About The Team
Dr. Shari Watkins, Principal Investigator
Dr. Shari Earnest Watkins is a Senior Research Fellow, for the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning at American University. Dr. Watkins received her Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Delaware. Dr. Watkins’ research focuses on increasing the Science and Engineering (S&E) career attainment for K-20 students who have been historically underrepresented and marginalized in S&E through scholarship that focuses on equity and inclusion. Dr. Watkins also focuses on scientists of color, science teacher education, informal science learning and professional development for K-12 science teachers. Dr. Watkins is an active member of her science education community, and serves as the Secretary of Continental and Diasporic Africa in Science Education (CADASE) a research interest group, (RIG) of NARST, a worldwide organization devoted to improving science learning and teaching through research.
Dr. Brian McGowan, Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Brian McGowan is a Provost Associate Professor of Education and Associate Director in the Center for Teaching, Research, & Learning at American University. His research program has two strands: 1.) Black college men’s experiences navigating postsecondary environments across multiple education contexts and 2.) Black faculty experiences in the college classroom. Dr. McGowan’s scholarship, teaching, and professional practice have been praised through awards and honors from multiple professional associations and higher education institutions. He has published 2 books and over 30 scholarly peer-reviewed publications. Dr. McGowan has delivered over 70 presentations and invited talks at colleges and universities, research and evaluation organizations, and professional conferences. Dr. McGowan received his Ph.D. in higher education from Indiana University, M.A. in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University, and B.M. in music education from Old Dominion University.
Dr. Martinique Sealy, Postdoctoral Researcher
Martinique is a Post-doctoral Researcher for the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning at American University. She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She is the American Psychological Association Division 15 Early Career Educational Psychologist (ECEP) Committee, Co-Chair (2023-2026). She was the American Educational Research Association Division C Graduate Student, Co-Chair (2021-2023). She is a VCU Holmes Scholar alumni. Her current research focuses on students’ funds of knowledge [specifically identity, culture, and language] and creating asset-based classroom contexts to foster Black and other historically marginalized students’ academic achievement. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters of Arts degree in Special Education.
Jamese Carrell, Project Manager
Jamese serves as the project manager for American University’s (AU) Black epiSTEMologies research team. In this role she provides thought leadership and administrative support to the larger team. In addition to supporting the AU Black epiSTEMologies team, she also works at a national nonprofit in Washington, DC, where her work focuses on administering scholarships, internship placement and facilitating professional development and career services to students from marginalized backgrounds. Jamese earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Western Illinois University and master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration from Indiana State University. Jamese believes that her success is two-fold, “hard work and heart work”.
Jess Edwards, Graduate Research Assistant
Jess is the Graduate Research Assistant of American University’s Black epiSTEMologies research team. At American University, they serve as the Assistant Director of Student Academic Services and work at the intersections of academic and faculty support. Their role primarily oversees, manages, and develops the Student Academic Services academic support programs and professional and student staff. In addition to their professional role, Jess is a doctoral student at American University in the Education Policy and Leadership program, pursuing research to develop equitable mentoring pathways for Black and other underrepresented students in STEM.
Gelila Ermias, Undergraduate Student Advisory Board
Gelila is a third-year student majoring in Public Health within the College of Arts & Sciences. Currently, she serves as an advisor on American University’s Black epiSTEMologies research team and is also a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, where she actively works towards fostering better communication between American University’s student body and administration. Additionally, she holds a role as a Resident Assistant (RA) on campus. On her academic path, Gelila is pursuing the pre-law track with aspirations to obtain a JD/MBA post-undergrad. She is enthusiastic about her involvement on this board, where she aims to enhance her understanding of the relationship between black students and STEM.
Daud Gantt-Bey, Research Graduate Assistant
Daud Gantt-Bey is a graduate student attending American University where he’s pursuing his masters in Sports Analytics and Management. He serves as a Graduate Research Assistant for American University’s Black EpiSTEMologies research team. After graduation, Daud hopes to venture into the world of advertising and partnerships, creating effective storytelling in the sports world and communicating with people of different cultures and backgrounds. From this project, he hopes to explore the world of STEM, developing students’ stories on why they joined the space and their aspirations within the space.
Ihsan Hawkins, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ihsan Hawkins is currently majoring in Physics while minoring in Chinese language. Ihsan is an Undergraduate Research Assistant on American University’s Black epiSTEMologies research team. This research is focused on highlighting and increasing underrepresented and marginalized students who are undergraduates and major in subjects relating to either Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) or a combination of the four. Ihsan is looking to further his career when it comes to waves, acoustics, and optics but is also open to gaining more experience in more general physics and engineering subjects. Ihsan is a former member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), giving him the opportunity to learn from and work with other scientists of color. His experience in NSBE has given him the opportunity to give back to his community through teaching, mentoring, and other forms of service.
Zaki Hawkins, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Zaki is a third-year Physics major and Chinese Language minor. He is an Undergraduate Research Assistant for American University’s Black epiSTEMologies research team. Zaki is pursuing education in Heliophysics and Astrophysics, as well as taking classes that will possibly help him pursue a mechanical engineering career. Zaki’s research currently focuses on studying Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and other stellar phenomena, in addition to expanding his knowledge of Chinese language and culture in his spare time. As a former student and member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Zaki has had experience collaborating with scientists and engineers of color, and continues to interact with people of color throughout the STEM community. He also continues to be an active member in his community, volunteering with the American Aid of Humanity, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the educational pursuits of underprivileged students.
Team Alum
Morgan Scott, Undergraduate Student Advisory Board (2023-2024)
Morgan Scott graduated in May 2024 from American University with an Honor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in biology. She served as an undergraduate student advisor on American University’s Black epiSTEMologies research team. Throughout her academic career, Morgan worked on a wide array of research projects spanning different disciplines. Her introduction to research began as a CIRCUIT fellow at Johns Hopkins University.