Mareena Robinson Snowden, The First Black Woman To Earn A Ph.D. In Nuclear Engineering From MIT!
Shattering Glass Ceilings: A Historic Milestone
Five years ago, Mareena Robinson Snowden made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her groundbreaking achievement shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.
In June 2017, Snowden took to Instagram to share her momentous accomplishment, expressing profound gratitude for the unwavering support system that propelled her through this arduous journey.
“No one can tell me God isn’t. Grateful is the best word I have to describe how I feel. Grateful for every part of this experience – highs and lows,” she wrote.
Overcoming Adversity: A Beacon of Resilience
Snowden’s path to success was paved with challenges, as she often found herself the only Black person in her STEM classes. However, her determination and resilience were unwavering, fueled by the inspiration she drew from Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician portrayed in the film “Hidden Figures.”
“I had a picture of Katherine Johnson on my wall right after ‘Hidden Figures’ came out, because she was a model for me,” Snowden shared with CNBC.
Embracing Authenticity: A Catalyst for Change
As Snowden embarked on her new role at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, working on nuclear security policy, she offered valuable advice to young Black women in STEM fields. Her message was clear: embrace your authenticity and be the catalyst for change within institutions.
“When you go into these spaces, whether it’s M.I.T., or Google or Apple, you don’t change yourself for the institution. The institution needs to change for you,” she asserted. “They need to grow because you’re there, and if you don’t bring your full self to the table, then they don’t have the opportunity to improve.”
A Journey of Perseverance and Self-Discipline
Snowden’s journey to becoming a trailblazer in nuclear engineering was marked by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to self-discipline. As a Miami native and a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, she embodied the values of hard work instilled in her from a young age.
“I was never the one to crack the book and get it on the first try. That has never been my track record. My track record has been one of a lot of examples, a lot of failure and a lot of trying again,” she shared.
Fortified by Her Roots: The Power of HBCUs
Snowden’s undergraduate experience at Florida A&M University (FAMU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), played a crucial role in fortifying her identity and self-assurance. FAMU’s model of “excellence with caring” fostered a growth mindset, empowering her to embrace her authenticity before embarking on her journey at MIT.
“That experience was crucial to me, to know who I was and to know where I came from before going into a predominantly white institution like MIT, and not only a PWI, but an extreme pressure cooker,” Snowden explained.
Mareena Robinson Snowden: Celebrating The First Black Woman To Earn PhD In Nuclear Engineering From MIT https://t.co/4OEH6O5M5c
