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Creating space in STEM: Astrophysicist Dr. Jedidah Isler advocates an all-inclusive STEM at Women’s Programs leadership conference

The Women’s Programs of Stevens Institute of Technology welcomed Dr. Jedidah Isler to campus as the keynote speaker of the Women Empowering Women Leadership Conference this past Saturday. Her presentation served not only as the keynote for the conference but also as the latest installment in the “Excellence Through Diversity” lecture series, sponsored collectively between the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Graduate Student Affairs and Office of the President.

Dr. Isler welcomed the audience by first introducing the chronology of her life, beginning with her childhood marked by a fascination with the sky. Isler knew that she wanted to study astrophysics by the age of 12 and, upon learning that she could study space and get paid, her future was determined. However, she noted that many found there to be a “misalignment” between her aspirations and her identity as a black female.

Determined to earn her degree, Isler attended Norfolk State University, a historically black university, as a physics major. After completing an immense amount of undergraduate research, Isler took a short break before entering a Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program at Vanderbilt University in physics. She then continued on to earn her Ph.D. from Yale in astrophysics, where she encountered challenging experiences such as having difficulties with classmates who refused to work with her.  “[At Yale], I could either stand for me and be unapologetic or assimilate,” said Isler.

Isler did anything but assimilate: it is at Yale where she came to the conclusion that “inclusive STEM is the only STEM.” Isler found that “being in a place where I am not sorry for who I am is a place of power.” She went on to become the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Yale – her research focused on the physics of particle jets emanating for black homes at the centers of distant galaxies called blazars.

Currently, Isler is a vocal advocate for the advancement of inclusive STEM. She is the founder, executive producer, and host of “Vanguard STEM,” a live, monthly web-series featuring a rotating panel of women of color in STEM that approaches topics such as research interests, advice, and even current events. The purpose, according to Isler, is to generate opportunity for those otherwise excluded from the STEM world.

Before concluding her lecture, Dr. Isler left the audience with a five-point philosophy. “Dream obnoxiously and don’t apologize, invest selfishly, persevere relentlessly, succeed unapologetically and generate opportunity,” said Isler. She had all members of the audience repeat the phrases several times as a way to engrain her words into the minds of all the women, men, students, professors and curious-minded individuals in the room.

In addition to traveling around the country as a speaker, Dr. Isler has been recognized as a 2015 TED Fellow for not only her astrophysical research but also for her efforts to inspire those of underrepresented backgrounds to be leaders in the STEM field. Just as Isler encourages innovation through diversity, the Women’s Programs, through efforts such as the Women Empowering Women leadership conference, continues to increase awareness about the importance of a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

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