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As lavish as it might seem being born into Hollywood royalty, there’s a lot of pressure on the shoulders of nepo babies . Siblings Jaden and Willow Smith know this all to well, as their parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been walking red carpets and causing controversies at award shows for decades. Though they got involved in the entertainment industry as children (Willow’s acting debut was in 2007’s I Am Legend alongside her father), the brother-sister duo has made a point to carve out their own lane instead of following in their parent’s footsteps. While she’s an undeniably talented musician, there’s been talk of Willow Smith’s college plans over the years, suggesting she could take a hiatus from the studio to pursue other fields. The 23-year-old comes from an affluent family, but still, she’s made a name for herself as a singer, actress and visionary. Her first single, “Whip My Hair” blew up in 2010; in 2024, Smith continues to impress on her Empathogen LP, which Vogue...
We love to see Black women make historic achievements! Forbes previously reported that Black Americans represented only 3% in the physics field and 2% in astronomy. And Astrophysicist Miona Short happens to be among those Black individuals who are not truly represented in the STEM field. Back in 2018, she made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s website. The milestone came 100 years after the first Black woman graduated from the university.
We love to see a Black student soar academically! Elijah Precciely, in particular, is a young genius, who at only 14-year-old is on his way to securing his bachelor’s degree. According to WBRZ2, the Baton Rouge, LA native currently attends Southern University, where he’s a junior double majoring in physics and chemical engineering. In 2019, the science wiz — age 11 at the time — became the school’s youngest person to receive a full-ride scholarship. While already balancing two rigorous STEM majors, the full-time student and published author is also juggling his interest in other fields. “He’s able to speak up about his own differences or his own challenges,” said his mother, Pamela Precciely, according to WBRZ2. “Even when it comes to classes, he said he was taking physics and chemical engineering. But he also literally would say, ‘I want to make sure can I get a business class in there.” Although he has multiple achievements under his belt, Precciely is more focused on being a...
Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock has become the first Black woman to win a gold medal from the Institute of Physics, according to the Institute of Physics . An accomplished space scientist and science communicator, Dr. Aderin-Pocock has worked with hundreds of thousands of children to educate them around physics space research and physics engagement. Throughout the years, she has continued to push the conversation around women in science while simultaneously creating access to careers in the field. According to Because of Them We Can (BOTWC) , her accolades include a 2009 New Year Honours, in addition to receiving the member of the order of the British Empire (MBE) award, a Science and Technology Facilities Council Science in Society Fellowship. Dr. Aderin-Pocock is also the author of two popular science books called “Dr. Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System” and “The Sky at Night: book of the Moon – A Guide to Our Closest Neighbour.” Now, she is the recipient of the 2020 William...
LaNell Williams is a doctoral candidate in physics at Harvard University and only the third Black woman to do so at the Ivy League institution, ever. Williams has been a high-achiever her entire life, and Harvard isn’t the first prestigious institution she’s attended. She received an undergraduate degree in physics, from the well-regarded Wesleyan University and then a master’s in physics from the historically-Black Fisk University. However, she didn’t always dream of being a scientist. She grew up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood with a father who had spent his youth as an activist. Her father — who grew up in rural South Carolina — was a journalist/activist and was one of the first Black students admitted to Princeton University. He later got kicked out because of his close friendship with hippies who were involved in race riots in the 70s. Throughout her childhood, Williams felt the pull to continue in her father’s footsteps and fight for her community in social justice...
Elijah Precciely, an 11-year-old college student, is making major waves in Southern University’s physics department. Precciely is beginning his sophomore year at the historically black university this spring, according to WAFB 9. Precciely is no stranger to college courses. Before attending the university, he was home-schooled by his mother and began taking college-level biology, business and physics classes, which is how he earned the credits to qualify as a sophomore. He now majors in physics at Southern and will go down in history as the youngest person to receive a full-ride scholarship from the school.” “This is my environment,” Precciely told WBRZ . “I love to be up here on campus. I love to learn. But what really strikes me is when some people think I’m 15. Either I’m a tall 11-year-old, or a short 15-year-old.” Earlier this year, Precciely’s father told the news station that Elijah is much like other children. “Find that child’s genius… What they like and nurture that,” he...
Magic Johnson has made a six figure pledge to commemorate a trailblazer. On May 9, 2025, Xavier University held a ceremony to commemorate Norman C. Francis, the first Black president of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU), who also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush, notes WWLTV. Francis previously attended the school before pursuing a law degree at Loyola University New Orleans, LA. Upon returning to his alma mater, he wore various hats, beginning as the dean of men, then advancing to director of student personnel services (1963), assistant to the president for student affairs (1964), assistant to the president in charge of development (1965), executive vice president (1967), and president (1968), a position he held for 47 years, the university’s website mentions. On campus, Francis was responsible for the construction behind most of the buildings across four decades. He also helped establish a core curriculum that positioned...
Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most recognizable figures in modern science, known for making complex astrophysical concepts accessible to the public. With a career spanning decades in academia, television, and publishing, Tyson has built a brand that extends beyond traditional science communication. His earnings come from multiple sources, including books, speaking engagements, television appearances, and his role as director of the Hayden Planetarium. But just how much has this made him? Let’s break down his financial journey before revealing his net worth . How Neil deGrasse Tyson Became a Science Icon Tyson’s passion for astrophysics began at an early age. After earning degrees from Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University, he became a leading voice in the field. He gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. His ability to explain complex scientific theories in...
Howard University has received a new distinction. According to Diverse Education, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has earned the Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification — a first for an HBCU. Not to mention, such an accomplishment is shared with fewer than 150 universities across the country. The criteria entails that institutions allocate at least $50 million toward research and development and award a minimum of 70 research doctorates, the Carnegie Classification website states. Howard University surpassed these expectations in fiscal year 2023, allocating just under $85 million in research expenses and awarding 96 doctorates in a variety of fields — the highest number awarded to Black students at any college or university in America, according to Dr. Bruce A. Jones, Howard University’s senior vice president for research. Dr. Robert T. Palmer, the school’s chair and professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, mentioned, “Howard...
University of Houston physics professor Donna Stokes has been recognized for her excellence in the field. For Stokes, her journey in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) dates back to childhood. Her passion and performance in the field led her to Southern University where she was awarded a physics scholarship and obtained a bachelor’s degree in the field by May 1988. “When people ask me how I became a physicist, I always say, a scholarship brought me to physics and my passion for science and math kept me in the field,” she said in a news release shared with AFROTECH™. Stokes furthered her education at the University of Houston obtaining a Master of Science (1995) and a Ph.D. in physics (1988). She then exemplified her commitment towards the field, wearing several hats over the years within the Department of Physics and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ (NSM), serving as an physics faculty undergraduate academic adviser and associate dean of...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Since the release of ChatGPT two years ago, everyone has been talking about how artificial intelligence would change the world. Whether it was getting any answer you needed at the drop of a hat or creating any image or video you wanted just by describing it, the hours and money that would have gone into either are no longer an issue because AI does all the work on your behalf. When techies discuss the work AI could help someone do, they always focus on those in white-collar jobs, assisting them in searching or summarizing vast amounts of unstructured data to provide the insights they need or the creations they want. That may explain why many AI companies target the same use cases and markets. However, I believe the power of AI doesn’t just lie in reimagining how we experience our digital and physical worlds. After the pandemic, a term was coined : “ revenge spending” — essentially, people getting...
Climbing his way into first place of today’s billionaires , South African-born Elon Musk is making headlines for his political affiliations as much as his business decisions. Two of his most well-known are Musk’s purchase of Twitter (X) in 2022 and founding of artificial intelligence startup xAI in 2023. Since the November presidential election, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has become even richer, by 77% , than he was last year. Selling shares of Space X garnered the surpassing of his own record-setting wealth amount now making him worth more than Costco . Wondering how much that is exactly? Here’s what we know about Elon Musk’s net worth. Who Is Elon Musk? Allison Robbert-Pool / Getty Images Elon Musk received bachelor’s degrees in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In 1995, he moved to California to pursue a master’s degree in physics from Stanford University. He would leave, after only two days in the program, as he was certain that the...
A degree in engineering opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities across numerous industries. Whether you’re interested in designing innovative technology, improving infrastructure, or working in sustainable energy, an engineering degree equips you with the technical skills and problem-solving abilities necessary to succeed in today’s job market. Let’s explore some of the most popular jobs you can get with an engineering degree. Mechanical Engineer Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile fields within engineering. As a mechanical engineer, you could design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, including engines, machines, and tools. Mechanical engineers work in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. If you enjoy working with physical systems and solving complex mechanical problems, this might be the path for you. Civil Engineer Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure...
Dr. Tiara Moore has created a community for Black marine scientists. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, and at 18 months, she and her grandmother moved to South Carolina after her mother was sent to spend time behind bars. “She moved us to get us basically out of harm’s way,” Dr. Moore explained to AFROTECH™. Dr. Moore grew up with her grandmother’s children in a modest household. She spent some of her days reading various books, nurturing her interest in education. She also credits “The Cosby Show” with inspiring her to become a doctor. Interest In Marine Biology And Environmental Science Dr. Moore attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, on a full-ride scholarship and majored in biology with the goal of becoming a pre-med student. However, the reality of being a doctor working in a standard practice settled in, and she decided to pivot to marine and environmental science. “I realized, probably not even a year or two in, that I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t really like the...
South Carolina State University (SC State) has received funding to support research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to WCIV-4 News, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received $8 million, which will go toward education and research within its College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) workforce development. “I thank Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly for supporting this visionary milestone in the development of SC State and our partners in this critical endeavor,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said, per WCIV-4 News. Elbert R. Malone, SC State associate provost for research and sponsored programs, added: “These funds will be transformational to the STEM-T College because it will provide an opportunity to build a robust research infrastructure that will allow the university to compete in the research arena on...