Ashley Walker (astrochemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashley Lindalía Walker
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| Alma mater | Chicago State University, 2020 (BS) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astrochemistry, Science Communication |
| Institutions | Goddard Space Flight Center |
Ashley Lindalía Walker is an astrochemist, a science communicator, and an activist. She studies the chemistry of space. She also helps share science with others. After seeing unfairness, Ashley helped create online movements like #BlackinChem and #BlackInAstro. These groups help share the amazing work of Black scientists. They also make sure their voices are heard.
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Ashley Walker's Early Life and Education
Ashley grew up in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. She loved science from a young age. She enjoyed visiting the Adler Planetarium to learn about space. Even with her interest in science, she first studied business. She went to City College of Chicago. Later, she changed her mind. She decided to study forensic chemistry. Then she transferred to Chicago State University.
Becoming an Astrochemist
At Chicago State, Ashley did something special. She became the first student to create her own astrochemistry major. This meant she designed her own path to study space chemistry. She worked with planetary scientists. She also worked with computer chemists. Together, they studied what planets' atmospheres are made of.
During her college years, Ashley joined a special program. It was called the Banneker Institute at Harvard University. There, she worked with a research team. She helped model hydrogen cyanide. This is a chemical found in young star systems. These are called protoplanetary disks.
Later, she worked with another planetary scientist. She studied special organic compounds called tholins. These compounds, when mixed with water, can form the building blocks of life. She studied them on Titan, a moon of Saturn. This project became her main college research paper. Ashley also worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center. There, she used special tools to study Titan's atmosphere. She learned about its chemical makeup.
Sharing Science and Making a Difference
Ashley uses her social media to help others. She supports Black women and nonbinary people. She encourages them to work in STEM fields. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Black in STEM Campaigns
In 2019, Ashley organized an event. It was at the Adler Planetarium. This event highlighted Black women in space chemistry. It was part of the Wakandacon convention. Building on this success, Ashley helped start several online campaigns. These included #BlackInAstro, #BlackInChem, and #BlackInPhysics weeks. These campaigns were inspired by Black Birders Week. That campaign showed off Black nature lovers.
These "Black in" weeks did many things. They showed off Black scientists who are leaders in their fields. They also worked to make sure everyone has a fair chance to get into advanced science programs. They also shared information about internships and funding. This helped young Black researchers start their careers.
The first #BlackInChem week worked with big science groups. These included the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Chemical Society. #BlackInAstro teamed up with the American Astronomical Society. These campaigns were so important. The journal Science recognized them. They were finalists for the 2020 Breakthrough of the Year award.
Ashley is also a member of the American Astronomical Society. She helps on a committee there. This committee works to support minorities in astronomy.
Ashley Walker's Personal Journey
While in college, Ashley faced a tough time. She lost her father. After his passing, she had a problem with her college financial aid. She was able to get help from others. People donated money to help her finish her studies. This support also helped her attend a summer program at Harvard University.
