Langston University Graduate Set to Make History at UTA as First African American Chemistry Ph.D.

Lindsay Davis, a graduate of Langston University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is on track to become the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas in Arlington (UTA). Davis is currently completing her Ph.D. program and her achievement will mark a significant milestone for African American students in the field of chemistry. She began her academic journey at Langston University, a historically black college and university (HBCU), where she received the McCabe Scholarship.

Davis credits her academic achievements to the guidance she received at Langston. She worked with Dr. Alonzo Peterson and Dr. John Coleman, who she met in eighth grade at the Math and Science academy. Her interest in chemistry was ignited during a bridge program where Dr. Coleman noticed her mathematical skills and interest in chemistry.

Davis faced several challenges during her academic journey. The intensity of her Ph.D. program required a higher level of commitment than her previous research experiences. Summer internships helped Davis prepare for her program, offering her various roles in Chemistry. As a minority in a male-dominated field, Davis often felt overlooked and isolated.

To address her feelings of isolation, Davis helped establish the College of Science, Black Graduate Student Association at UTA. This organization gave her a sense of community and allowed her to connect with other black students in science. Through this association, Davis met another black female chemistry student, who joined Davis' lab and will be the second African American to complete the program.

Davis asserts that attending an HBCU was a key factor in her educational journey, fostering a sense of family and closeness among peers and faculty. She also draws inspiration from black women in STEM on Twitter. As she nears graduation, Davis hopes her journey will encourage young people of color to pursue their interests and overcome obstacles in their chosen fields.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.