Building a More Inclusive Future for Chemistry
More Than a Conference—A Movement
In a world where the national narrative has centered on images of scientists and engineers that are predominantly White and nearly uniformly male, the need for a more inclusive scientific community is not just a moral imperative—it's a critical necessity for innovation 4 . For many Black chemists, the experience is a lonely one, often being the only face that looks like theirs in a lecture hall, research lab, or corporate department 1 .
It was to shatter this isolation that the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE, pronounced "No-be-shay") was founded in 1972 7 . Now, well into the 21st century, NOBCChE's annual conference and ongoing initiatives have evolved into a powerful engine for change, tackling persistent challenges and creating unprecedented opportunities in an era of rapid scientific and social transformation.
This is the story of how a professional society is not just adapting to the times, but actively shaping the future of chemistry for the better.
Despite decades of effort, the data reveals a stark picture of underrepresentation in STEM fields. According to the National Science Board, in 2021, Black or African American workers comprised just 8% of workers in STEM occupations, significantly lower than their 11% share of the total workforce 5 . Similarly, Hispanic workers were underrepresented, making up 15% of STEM workers compared to 18% of all workers 5 .
Black representation in STEM workforce
Hispanic representation in STEM workforce
Women with S&E degrees working outside S&E fields
For those who do enter the field, the environment can often feel unwelcoming. Studies of institutional failures in STEM describe a "chilly climate"—a culture that tacitly allows discrimination and hostility toward minoritized students 3 . This climate manifests in countless ways: from being tokenized as "the face of all Black students" to having one's ideas disembodied and given away, or even being told one doesn't "look like a scientist" 1 .
As one Black chemist shared, her adviser once demanded she change out of a dress into jeans before a practice talk, smilingly noting, "That's better. You look very professional. Now you look like me!" 1
The consequence of this environment is a "leaky pipeline" where trained talent is lost. The National Science Foundation found that in 2021, a startling 60% of women with their highest degree in a science and engineering (S&E) field worked outside of both S&E and S&E-related occupations, compared to 41% of men 5 . This represents a tremendous drain of expertise and perspective that the field can ill afford.
| Demographic Group | Percentage of STEM Workforce | Percentage of Total Workforce |
|---|---|---|
| Black or African American | 8% | 11% |
| Hispanic | 15% | 18% |
| Asian | 10% | 6% |
| Women | 18% | (Not Applicable) |
| Source: National Science Board, Science and Engineering Indicators 2024 5 | ||
For over 50 years, NOBCChE has operated not just as a professional society, but as a national platform dedicated to cultivating talent and ensuring full participation in the scientific enterprise 6 . Its approach is holistic, targeting every stage of the career lifecycle.
Recognizing that inspiration must begin early, NOBCChE's national conference features a STEM Fest, which immerses students in hands-on science activities 6 . More recently, the organization launched the NextGen Spark Lab, which brings dynamic science demonstrations directly to regional students and collaborates with STEAM organizations to provide accessible role models 6 .
"Exposure is key to engaging future chemists and chemical engineers. We must introduce a more diverse group of young people to the opportunities that science provides."
Beyond initial inspiration, NOBCChE provides critical support structures for its members. The NOBCChE Leadership Academy offers professional-led workshops for students and early-career scientists, while the NOBCChE Collaborative creates micro-networks at colleges and universities to support individuals from undergraduate through faculty levels 6 .
These programs create what many members lack in their home institutions: a reliable ecosystem of mentorship and advocacy.
The power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation is vividly illustrated in the work of NOBCChE members like Ashley M. Taylor, a formulation chemist at Johnson & Johnson. As the only Black woman in R&D for an anti-aging beauty company, Taylor found herself working on technologies primarily for Asian and Caucasian women 1 .
She identified a critical gap: while the industry focused on "wrinkles and crow's feet," the Black community faces different skin health challenges, particularly hyperpigmentation as we age 1 . Taylor advocates for inclusive clinical testing and product formulation, arguing that companies need to "be inclusive in marketing ideation, clinical studies, formulation, and packaging, and they need to be present on the shelves for Black communities" 1 .
| Research Reagent/Component | Primary Function | Consideration for Diverse Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrosinase Inhibitors | Reduce melanin production to address hyperpigmentation | Efficacy and safety must be clinically proven on darker skin tones |
| SPF Components | Protect skin from UV damage | Must be formulated to avoid ashy or white cast on melanated skin |
| Emollients & Humectants | Maintain skin barrier function and hydration | Performance characteristics may differ across varied skin types |
| Clinical Evaluation Panels | Assess safety and efficacy | Must include representative range of skin tones and types |
| Source: Adapted from the experiences of formulation chemists in the industry 1 | ||
NOBCChE's approach has evolved to meet contemporary challenges. In today's rapidly changing scientific landscape, the organization focuses on several key areas:
NOBCChE has strengthened its impact through alliances, including a joint membership opportunity with the American Chemical Society (ACS) 6 . This collaboration allows members to leverage the vast networks and resources of ACS while benefiting from NOBCChE's targeted professional development.
Stories from NOBCChE members reveal the diverse trajectories a chemistry education can enable. Keon Reid, for instance, leveraged his chemistry background to develop critical thinking and resiliency, eventually founding his own consulting firm 1 . Similarly, Bintou Doumbia transitioned from chemistry to physician assistant studies, driven by a desire to "fight against health disparities in the Black community" 1 .
Perhaps most importantly, NOBCChE creates what many of its members lack in their home institutions: a community where empowerment, growth, and connection converge 6 . As one member reflected on the power of seeing his first Black chemistry professor, "Leading the class was someone who looked like me. Someone whose hair was probably touched without their permission. Someone who probably had to ignore what American society expected of Black men" 1 .
| Program Component | Key Function | Evidence of Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Research Experiences | Build technical skills and scientific identity | Increases retention in STEM majors |
| Mentoring Structures | Provide guidance and psychosocial support | Improves academic performance and sense of belonging |
| Financial Support | Reduce economic barriers to persistence | Increases graduation rates |
| Learning Communities | Create supportive peer networks | Reduces feelings of isolation |
| Professional Development | Prepare for diverse career paths | Enhances workforce readiness |
| Source: Systematic review of diversity-focused STEM programming 3 | ||
As NOBCChE strides further into the 21st century, its mission remains as vital as ever. The organization stands as a proven driver of inclusion, excellence, and opportunity in a scientific landscape still marred by systemic barriers 6 . The challenges are significant—from ongoing funding threats for diversity initiatives to the persistent "chilly climate" in many STEM departments 2 3 .
"Science requires ingenuity; ingenuity requires creativity; creativity requires diversity; and conformity is antithetical to all of it."
The annual NOBCChE conference is more than just a meeting—it is a living testament to the fact that, as Dr. Paula Hammond notes, "We have been here all along" 4 . From Percy Lavon Julian's groundbreaking synthesis of glaucoma medications in the 1950s to today's researchers developing therapies for sickle cell anemia and pioneering new sustainable materials, Black chemists and chemical engineers have always been at the forefront of innovation 4 .
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