Astrochemistry thread

So most folks ASSUME that astrochemistry is new, actually it's NOT! It's been around us since the dawn of time! #BlackInAstro .....like LITERALLY!

Astrochemistry tells us about the chemical evolution of the universe, planets, and life! And let me you, the folks that studied it in the past or present are amazing! There a couple folks that don't receive pioneering credit but they will TODAY!!! #BlackInAstro

TWO PIONEERS that comes to mind is Philanthropist, Inventor, and retired NASA Scientist Emmett Chappelle and one of the founder's of @NOBCChE Dr. William Jackson (UC Davis).

Emmett Chappelle recently passed away at the age of 93 on Oct 14th, 2019. His work leaves a legacy for Black astrochemists. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmett_Chappelle

While Chappelle worked for @NASAGoddard, he worked on exobiology and astrochemistry in 1966!!! Now if I do the math right, he's ONE of the FIRST ones!!!

I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Dr. William (Bill) Jackson and we'll will be on a upcoming panel together!

Dr. Jackson also joined @NASAGoddard in 1964 studying free radicals! AGAIN do the math! Dr. Jackson should be considered as the FIRST African American astrochemist here in the US!

His work is impeccable and yes he still does research at @ucdavis! While applying for grad programs he even helped me find fellowships!!! He's always been an advocate for Black folks in STEM! #BlackInAstro You can read more about him here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_M._Jackson

Now, currently there AREN'T ANY Black women in the US YET! In 2021, Jamila Pegues will be the FIRST! That's a HUGE gap from Dr. Jackson to (Future) Dr. Pegues!

Speaking of ladies, let's travel across the pond!

Alright, so meet Dr. Anita Dawes who is a Leverhulme Research Fellow at the Open University! (UK!) She specializes in ice analogs in star forming regions!

Meet Dr. Delphine Nna Mvondo (France) she's a research scientist at @NASAGoddard who specialized in Titan's atmosphere and exoplanets!

Meet (Newly) Dr. Naomi Frimpong (Africa/UK) @Naomi_AsabreF! Congrats boo! She was highlighted for #BHMUK edition! She studies the evolution of massive young stellar objects using complex organic molecules such as methanol and methyl cyanide! #BlackInAstro

Now that you've met some of us...we are here!!! Our work deserves so much more credit! #BlackInAstro Use these names for science projects for children and show them that we do exist!

As the day continues, I'll be adding more! Stay tuned! #BlackInAstro