What's the connection between marine science and white supremacy? Academia is a system that allows abuse to thrive and Black women in marine science lack support systems to help them navigate the significant barriers they encounter. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman has created a community of support, mentorship, and advocacy for Black women in science and academia and is determined to disrupt the system by creating a new narrative and structure.
Julie is joined by Dr. Nikki Traylor-Knowles, an Assistant Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Founder & Director of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), a non-profit founded to help combat the isolation and abuse in STEM against Black women.
Episode Transcript
Episode Guide
- :00 Intro
- 02:06 BIG discoveries about corals are happening at the Traylor-Knowles Cnidarian Immunity Laboratory!
- 04:55 Dr. Nikki's lab researches coral's immune response to pollution and disease
- 06:32 Running a lab requires wearing a lot of hats and managing and mentoring people is a big part of it
- 09:18 Coral reefs, as foundational tropical systems, are critical for small scale and local fisheries and, unfortunately, their situation globally is pretty dire
- 13:17 While documenting the challenges and changes to coral reefs, people must remember what scientists are trying to save and why
- 15:18 It all started with a Tweet: the genesis of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS)
- 17:10 BWEEMS is building a community of support and mentorship for Black women in science and academia to change white supremacy culture
- 24:28 While there are a lot of great things about academia, it is a racist system, built on the backs of Black people, Indigenous people, and women, and a place where abuse can thrive
- 25:46 Dr. Nikki's biggest challenge in running a lab and as the founder of BWEEMS
- 32:01 Four ways you can support BWEEMS' efforts
- 36:31 Do you have a personal mission statement? Here's your homework!
- 38:04 Why Dr. Nikki believes that outsiders are the source of progress, discovery, and innovation
- 42:15 Lessons learned: how to address the tension of flourishing within a system that you are simultaneously trying to dismantle
- 48:27 Dr. Nikki uplifts the women instrumental in the development of BWEEMS
Resources:
- Check out @official_BWEEMS on Instagram and bweems.org to learn more about their efforts to rewrite the narrative and drive innovation in marine science. You can also visit cnidimmunitylab.com for more information on how Dr. Nikki's lab is working to understand the immune health of coral reef systems.
- Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone who you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.
The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims
