General chemistry, the foundational course for STEM majors, is notoriously seen as a gatekeeper. This notion is especially prevalent among students from communities who have been historically excluded from the modern scientific enterprise though nonetheless a part of its origins. How might transcending traditionally disparate disciplines help us re-imagine alternative and more inclusive introductions to chemistry and STEM? AfroChemistry (the study of Black-life matter) is an introductory, interdisciplinary science course in which students acquire intro-level understandings of chemical concepts while exploring how those concepts intersect with important questions in Black studies and illuminate issues of racial justice in the US (such as health disparities and environmental crises). This lecture will focus on the role of pedagogy at the intersection of chemistry and Black history in helping to address inequities in chemical education, with particular attention on how the contextualization of modern science and the centering of the tradition of pioneering Black chemists can inspire diverse students. In view of demographic disparities observed in the academic fields of chemistry and chemical education in the US, this talk aims to illustrate how creative and multi-disciplinary courses can be an important tool for inspiring retention, diversity and excellence in science and the academy, more broadly.

Dr. Brooke Johnson joined Rice University as Preceptor (Chemistry) in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after obtaining her Ph.D. in chemistry from Princeton University (‘23). Rice alum (‘17) and former Rice track athlete, Dr. Johnson is passionate about the intersection of science and social justice and using her unique experiences to teach, support and inspire diverse students.

This talk is part of the History of Science, Technology, Environment, and Medicine series (HSTEM talks). Read about HSTEM at: https://sites.utexas.edu/hps/sample-page/.