Breaking barriers and achieving a historic milestone, Kalissa Villafana, a young woman from Trinidad, has etched her name in history as the first black woman to attain a Doctorate degree in Nuclear Physics from Florida State University in the United States.

Kalissa’s journey towards this remarkable achievement began with her undergraduate studies at the Florida University of Agriculture and Mechanical, where she laid the foundation for her passion in physics. Inspired by her experiences at an all-girls Catholic High School, where she was exposed to numerous physics experiments, Kalissa knew from the age of 12 that she aspired to be a physicist.

The high school’s teachers played a pivotal role in fueling her curiosity about the principles of matter, energy, and the workings of the universe. Their guidance solidified her determination to pursue a career in physics, a dream she held steadfastly throughout her academic journey.

As an international student, Kalissa sought a program that would offer not only rigorous academics but also a supportive community. She found just that at Florida State University, under the mentorship of the world-renowned physicist, Mark Riley. Riley’s mentorship proved instrumental in broadening Kalissa’s access to opportunities within the field of physics.

Under his guidance, Kalissa was introduced to a network of mentors and resources, providing her with invaluable experiences such as attending academic conferences and conducting research across the country. These opportunities greatly enriched her academic and professional growth, paving the way for her groundbreaking achievements.

Throughout her time at Florida State University, Kalissa not only excelled academically but also took on the role of a mentor for other minority students. Her dedication to supporting and encouraging fellow students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, exemplifies her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field of physics.

As Kalissa Villafana becomes the first black woman to earn a Doctorate degree in Nuclear Physics from Florida State University, her remarkable journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring scientists worldwide. With her achievements, she is not only shattering glass ceilings but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of physics.

Another excellent black women in STEM is Mareena Robinson Snowden, a trailblazer in the field of nuclear engineering. She is the first black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Her journey to this achievement was not easy, but she overcame many challenges and obstacles with determination, passion and support.

Mareena was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in Jamaica and moved to Miami, Florida, when she was four years old. She did not have a strong interest in math and science as a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, but she was encouraged by her high school teachers to pursue physics, a subject that intimidated many students. She visited Florida A&M University, a historically black college, and was impressed by their physics department. She decided to major in physics there, and graduated with honors in 2011. Read more about Mareena here.

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