Black faculty E-Book

Salaado Qasim

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 111

Beschreibung

In this book, we celebrate the contributions of Black scholars and educators to the academic world, highlighting their achievements and excellence in various fields. Throughout history, Black academics have faced significant challenges and obstacles in pursuing their academic careers. Despite this, they have persevered and overcome these challenges, significantly contributing to their fields and paving the way for future generations. Black scholars and educators have brought diverse perspectives and experiences to academia through their research, teaching, and community engagement. They have challenged conventional wisdom, brought fresh ideas, and broadened the scope of academic discourse. They have enriched the academic world with their innovative research, ideas, and thought-provoking insights. We highlight the diversity and richness of Black faculty members’ contributions to Finnish academia, featuring the achievements of scholars from various disciplines. From ground-breaking research to influential teaching, from activism to community service, the contributions of Black faculty members have been vital to shaping the intellectual landscape and promoting social justice in Finnish academia.

Leseprobe

The Black Faculty

In this book, we celebrate the contributions of Black scholars and educators to the academic world, highlighting their achievements and excellence in various fields. Throughout history, Black academics have faced significant challenges and obstacles in pursuing their academic careers. Despite this, they have persevered and overcome these challenges, significantly contributing to their fields and paving the way for future generations.

Black scholars and educators have brought diverse perspectives and experiences to academia through their research, teaching, and community engagement. They have challenged conventional wisdom, brought fresh ideas, and broadened the scope of academic discourse. They have enriched the academic world with their innovative research, ideas, and thought-provoking insights.

We highlight the diversity and richness of Black faculty members’ contributions to Finnish academia, featuring the achievements of scholars from various disciplines. From ground-breaking research to influential teaching, from activism to community service, the contributions of Black faculty members have been vital to shaping the intellectual landscape and promoting social justice in Finnish academia.

The need for Black academics’ representation in Finnish universities is just as important as it is in any part of the world. While Finland is often praised for its progressiveness and commitment to social equality, it is not immune to issues of racism, discrimination, and exclusion. Black academics bring valuable perspectives and experiences to academic discourse and can serve as role models for Black students in Nordic universities. Their representation can also help to address the underrepresentation of Black scholars in Finnish academia and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse campus culture. Furthermore, a diverse faculty can enhance the quality of research and education by bringing different viewpoints, experiences, and methods of academic work.

Our goal is to celebrate scholarly achievements and highlight academic journeys made by many in our community so that they do not go unnoticed. It also seeks to create an inspirational platform for young people interested in higher education. With the major aim of honouring Black academics in Finnish institutions, the book will provide guidance on building a successful academic career.

We hope these stories inspire readers to appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in Finnish academia and to recognise the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. We hope that it also serves as a reminder of the significant contributions of Black scholars to the academic world and the importance of celebrating their excellence.

Salaado Qasim, Faisa Qasim & Priscilla Osei

Contents

Adefunke O. Koyejo

Azimatu Fangnon

Emeline Banzuzi

Elizabeth Agbor Eta

Eric Komla Fangnon

Eugene Frimpong

Evelyn Ansah Karkkulainen

Frank Ojwang

Leonardo Custódio

Linda Omodara

Natalia Moreira

Emma Tamankag

James Kutu Obeng

Perpetual Crentsil

Sampson Tetteh

Alice Amegah

Editors:

Adefunke O. Koyejo

My name is Adefunke and I was born in Nigeria. I am a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Turku (UTU). I obtained my undergraduate degree in Industrial Chemistry from Osun State University in Osogbo, Nigeria and my Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu. At the start of my career, I worked as a high school teacher. This was followed by posts of operation supervisor, quality control chemist, marketing executive and project researcher in several manufacturing industries across Nigeria and Finland.

With a passion for learning and an interest in making an impact, I began my doctoral journey in 2018. My research has been supported by the Department of Chemistry, UTU, the Real Estate Foundation, Turku, the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS), Business Finland, and the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation. In my research, I explore several areas, including the synthesis and characterisation of functional and hybrid materials, polymers and their composites, electrocatalysts, semiconductor materials, and other nanomaterials applicable for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. My work largely tackles one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 – climate action).

Since beginning my doctoral research, I have made scholarly contributions to my field in peer-reviewed research papers and shared my expertise at national and international conferences and workshops. I have also co-supervised a few master’s thesis projects. Currently, I am a reviewer for several journals in the field of chemistry.

My journey has been quite straightforward. I have always been curious and am unsure whether I chose chemistry or whether chemistry chose me. As a young child, I was more interested in learning how things worked, and to me, the laboratory is a bit like a kitchen. I love cooking, and the closest thing to a kitchen at school was the chemistry lab, so my love for chemistry came naturally from there. Coming from a background in which my parents were accountants, I lacked role models in academia. But since my parents were educated, they supported and encouraged me to believe in myself and be anything I wanted. I believe that inspiration comes from God; I can do nothing on my own, but with God, endless possibilities open up. My support system has been God, my family and a few friends who understand the travails of the academic journey. In an era where representation matters, I see myself as an ambassador for women of colour in STEM. Furthermore, I see myself as an advocate for mentoring girls and changing the narrative of girls’ participation in STEM subjects.

Outside my career and besides my love of food, I enjoy travelling, which provides an opportunity for me to meet new people and learn about new cultures. I love flexing my electrochemical muscles with cycling and swimming. Recently I have discovered a new love, skating. I am fortunate enough to work in the city of Turku with an international and diverse research group that also enjoys and encourages these outdoor activities.

