Caption: Student researching science Photo by Rf_studio
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By Saadiya J.
If someone were to ask me what research was in my freshman year of high school, I would
simply stare in confusion. The field of research is not openly discussed in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities or school systems. When I thought of research, I pictured a scientist sitting in a dark lab counting cells.
My idea of research completely shifted when I was introduced to research in high school. I was a student in the Science and Technology program at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Research and STEM were the foundation of the program and allowed me to enter this unknown field. One requirement of the S/T Program was to complete a research practicum project during our senior year. This is when I fully understood what research was and the career opportunities within the field. To complete my research, I interned with a Neuropharmacology lab at Howard University under Dr. Kimberlei Richardson.
Now– when I first read “neuropharmacology” I was very overwhelmed and nervous to dive into such a complicated discipline. As a high school senior, I felt that I would be unprepared and have nothing to contribute to a lab filled with college students and doctors. I almost let imposter syndrome control me and deter me from this amazing opportunity.
Despite these fears, I was able to contribute to the lab and gain a better understanding of research on a collegiate and career level. Research became more than I originally perceived to be as a scientist sitting in a dark lab but a source of knowledge and an opportunity to grow as a person.
Some advice that would help those who might be unfamiliar with research or afraid to enter a space where marginalized voices are underrepresented would be;
1 Apply to opportunities or programs even if you feel unprepared
2 Reach out to professors or non-profit organizations because there is always a position left unfilled
3. Look for opportunities that openly welcome BIPOC students
As an HBCU student, attending the illustrious Howard University, one of my goals is to create space and opportunities for underrepresented groups in predominantly white spaces.
There will always be a need for BIPOC to participate in research as a social justice tool. Many of the social injustices, especially in the United States, can be addressed by understanding the root causes of oppression. Maya Angelou once said, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”, which perfectly sums up how I view research of any discipline.
Research is more than just writing articles or sitting in a lab. There is a deeper meaning behind what we, as researchers, study every day. Research is an integral part of policy change, program initiatives, and a way to encourage knowledge production.
We are the next generation of doctors, researchers, lawyers, advocates, educators, and politicians; therefore, BIPOC perspectives and representation are important to reshaping the world to be a safe space for everyone.
Research can be a very intimidating field; however, there is always room for new voices and new perspectives. If you don’t remember anything from this article– remember to take a leap of faith and go for opportunities that might seem impossible!
