Born in Denver, Colorado, I was raised in Caruthersville, Missouri in the 1960’s. I remember the significant influence of my parents and grandparents who molded my sense of moral and civic responsibility. My grandmother owned a local restaurant that also served as a meeting place for community members. There, issues affecting the community where discussed and strategies planned. My grandfather and uncles were Pullman Porters who worked side by side with A. Phillip Randolph in the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. As far back as I can recall, my life has been filled with the understanding that in serving others, one may achieve a personal level of excellence and satisfaction.

In admiration for my fore-parents and those who came before me, I truly believe in the power of service. I have served on many committees as both an advisor or mentor. In my current role as a Full Clinical Professor at New York University, I teach two courses; an intro to astronomy (also an advisor to the Astronomy Club) and the science of technology. My passion has been to bring astronomy to underrepresented student who may have an interest in STEM fields. The summer program called “St. Albans Under the Stars brings astronomy workshops to children of all ages. My research interests are neutron stars and the ancient Dogon tribe known for their astronomical achievements in Mali, West Africa.

EDUCATION

New York University, Department of Applied Science, Ph.D., Fluid Dynamics, August 1997.

Title: Influences of Increased Recycling Rates on Incinerator Design in the Emerging Millennium©.

New York University, Department of Applied Science, M.S., Fluid Dynamics, February 1986.

Thesis: An Elementary Study of the Internal Wave Field.

University of Michigan, College of Engineering, B.S. Physical Oceanography, August 1981.

Research focus: Alternative Sources of Energy; hydrothermal, geothermal, solar, & wind

First African American female to graduate with a B.S. degree in Physical Oceanography in the United States of America.  College of Engineering ranked #4 in the Country