We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen N Marshall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Karen N, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a black female science educator, I have faced many challenges and obstacles on my journey. One of which was to be taken seriously as a core subject, not a kind of elective. Math and ELA were always the focus during my early years and still today. Those were the teachers that were invested in, given the support and training to grow their craft. Moral of that story was, Karen, go out and find your training. Sometimes on my own dime and always on my own time. Sometimes it was the parents/community that doubted my abilities and knowledge base. As a black women from inner city KC, it was always assumed I was not going to be successful at teaching the sciences. Unfortunately this idea has been cultivated by the writers of history. There was very little to no mention of black female scientists before the late 60’s. Modern media was also very clear about what they wanted us to believe that scientist “Looked Like” and it wasn’t a little black girl.
My goal is to change that narrative. I had two parents that were passionate about my education. My mother was an educator, so higher learning was expected. They were able to bridge some of the boundaries for me.
My motivation is to give the young ladies of today the exposure that I had and more. I want them to know that scientist come in all shapes, sizes, specialties, and skill sets. There is no one way to have success in this field. My goals are to help them find the confidence and provide support to pursue a science based career. (environmental and marine science are the most important right now)
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a black female science educator, I have faced many challenges and obstacles on my journey. One of which was to be taken seriously as a core subject, not a kind of elective. Math and ELA were always the focus during my early years and still today. Those were the teachers that were invested in, given the support and training to grow their craft. Moral of that story was, Karen, go out and find your training. Sometimes on my own dime and always on my own time. Sometimes it was the parents/community that doubted my abilities and knowledge base. As a black women from inner city KC, it was always assumed I was not going to be successful at teaching the sciences. Unfortunately this idea has been cultivated by the writers of history. There was very little to no mention of black female scientists before the late 60’s. Modern media was also very clear about what they wanted us to believe that scientist “Looked Like” and it wasn’t a little black girl.
My goal is to change that narrative. I had two parents that were passionate about my education. My mother was an educator, so higher learning was expected. They were able to bridge some of the boundaries for me.
My motivation is to give the young ladies of today the exposure that I had and more. I want them to know that scientists come in all shapes, sizes, specialties, and skill sets. There is no one way to have success in this field. My goals are to help them find the confidence and provide support to pursue a science based career. (environmental and marine science are the most important right now)
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being a lifelong learner: My career has taken several different roads to get to this point. I am always ready to be enriched in my profession. As an educator, I have to be able to embrace and assess new ways of teaching, learning and technologies. Having the courage to learn field work as a classroom teacher of 15 years was a leap. But I would not change the experiences. I learn everyday. From the teachers I support, to the researchers I consult with and the students I come in contact with on the way. Non-negotiables: Stand for something or fall for anything. Early in my career, I put the kids first. Every situation that I faced in the classroom came down to what was best for my students, not just in the moment, but in their future. There were several times that I had to re-evaluate my own actions and change course. It was difficult and uncomfortable, but it was best for the student.
Curiosity: This is a key element in the world of scientific inquiry. Taking the time to slow down and wonder. In order to impart this skill of science to our next generation, we have to embrace it. Everywhere I go I ask questions. Especially in front of students and teachers. The goal is to show them that a thoughtful question is better than a quick answer!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, I have worked very hard to widen my sphere of influence. In order to tackle the disparities of minorities in stem and especially in marine STEM I have had to walk into rooms and set my own table or at least bring my own chair. As a black woman, with a successful career in science education and a background in science, I am often overlooked as a front runner in the field.
The Science Education that my business promotes is place based and focused on data. Giving students an idea of what it means to be a scientist. It’s not a magic show, it’s hard sometimes, but magical and rewarding. Teaching students that science means solving problems and overcoming challenges. My name is being said in rooms that I have never been in. In addition, I am not embarrassed to say that I have high functioning anxiety. I work to overcome this affliction and have made great strides. Being open about my struggles has helped me put myself out there and build the relationships that serve my purpose of inclusion in STEM
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stem_aficionado?igsh=MW5vcnl3amtuM3Bpcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-n-marshall-44503570?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/stem_aficionado?s=21&t=dzxmZuxsW9ic7REdkjvytw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpy5MC7UOGd1RIsidBvgEBQ
Image Credits
Sundar Marketing
