on the “science” of eugenics. However, science has also allowed us to have clean drinking water, life-saving medical interventions, and working electricity among so many other things. Despite this ever-present dichotomy in the science world, it is clear that to move forward as a society, we have to be willing to make those advancements together.
Mary Kenner along with an image of the sanitary napkins based on her designs. Image courtesy of Vocal Media.
Black women have made significant contributions to STEM throughout history. Unfortunately, many of these key players in the advancements of STEM have been overlooked due to systemic barriers based on prejudice and discrimination. With brighter hearts and more open minds, science has the power to present the evidence and solutions needed to face social issues head-on.
This Black History Month, we highlight both historical and modern pioneers who've made a way where there was none. We thank these women named and unnamed who have opened the door for advancements in STEM that benefit all people, regardless of race, class, or gender.
Historical Trailblazers
Though we can only list so many, we just want to take the time to honor all of the Black women, known and unknown, whose minds have contributed to science and technology.
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Christine Darden & Mary Jackson were pivotal members of NASA during the Apollo mission in 1969. Starting in the early 50s’ these women were a pivotal group of mathematicians, engineers, and leaders whose careful calculations made the success of the Apollo mission possible.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner received very little recognition for her monumental contribution to global menstrual care. With a patented design, Kenner engineered an improved menstrual pad, making menstrual more accessible, convenient, and sanitary.
Dr. Marie Maynard Daly was the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a PhD in chemistry. Her research on hypertension and cardiovascular disease shaped modern medicine for the disorders.
Not only did these women brave the frontlines of social change in America, but they graced our nation with the expertise and efforts that have made this great nation possible.
Modern STEM Leaders Conquering Challenges
Dr. Ayana Howard is pictured with a super cute robot, courtesy of Silicon Valley Robotics.
Today, there is a long list of Black women who continue to carry the torch of their foremothers in the STEM world. Though the future may seem daunting at times, these women are continuing to boldly step forward with their ideas and solutions.
Dr. Ayana Howard is an expert in AI and robotics, advancing ethical tech and accessibility. Her work addresses the pros and cons of the rapidly advancing world of AI and robotics. Dr. Howard’s expertise helps to ensure a safer experience with AI and robots for all.
Alexis Williams is one of many of us who were affected by the police brutality events of the last decade. However, Alexis took matters into her own hands and created a web-based database that offers resources for allies, survivors, victims, and their families called Police Brutality Resources (PBR).
According to the National Science Foundation’s 2023 report, Black women and our marginalized counterparts still have a bit of distance to go before we achieve greater equity in the sciences.
Some of the greatest challenges of increasing representation in STEM include:
Lack of mentorship
Lack of exposure and opportunity
Bias in hiring
Limited leadership opportunities.
Alexis Williams, founder of Police Brutality Resources (PBR), courtesy of Pulse Spikes.
By improving representation and access to STEM opportunities, more people are getting a chance to see themselves as scientists. Though the task may seem daunting, we can achieve these goals.
Inspirational women like Dr. Howard and Alexis Williams took matters into their own hands by identifying significant problems and creating lasting solutions. We also are in a time when children are seeing a colorful array of people in a variety of professions; giving them a chance to consider astronomical possibilities for their futures. This early exposure can potentially encourage the younger generations to have a natural inclination towards STEM, given that it is truly a world of possibility on its own.
Despite the divisive adults that run things, children today are being raised in a world that is actively working toward honoring diversity for the gift and privilege that it is. A few years down the road, creating inclusive environments for all to thrive will be second nature.
Looking Ahead: A Communal Effort
By working together, we can ensure that all who are marginalized receive the opportunities, justice, and respect that they deserve. We must stay committed to amplifying each others’ voices and ensuring better opportunities; we will only be stronger for it.
Shaping the Future: Black Women Innovating for Equity in STEM
Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating equity and access. Despite fervent efforts to dismantle the policies that made it possible to scrape that glass ceiling, women, people of color, and Black women, in particular, are making strides in STEM and tech. Not only do these women advance STEM by simply showing up with confidence and expertise, but they readily reach back and extend their access and influence to help others. In every sector, we have seen exponential growth in the representation and success of Black women in science and tech. These same women are also spearheading the efforts that extend true equity, access, and enjoyment of STEM activities and programs.
Black Women Leading STEM for Social Change
Dr. Ruha Benjamin courtesy of Muhlenberg College.
There are several Black women who are actively reshaping the social landscape of the STEM sectors. Today we will feature three women who are making pivotal changes with positive and lasting implications for the greater good.
Dr. Ruha Benjamin and her team research and advocate for inclusive policies in tech and accountability in AI. Her work will lead to more efficient and fair use and distribution of data. Jewel Burks Solomon is the co-founder of Partpic an AI-driven manufacturing tech) which has since been acquired by corporate giant, Amazon. She has since become the leader of Google for Startups to help Black entrepreneurs secure funding.
