Black Nerds Matter

Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we’re honored to host Dr. Cam Mosley, a fisheries ecologist and National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota. Growing up along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Dr. Mosley developed a deep connection to the natural world, sparking their passion for environmental science. With a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and undergraduate degrees from Emory University, Dr. Mosley’s journey is one of perseverance, discovery, and trailblazing.

Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we’re honored to host Dr. Stanton Belford, a professor of biology at Tennessee Southern in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Belford brings his Caribbean roots into his groundbreaking work in plant molecular biology, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. He’s also a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, serving as a board member for Black in Marine Science (BIMS), where he amplifies Black voices in marine and environmental sciences.

Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Alex Davis, a marine scientist from California State University, Northridge, whose dedication to advancing diversity and accessibility in STEM is reshaping the field. Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Davis brings a unique perspective to marine science, blending her passions for water polo, lifeguarding, diving, and science fiction. She’s an active member of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS) and an advocate for neurodivergent and disabled scientists, working to make fieldwork more inclusive for all.

we’re excited to feature D’Karia Bascom, a senior at North Carolina A&T majoring in laboratory animal science and an emerging scientist with a passion for marine biology.

Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we’re joined by Jalen Smith, a filmmaker and recent Yale University graduate who began his academic journey as a community college transfer student. At Yale, Jalen majored in political science and created a powerful documentary thesis on South Africa’s energy crisis and its ties to systemic corruption.

Hello everyone, welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Joining us on today’s episode is Teja Deonarine, a marine biology graduate with a strong passion for conservation. Teja has worked with major institutions like the New York, Virginia, and Mystic Aquariums, played a key role in initiatives like The Hudson River Project, and even uses her unique platform as a mermaid performer to inspire others and promote sustainability and ocean conservation.

 Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we're thrilled to introduce TreVaughn Ellis—a NOAA Hollings and Udall Scholar, recent American University graduate, and multi-talented artist, scientist, beekeeper, and firefighter! TreVaughn’s incredible journey has taken him from the classroom to the coastlines, and even to Oregon's wildlands as a firefighter.

In this episode of Black Nerds Matter, we’re excited to welcome Jasmine Suarez, a multi-award-winning technologist, mentor, and advocate with a Master’s in Information Technology Management and Cybersecurity from Colorado State University-Global. Jasmine has worked as an advisor on Capitol Hill, guiding national and international leaders on technology security policies and innovative approaches in cybersecurity. As a queer woman and passionate advocate, she speaks openly about her experiences breaking barriers in tech as an underrepresented voice and shares how her journey shaped her resilience and ambition.