Having gone through, or still going through, the academic career path, I know the challenges that academics face. The academic journey can be isolating, and no one can really prepare you for it. It is a huge sacrifice and a huge commitment. Be prepared to be misunderstood by people who haven’t experienced it first-hand. If you are a woman of colour, be prepared to be really misunderstood. Pursuing a PhD is difficult enough, which means it is important to find a community of friends (within the academic and non-academic environment) to keep you balanced. My advice to incoming academics is not to be afraid to reach out to other PhDs, to ask questions, and seek mentorship; life is easier when you have people around you that understand your struggle. Don’t let imposter syndrome get the better of you, and most importantly, don’t ignore your mental health. Some universities, like UTU, offer mental health awareness talks for their researchers. Don’t strong black man/woman your way into depression. There is no shame in it, and there isn’t a single academic who hasn’t been through an episode or two. The journey might be isolating, but you’re not alone. Reach out!

My notes

Azimatu Fangnon

My name is Azimatu Fangnon. I work as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University. My primary research is focused on electronic structure calculation of materials. In my current research, I aim to investigate electronic stopping in bulk and charged silicon for applications in nuclear engineering. Growing up, I had a profound interest in law and dreamt of becoming a lawyer. I also loved writing short stories. Despite my passion for law and writing, my curiosity to understand what is going on around me led to my developing an interest in science and mathematics. I studied science at high school and went on to pursue Physical Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics) with a major in Physics at the University of Ghana.

After my Bachelor’s degree, I pursued my Master’s at the same university, studying the electronic and optical properties of functional materials, mainly semiconductors. During my Master’s studies at the University of Ghana, I combined both experimental and computational methods to study the electronic and optical properties of some selected transition metals. My studies at the University of Ghana, was successful thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Martin Egblewogbe and Dr. Amos Kuditcher as well as the entire teaching and technical staff of the Department of Physics.

Upon the successful completion of my Masters thesis, I joined a research group in Paris (École Polytechnique) for a three-month internship to advance my understanding of computational methods for electronic structure calculations. At the École Polytechnique, I studied the basics of electronic structure theory and computational methods under the mentorship of Dr. Matteo Gatti and Dr. Andrea Marino, which paved the way for my PhD studies at Aalto University. In my PhD, I investigated the electronic structural properties of perovskites, an emerging solar cell material.

The academic path comes with several challenges, especially for a female from the northern part of Ghana, where women have little to no encouragement to pursue higher education. However, my journey was somehow facilitated by support from my parents . From a tender age, my father recognised my interest in ‘books’ and formal education. He encouraged me to pursue my dreams to the fullest. After my father’s death, my mother took up the mantle and supported me throughout my education. I did not have role models in my immediate family or vicinity whilst growing up. As I stated earlier, I was lucky to come across “good” teachers, lectures and professors who encouraged and mentored me towards my goals. To this end, I wish to extend my gratitude to Dr. Martin Egblewogbe, Dr. Emos Kuditcher, Dr. Matteo Gatti and Dr. Andrea Marino.

From my experience, I would say academia is a good fit for self-growth and development. Even though we are not allowed to publish ‘wrong’ results, in our quest to find the right answers, we encounter many difficulties that serve as avenues for deeper learning and understanding of the questions at hand. If one is looking for a balance between work and family life, I would say that academia is the best fit. Additionally, in academia, one has the flexibility to explore and learn new methods without the high demand for results, as is common in the industry. Despite all these pros, there is no job security in academia. Having a PhD is not enough to secure a permanent job position. One is required to complete several postdocs with mobility before being qualified for the highly competitive post of professor.

If I were to be given the opportunity to go back in time and be a child again, I would love to have the chance to explore science from a more practical perspective, dismantling and assembling gadgets and applying the basic principles of physics in practice. To advance my academic career, I would obtain a PhD in my early 20s (if possible) to give me ample time for several post-doctorates, reaching the level of professor in my early 30s. My primary tip for a young person interested in an academic career would be to give your all in everything you do. Secondly, to ensure job security, focus on new emerging technologies to enable less competition as you advance. Finally, becoming a professor is highly competitive and having a PhD is just not enough.

As part of my academic achievements, I was awarded grants by the Vilho, Yrjö and Kalle Väisälä Fund for the entire duration of my PhD studies. My three-month internship at the École Polytechnique was also funded by the Theoretical Spectroscopy group. In support of my Master’s studies, I was awarded a grant by the UG-Carnegie Next Generation of Academics in Africa.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope my story inspires someone to venture into STEM and academia.

My notes

Emeline Banzuzi

Iam Emeline Banzuzi, a Finnish-Congolese PhD researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Legal Tech Lab and the Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria). My research focuses on non-discrimination and data protection in the context of smart city policing (including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for public security). I hold a Master’s degree (LL.M.) in International Technology Law from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam, both in the Netherlands.

Opting for an academic career was a somewhat spontaneous decision for me, yet one based on a long-term personal objective. I had recently started my career as a privacy & data protection consultant and was planning to stay on that path for a while. But then, I grew increasingly curious about other, wider domains of the law and technology discourse. Engaging with the literature of Black academics addressing the potentially discriminatory nature of technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (e.g. Browne, 2015; Buolamwini & Gebru, 2018; Benjamin, 2019; Noble, 2018), I felt that solely focusing on data protection was not enough for me. Zooming out was necessary; addressing the legal and societal implications of novel technologies requires examination through an overarching human rights lens (including the right to data protection, but importantly, also other rights, such as the right to non-discrimination).