DR. ROGER ARLINER YOUNG
Let’s start by talking a little bit about a true inspiration source who broke both ground and glass ceilings. Dr. Roger Arliner Young (1899-1964) was an American scientist of zoology, biology and marine biology. She began her undergraduate studies at Howard University and then moved on to the University of Chicago to earn her master’s degree. Here, she was invited to join scientific research society Sigma Xi, an honor that was very unusual for a master’s student. In 1924, her first article was published in the Science journal, making her the first African American woman to research and publish in the field.
Young didn’t stop at breaking that glass ceiling. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1940, making her the first African American woman with that achievement. To emphasise the importance of Young’s work even more, it must be mentioned that in 2005, she was recognised in a Congressional Resolution, along with four other Black women “who have broken through many barriers to achieve greatness in science.” Talk about leaving a mark! Today, she is remembered by the Roger Arliner Young Marine Conservation Diversity Fellowship, supporting young African Americans who want to become involved in marine environmental conservation.