Dr. Adrienne Hollis is an environmental scientist with a passion for climate justice. Dr. Hollis
Dr. Adrienne Hollis, courtesy of Twin Cities PBS.
advocates for actionable change in marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by climate change. These include people in cities and areas near local waste management and processing plants. From air, water, and soil pollution, there are endless factors to address that affect American citizen’s quality of life. Dr. Hollis’ work not only highlights direct problem areas of the climate crisis, but she is also readily equipped with actionable insights.
Jewel Burks Solomon, courtesy of 21 Ninety.
Addressing Barriers to Success
Despite major strides by Black women across STEM sectors, Black women-led startups receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. Systemic challenges limit leadership opportunities and access to STEM education. With the current president of the United States undoing legislation that honors diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at breakneck speed, the socioeconomic pressures that women, people of color, and disabled citizens face may be felt tenfold.
Fortunately, we are simultaneously getting a glimpse at the social resistance that has so often resulted in lasting and sustainable change for all. In the words of Gil Scott Heron, “The revolution will not be televised…the first change that takes place is in your mind.” While we cannot wait for our peers to wake up to a different way of thinking and living, we see the power in people becoming the change they wish to see. The scientists above saw problems in their personal lives and created solutions that could benefit all who encounter similar challenges.
As history shows, Black women continue to rise up and use their unique experiences and knowledge to overcome daunting tasks across all fields. Defying odds comes naturally to women who were born into castes assigned by archaic attempts to understand humankind. By developing and utilizing strong networks, establishing and strengthening their expertise, and outshining expectations regularly, Black women continue to warrant that there is more than enough space for themselves and all other marginalized people to have a seat at the table.
Dr. Boltcreed's Marathon and the Passion in her Pursuits
Dr. Emily Boltcreed hails from England where she spent most of her younger years as an avid writer and poet. Three generations of men in her family are engineers. At the same time, her mother actively incorporated engineering fundamentals into her creative pursuits (such as textiles, quilling, papercrafts, and other skills that are often discredited for their association with women’s “busy work”). Her family motto was, “Don’t buy that, build/make it yourself!” Emily’s early exposure to the versatility of science etched a hopeful blueprint for the possibilities that lay before her.
In school, she gravitated toward her physics teacher who was such a force of nature to inspire Emily to pursue a Bachelor’s in Physics. Her studies eventually led her to focus on biomedical physics, such as medical and MRI images. From there, she found herself tiptoeing the fine line between biology and physics, a place where she could sift through and understand the building blocks of life itself.
She attended Northeastern, where she met our very own Lori Lennon. While at the university, she completed a co-op at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, which introduced her to the field of neuroscience. She also worked in a lab on campus that studied the peripheral nervous system. She found her fuel through connecting with and educating others meaningfully. Emily would spend free time outside of her studies teaching science, sex-ed, and embodying empowerment to young girls in public schools. She would also make time to write for the school science magazine and participate in multiple student body activities.
Eventually, she took a break from studying to be a public school teacher for two years. With Teach for America, she was sent to South Dakota during the height of the Standing Rock Movement. Emily witnessed the atrocities of racism and poor legislation that breeds poverty and distress within communities. Though she found joy in connecting with her students, she was torn by the shocking circumstances that they faced outside of the classroom. She knew she had to use her abilities and connections to contribute to the greater good.
Dr. Boltcreed at her hooding ceremony.
Emily has since returned to the classroom herself, continuing to get both her Master’s degree and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Today, as a postdoctoral researcher, her main focus has been on developmental neuroscience in lab mice.
One aspect of her work aims to quantify how aggression appears in the brains of female mice throughout their estrus or menstrual cycles. Her team maps out the chemical interactions throughout the cycle, creating a better picture of reality from the female perspective. Though the team is focused on mice, many of us know these little creatures often pave the way for pivotal advancements in human nature.
Studying at Columbia’s NY State Psychiatric Institute in Manhattan has allowed Emily to be deeply immersed in a conglomerate of influential and high-powered global health institutions. While expanding on her innate passion for wellness through science, she is forging inspiring and lasting connections that nurture her scientific prowess. Emily gracefully combines the eloquence of her writing and the curiosity of her scientific mind to understand and illustrate the inner workings of life as we know it.
When she isn’t focused on changing the world one study at a time, Emily finds peace as a marathon runner! You can track her progress here, thanks to her tech-savvy husband. She also continues to write for several publications and mentor students through various programs in New York such as Big Brother, Big Sister, ReadAhead and the New York Academy of Science's Afterschool Science Mentoring Program. Quality time with her spouse, extended family, fellow scientists, and friends also offers refuge and nourishment. Emily is especially moved by the pivotal women scientists she’s encountered and befriended such as Abigail Koppes, Vikki Hazelwood, and Giulia Zanni, among many others. As she continues to define her beautifully kaleidoscopic life, Dr. Boltcreed makes sure to bring all of the communities she loves with her.
Dorrian Wilson, a modern-day leader in AI governance.
