Ashanti Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashanti Johnson
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M University |
| Occupation | geochemist chemical oceanographer |
| Employer | University of Texas at Arlington |
| Known for | Aquatic radiochemistry |
| Awards | 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, AGU Ambassador Award (2016) John P. McGovern Award (2019) |
Ashanti Johnson is an American scientist who studies the Earth and oceans. She is a geochemist and a chemical oceanographer. She made history as the first African American to get a doctoral degree (a very high-level university degree) in oceanography from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Johnson has done a lot to help more people get interested in STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Because of her work, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 2008.
She also helped start and lead Cirrus Academy. This is a special STEAM charter school system in Georgia. STEAM includes Arts along with STEM. Dr. Johnson also works as a speaker. She talks about making education and workplaces fair for everyone. She also encourages young people to get involved in STEM.
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Early Life and Education
Ashanti Johnson earned her first degree in marine science in 1993. She studied at Texas A&M University-Galveston. While there, she became the very first African-American student body president.
She continued her studies and received her Ph.D. in oceanography in 1999. This higher degree was from Texas A&M University. Her research focused on how radioactive elements move in water. She also studied how to help students and new scientists grow in their careers. Another big part of her work is making STEM more diverse.
Dr. Johnson shared that she first became interested in oceans by watching Jacques Cousteau. He was a famous ocean explorer. Her interest grew in fifth grade after talking with a female marine biology student. This memory is very special to her. She now works to share her love for oceans with many people. This includes children, teachers, and government leaders.
Career and Research
Dr. Johnson's research looks at how different elements in water can tell us about past events. She studies marine (ocean), estuarine (where rivers meet the sea), and freshwater environments. Her work has taken her to the Arctic and coastal areas like Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
She is the CEO and Superintendent of Cirrus Academy. This is a STEAM charter school system in Georgia. She also leads the Institute for Broadening Participation. This organization helps more people get involved in science.
Helping Diverse Students in Science
Dr. Johnson works to create opportunities for students from all backgrounds. She helps students from different socioeconomic, cultural, and racial groups. Her goal is to help them succeed in science and engineering.
She has led many important programs. These include projects funded by NASA and the NSF. These programs help students get research experience and professional training. For example, she directed the Pathways to Ocean Science Project. She also helped start the Spoonbill Bowl Regional Competition. This is a science competition for high school students.
Dr. Johnson is also the chief of science and research at Black Girls Dive. This group encourages young girls and women to explore water activities. It also helps them find careers in aquatic sciences.
Awards and Recognition
Ashanti Johnson has received many awards for her important work. In 2019, she was given the John P. McGovern Science and Society Award. This award came from Sigma Xi, a scientific honor society.
In 2016, she earned the AGU Ambassador Award. This was for her amazing achievements in her field. In January 2010, she received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. She received this award at the White House. It recognized her work in helping others grow professionally and promoting diversity.
She was also recognized by The Grio in 2010 as one of "100 History Makers in The Making." In 2011, she was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine as a "Woman In STEM."
In March 2017, she represented the U.S. Department of State in Cambodia. She spoke at several STEM events there. These included the Cambodia Science and Engineering Festival. She also visited universities and schools.
In 2016, she received the American Geophysical Union Excellence in Geophysical Education Award. She was also named an American Geophysical Union Fellow. In February 2018, Essence Magazine recognized her as one of "STEM's New Guard." This article highlighted women who are leading the way in STEM. In April 2016, Black Enterprise Magazine named her one of the "10 Black Women Changing the World via Science and Technology."
Dr. Johnson has been interviewed on many shows and podcasts. She has shared her knowledge on All About STEM Radio and Voice of America Khmer News. She also participated in a webcast series about women in STEM careers.
Images for kids
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Dr. Ashanti Johnson
