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“I have worked very hard in science all of my career, and to be
recognized for the work I do in my community, is huge to
me. I appreciate accolades from my professional peers, but
this is different...this is at the heart of why I get up
every day and do what I do.”
Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich’s earliest memories of an
interest in science began at home on her family farm. “It
was fascinating to watch my father prepare the chemicals he
would use on our crops.
My mother could not
help much, she was very ill when I was growing up. I
remember wanting to create a new and better medication for
her so she would get better faster.”
At the age of 22, Bryant-Friedrich graduated with honors from North
Carolina Central University, receiving her bachelors in
chemistry. She decided on Duke University for her graduate
studies, later earning a master’s degree in the Department
of Chemistry.
“Many things had happened in my academic career up to that point. I went
to an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities),
where I graduated with honors. Next, I attended Duke
University and in contrast it was a very difficult
experience. I had one of those moments, like I’m sure many
of our ancestors have had before me, when I realized I
needed to continue my study in Europe.”
Historically, Europe has been where people of color go to free
themselves of U.S. discriminatory attitudes and policies
while evolving in their respective fields. When asked about
the experience of studying abroad, Bryant-Friedrich states,
“In Europe I had the freedom of not being a black person in
America. Looking back on the experience it was in alignment
with more freedom. In Germany my colleagues welcomed me and
I was embraced in that environment.”
After meeting her husband during her graduate studies in Germany, she
moved to Switzerland in pursuit of her postdoc education.
In 1993, Byrant-Friedrich began her doctoral research at
Heidelberg University and completed her PhD in 1997,
followed by postdoctoral training at the Universität Basel,
Switzerland until 1999. From 2000-2007 she held the
positions of assistant and associate professor at Oakland
University in Rochester, Michigan before moving locally to
the University of Toledo.
In a society, fueled by technology and science, STEM
(Science Technology Engineering & Math)
education
represents the future. Among the number of black, white,
Asian and Hispanic students, however, blacks represent the
lowest percentage of students earning degrees in STEM
majors.
Unfortunately, many STEM majors of color don't stay
the educational course like Bryant-Friedrich.
When asked why people of color (and women in particular) are
underrepresented in STEM, and how to bridge the gaps,
Bryant-Friedrich suggests, “In order for you to be able to
dream to do something, you must first be aware that it
exists.”
“It is very important to me that I live very publicly as a scientist. I
want young women to see that they can do this kind of thing.
I spend a lot of time at places like The Imagination Station
doing experiments in front of young people so they can see
that science is something they can do, too.”
In academic circles, Bryant-Friedrich goes the extra mile to encourage
students based on their strengths. For example, when she
sees a young African-American student who is really good at
calculus, she says, “You’re great at calculus, have you ever
considered majoring in civil engineering?”
“No one consistently has these types of conversations with black
students. I believe it’s because they don’t feel connected
to the student on an individual level when they don’t share
similar backgrounds.”
Despite the many forces at play stifling diversity in STEM fields, there
are many ways to break the cycle. One way, Bryant-Friedrich
suggests, is to promote curiosity by helping children learn
how to be critical thinkers at a young age.
“Our Science Center downtown is a great place to start. If you have
small kids, take them to Imagination Station. They will get
an early introduction to playing in an environment that is
all based in science.”
Bryant-Friedrich is also an advocate for closing the mentoring gap,
stating,
“My graduate students come from all over the world. I love mentoring
them and seeing how their background and culture changes the
way they look at science. I always say, winning the Nobel
Prize is one thing, but creating scholars who can actually
win the Nobel Prize is much more rewarding.”
Bryant-Friedrich adds she has had different mentors, advocates,
champions and challengers for all areas of her life and is
grateful to be honored this year at the Milestones
Luncheon.
“Many times we just don’t see enough of ourselves in underrepresented
environments to dream about becoming like our role models. I
hope someone sees themselves represented at this event.”
The 25th Annual Milestones Awards will take place at 11:30
a.m. on March 12, at the Seagate Center in downtown Toledo.
All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit more than 23,000
women and families who utilize the social service programs
of the YWCA.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the
luncheon, go to:
the YWCA's website.
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