Born in Denver, Colorado, I was raised in Caruthersville, Missouri in the 1960’s. I remember the significant influence of my parents and grandparents who molded my sense of moral and civic responsibility. My grandmother owned a local restaurant that also served as a meeting place for community members. There, issues affecting the community where discussed and strategies planned. My grandfather and uncles were Pullman Porters who worked side by side with A. Phillip Randolph in the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. As far back as I can recall, my life has been filled with the understanding that in serving others, one may achieve a personal level of excellence and satisfaction.
In 1981 I received a B.S. degree in Physical Oceanography from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan as the first black woman to receive that degree in the country. My M.S. and Ph.D. degrees was received from NYU’s Department of Applied Science in 1986 and 1997, respectively; in each year graduating with honors. For the past fifteen years I have served on the science faculty in the Liberal Studies Department teaching both the History of the Universe and the Science of Technology. My life’s work has been in service to others. Besides teaching at NYU, St. Albans Under the Stars, a community outreach effort to bring underrepresented populations into STEM fields is a source of pride and joy!