The Missing Element | Kristen Collins | TEDxPVAMU

TL;DR

This content explores the underrepresentation of black women in the field of cosmetic chemistry, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Transcript

when I graduated college in 2015 I didn't have hope that I would ever return to a lab after four long years of countless hours in class in Laboratories what was I going to do next I remember the moment of sitting outside of my professor's office awaiting my final grades before finally walking across the stage to here Kristen Wells Lewis Bachelor's ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 Black women are important contributors to communities and the economy but are underrepresented in STEM fields.
• 👩‍🔬 The demand for chemists and material scientists is expected to grow, providing opportunities for black women to excel in these careers.
• 🧑‍🎓 Cosmetic chemistry education is limited in schools, hindering the exploration of this field for many students.
• 🖤 Inclusive education, exposure to diverse STEM fields, and empowering young black girls as producers can encourage their interest in cosmetic chemistry.
• 🖤 Lack of representation and inclusion in the cosmetic chemistry industry hampers true innovation and transformation.
• 🖤 The success of STEM initiatives like Black to the Lab can create a pathway for black women in cosmetic chemistry.
• 🛟 Oxygen is vital for life, just as inclusivity and equal opportunity are essential for breathing life into STEM.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a cosmetic chemist?

A cosmetic chemist is a professional in the field of chemistry who specializes in researching and developing cosmetic products such as hair care, skin care, and toiletry.

Q: Why are black women underrepresented in STEM and overrepresented in healthcare?

Historical factors, limited educational opportunities, and societal biases contribute to the underrepresentation of black women in STEM fields. The healthcare industry has traditionally been seen as a more accessible career path for them.

Q: What elements are crucial in cosmetic chemistry?

Hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are the four essential elements in cosmetic chemistry. Each plays a vital role in the science behind cosmetic products.

Q: How can we encourage black girls to pursue careers in cosmetic chemistry?

By providing inclusive education, exposing them to diverse STEM fields, highlighting successful black women in the industry, and encouraging them to view themselves as producers rather than just consumers, we can inspire interest and confidence in pursuing cosmetic chemistry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author reflects on her journey as a black woman in the STEM field, highlighting the limited opportunities for engagement with science during her childhood and the lack of cosmetic chemistry education in schools.

• Black women are crucial contributors to the economic footprint of communities, yet they are underrepresented in STEM fields and overrepresented in healthcare-related jobs.

• The demand for chemists and material scientists is set to grow, presenting an opportunity for the success of STEM initiatives like Black to the Lab, which focuses on project-based learning and real-world experience.