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 amazing American scientist. She is a geochemist and a chemical oceanographer. This means she studies the chemistry of the Earth and its oceans.
Dr. Johnson made history as the first African American to earn a doctoral degree (a Ph.D.) in oceanography from Texas A&M University. She has done a lot to help more students get interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For her efforts, she received the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
She has worked as a professor at many universities, including Fort Valley State University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Today, she often speaks about making science and education fair for everyone. She also talks about helping young people get involved in STEM.
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Becoming a Scientist
Ashanti Johnson earned her first degree in marine science in 1993. This was from Texas A&M University-Galveston. While there, she was the first African American student body president. She then went on to get her Ph.D. in oceanography in 1999 from Texas A&M University.
Her research looks at how chemicals in water can tell us about past events. She studies marine (ocean), estuarine (where rivers meet the sea), and freshwater environments.
Dr. Johnson shared that she first loved the ocean by watching Jacques Cousteau on TV. This interest grew in fifth grade after a day spent with a female marine biology graduate student. This special memory made her want to share her love for oceans with others. She has taught children, teachers, and even government leaders about the ocean.
Her Work and Research
Dr. Johnson's main research areas are:
- Studying chemicals in water to understand past events.
- Helping students and new scientists grow in their careers.
- Creating programs to make science and engineering more diverse.
Her work on water chemistry helps us understand changes in places like the Arctic, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico. She uses different natural clues to figure out what happened in these water environments long ago.
Helping Others in Science
Dr. Johnson works hard to help students from all backgrounds succeed in science. She wants to make sure everyone has a chance to explore STEM fields.
She directs several important programs. These include projects funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation. These programs help students get research and career development experiences. She also led projects like "Pathways to Ocean Science" and "Pathways to Engineering."
Dr. Johnson also helps lead the Black Girls Dive Foundation. This group encourages young girls and women to explore water activities and careers. She is also the CEO of Cirrus Academy Charter School. This school teaches kids from kindergarten to 12th grade using hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) methods.
Being Part of Science Groups
Dr. Johnson is involved in many important science organizations. She was the vice president of The STEM Future Foundation. This group helps children in underserved areas get access to technology and good STEM education.
She has also served on committees for the National Science Foundation and the American Geophysical Union. These groups work to improve science education and make science more welcoming to everyone. She helps guide many programs that support diversity in science.
She is the Chief of Research and Science Practice for Black Girls Dive Foundation. This organization helps inspire young girls, especially those not often seen in STEM, to pursue careers in water sciences.
Awards and Special Recognition
Ashanti Johnson has received many awards for her amazing work.
- In 2019, she won the John P. McGovern Science and Society Award from Sigma Xi. This is a top science honor society.
- In 2016, she received the AGU Ambassador Award. This award recognized her great achievements in her field.
- In January 2010, she was given a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House. This was for her work in helping others in science.
- She was named one of "100 History Makers in The Making" by The Grio in 2010.
- She was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine in 2011 as a "Woman In STEM."
In 2017, she represented the U.S. Department of State in Cambodia. She gave speeches at the Cambodia Science and Engineering Festival and other schools. In 2018, she gave the Ambrose Jearld Jr. lecture. This lecture is sponsored by the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative.
In 2018, Essence Magazine called her one of "STEM's New Guard." This article highlighted 15 women who are leading the way in science. In 2016, Black Enterprise Magazine named her one of the "10 Black Women Changing the World via Science and Technology." In 2019, the National Society of Black Physicists honored her.
Dr. Johnson has also been interviewed on many shows and podcasts. She has shared her story and insights on topics like women in STEM and getting more African Americans involved in science. She was even featured on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends for Black History Month in 2016.
