Black History Month 2022: advice
We are celebrating Black History Month by interviewing those who are a part of the Black community and work within the field of STEM, as we want to allow more diverse voices to be heard and acknowledge those whose achievements need honoring.
In this final piece, we highlight our experts’ advice for those who are in the early stages of their careers within STEM. We posed the question:
‘What advice would you give to young Black scientists to help them thrive in the scientific field?’
Nicole Fleming, PhD
Scientist II/Bioanalytical Project Manager
Bioagilytix (NC, USA)
Besides good mentorship, it is also important to develop relationships with individuals who can advocate for you. Establish a sound support system. Invest in self-care and adapt quickly. I distinctly remember one of my committee members saying: “fail fast; that way you will be able to move on to find a solution.” When considering grad school labs as well as careers in academia and in industry, be sure to make your expectations known and clear. It is equally essential to get a clear understanding of what is expected of you in that role (graduate student or working scientist). Explore the opportunities of having support and mentorship of individuals from different backgrounds, as it could be beneficial. Similarly, as young Black scientists, it is advantageous to know someone who looks like you and who may have had similar experiences as you strive for success in your field. Always remember that Black representation is progress when it is coupled with action; ensure to reach back and help others succeed.
Maria Dixon, PhD
Scientist Training Program Manager
Bioagilytix (NC, USA)
I believe developing meaningful relationships, networking and promoting self-advocacy are key factors for advancement in the scientific field. It is important to surround yourself in an environment that promotes diversity, inclusivity and collaboration. Develop effective time-management skills, practice self-care and remember groundbreaking discoveries are not for the weak or faint-hearted. My motto is ‘Never let anyone or anything determine your destiny!’
William Njoh-Paul
Lab Analyst
ICON plc (KS, USA)
I would say to the young Black scientist, who is aspiring to be or is currently in a STEM field, that the road won’t be easy but it will be rewarding. Nothing in life comes easy and STEM is no exception. There will be some hurdles along the way. But strength, diligence and resilience are some of the key components that have helped me get to where I am today and will definitely help you too. The world isn’t always fair and your path might be more challenging than others, but do not see it as a disadvantage. Rather, embrace the challenge and seek to overcome it, for even the brightest minds have endured some of the toughest times.
Tinaya Gray
Senior Director, Project Delivery
ICON plc (NC, USA)
Find and maintain a village of peers, mentors and, eventually, sponsors. Take time to explore your options and pursue something you love. Manage your career the way you would manage anything else. Expect to continually learn on the job and not allow it to make you feel as though something is missing. Always reach in all directions to look to include others where you can. I would leave them with the words of one of most brilliant beloved scientists:
“The most successful people in life recognize, that in life they create their own love, they manufacture their own meaning, they generate their own motivation. For me, I am driven by two main philosophies, know more today about the world than I knew yesterday. And lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson
Rebecca Wates, PhD
Senior Program Manager
KCAS (KS, USA)
You are the author of your own story! Whatever your goals – never let external pressures detract you from what you seek for yourself. As a species, humans thrive in community. Build community among peers and mentors and seek advice and counsel along the way. I specifically named some of the mentors who have influenced me as a demonstration that no one achieves success alone. Most of all, know that you have earned your opportunity and don’t succumb to self-doubt. A mentor from my post-doc years, this Dr had a great strategy for combating imposter syndrome – a reverse CV. In chronological, reverse order list your roles/educational experiences and alongside write the challenges and the achievements you experienced during those periods. Go all the way back to your own early beginnings and then reflect on how far you’ve come. All your experiences make you unique, and in turn your uniqueness adds the value of diverse thought to each task you tackle. Finally, never ever give up. Be steadfast in your hard work. Wake up every day and give it your best – and that best may differ depending on your circumstances – but give it all that you’ve got. No matter the challenges, the resistance you may experience as you climb, no one can deny hard work. Now go forth and be great. I’m rooting for all of you!
Brennon Marcano,
Chief Executive Officer
The National GEM Consortium (VA, USA)
The one thing that I would say to young Black scientists to help them thrive in the scientific field is that you belong and you are not alone. Knowing that will allow you to do two critical things. Firstly, you will hold employers accountable for your career. You are a major component of the scientific impact equation and so you should be treated that way. You are not a charity case or a quota requirement, you are a scientist and technologist. Second, knowing that you are not alone will more than likely stimulate your curiosity to find others that look like you in your field, which will lead you to support systems that will allow you to grow and thrive. There are many membership organizations, employee resource groups and individuals who are ready and willing to mentor, sponsor and support you. One of the common themes that I have seen successful people highlight when reflecting on their careers, has been the folks that have been around them and helped them along the way. Always seek help, leverage the strength of the group over the individual and you will find yourself on a strong and positive track.
Blessing Okai
Lab Data Analyst
Q2 Solutions (Aberdeen, UK)
My advice to young Black scientists entering any STEM field would be to learn as much as possible, take advantage of opportunities that come their way and try stuff out. This way, they get to build a portfolio. Join voluntary organizations to network and develop other very important soft skills like communication, leadership and organization. Attend webinars and meet other people advanced in their respective fields. As a young person, I understand how having a lot of choices can be confusing and how it can be daunting to pick a path out of the numerous paths popping up each day. But it is more beneficial to try a path, be certain it isn’t for you and change course than to sit on your hands and wait for one to become apparent.
René Fuanta
Biochemist and Assistant Professor
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (PA, USA)
What I would say to a younger me…
Life will throw you a myriad of challenges and you may feel overwhelmed. Like most minorities, you may be getting into the sciences with less of a support system or no one to show you the ropes. There will be days you feel like you are alone and, maybe, the only one in your family to have taken such a bold step venturing into STEM. If you ever feel this way or anything remotely similar, fret not. Moreso than your predecessors, there are now a significant pool of resources and scientists with years of experience willing to mentor and guide you into becoming a scientist. Just reach out and ask for help, you won’t regret it.
Versatility – though cliché-sounding – is one of the greatest tools in your arsenal. Learn to pivot with changing times as STEM fields are rapidly evolving. Stay abreast with current trends in your field, as it will set you apart. The path to excellence in research and science requires adaptability to changing trends.
Olivier Heudi
Laboratory Head
Novartis Pharma AG (Basel, Switzerland)
I would advise you to work very hard and to never give up. There will be a lot of injustices and no matter how good you are, you must understand the environment where you are working. Try to be smart in giving feedback, do not offend people even if you think that you are right – this is not well perceived – especially coming from a Black individual, as you may give the impression that you are arrogant. Some managers may not be as good or as qualified as you but you will have to collaborate, so here, again, be smart. Seek for collaboration and try to share or discuss your experience with other Black people.
Wonu Adebimpe
Senior Scientist
Recipharm (Queenborough, UK)
Never give up and always stay informed on the latest achievements and challenges in the industry. Doing professional exams to make yourself more employable and improve your knowledge on current breakthroughs in the industry.
Also, I would advise young Black scientists to look out for mentors in the industry that can share personal experiences, which they can use to help navigate their way through the hardships working in the industry entails. Mentors can also advise you on how they tackled certain issues.