Cynthia Chapple, founder of Black Girls Do STEM, will give a presentation at Missouri S&T at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in Leach Theatre. Come early and enjoy light refreshments at a reception starting at 6 p.m. in the theater’s lobby. Chapple will present a 25-minute talk followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Jessica Cundiff, associate professor of psychological science.
Chapple’s St. Louis-based organization, Black Girls Do STEM, offers middle and high school Black girls a hands-on way to explore career pathways in STEM fields. As reported in a story aired by St. Louis Public Radio in 2021, Chapple’s organization was born following a social media campaign to highlight contributions of Black women in science and math.
“I am delighted to welcome Cynthia Chapple to campus,” says Dr. Nicole Arleane Roberson, vice chancellor of diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer at Missouri S&T. “Cynthia understands that representation is important and is working to change the face of STEM fields. She has forged her own path into STEM and is doing vital work to encourage young women to become the professionals and leaders of tomorrow in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Chapple holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis and a master’s degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to starting Black Girls Do STEM, she worked as a research and development chemist in manufacturing. She has been a member of the American Chemical Society and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.