Black Nerds Matter

ALIVE Podcast Network

Hosted by Deidric Davis. An interview style podcast where guests of different backgrounds will describe their experiences and interests in the world of science.

  1. Black Nerds Matter: Cam Mosley

    EPISODE 1

    Black Nerds Matter: Cam Mosley

    Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we're honored to host Dr. Cam Mosley, a fisheries ecologist and National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota. Growing up along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Dr. Mosley developed a deep connection to the natural world, sparking their passion for environmental science. With a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and undergraduate degrees from Emory University, Dr. Mosley's journey is one of perseverance, discovery, and trailblazing.

    1h 4m
  2. Family, Journalism & Nerdy Curiosity with Emmy-Winner: Ken Houston

    EPISODE 1

    Family, Journalism & Nerdy Curiosity with Emmy-Winner: Ken Houston

    In this special episode of Black Nerds Matter, were joined by someone whos not only an award-winning journalist but also family. Ken Houston, Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning anchor of Good Morning Connecticut on WTNH News 8, sits down with Deidric to talk about his powerful journey through journalismfrom growing up in Kansas City to becoming a trusted face in broadcast news. Ken shares the stories behind his most impactful reporting, the meaning behind his major accolades, and how family has shaped his approach to storytelling. But beyond the newsroom, we dive into the things that make Ken a true nerd at hearthis love of learning, unexpected passions, and what it means to embrace curiosity in a world that doesnt always reward it. From favorite nerdy movies and books to professional wisdom for the next generation of storytellers, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and heart. Plus, Deidric and Ken swap notes on life in L.A., hidden gems like The Shack, and why embracing your inner nerd might just be your biggest superpower. Whether youre chasing a dream, finding your voice, or just love good storytellingthis ones for you.

    1h 2m
  3. Black Nerds Matter: Stanton Belford

    EPISODE 2

    Black Nerds Matter: Stanton Belford

    Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we're honored to host Dr. Stanton Belford, a professor of biology at Tennessee Southern in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Belford brings his Caribbean roots into his groundbreaking work in plant molecular biology, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. He's also a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, serving as a board member for Black in Marine Science (BIMS), where he amplifies Black voices in marine and environmental sciences.

    1h 1m
  4. Mapping the Deep with Dr. Dawn Wright: Ocean Exploration, Black Excellence, and the Power of Nerdiness

    EPISODE 2

    Mapping the Deep with Dr. Dawn Wright: Ocean Exploration, Black Excellence, and the Power of Nerdiness

    Today on Black Nerds Matter, were honored to welcome the legendary Dr. Dawn Wright. She is a marine geologist, deep-sea explorer, and Chief Scientist at Esri. Affectionately known as Deep Sea Dawn, she holds a long list of groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first Black woman to dive to the ocean floor and the first Black person to reach Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth. We dive into her remarkable career journey from over 20 oceanographic expeditions to shaping the future of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for climate and conservation. Dr. Wright shares insights from her new book Mapping the Deep, reflects on being a role model for Black scientists, and reveals what fuels her passion for both science and storytelling. This episode is a celebration of brilliance, curiosity, and blazing trails in STEM.

    54 min
  5. Black Nerds Matter: Alex Davis

    EPISODE 3

    Black Nerds Matter: Alex Davis

    Welcome to Black Nerds Matter! Today, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Alex Davis, a marine scientist from California State University, Northridge, whose dedication to advancing diversity and accessibility in STEM is reshaping the field. Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Davis brings a unique perspective to marine science, blending her passions for water polo, lifeguarding, diving, and science fiction. She's an active member of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS) and an advocate for neurodivergent and disabled scientists, working to make fieldwork more inclusive for all.

    1h 30m
  6. Bridging the Gulf: Dr. Kailani Acosta on Phytoplankton, Justice, and Changing the Face of Ocean Science

    EPISODE 3

    Bridging the Gulf: Dr. Kailani Acosta on Phytoplankton, Justice, and Changing the Face of Ocean Science

    On todays episode of Black Nerds Matter, were honored to sit down with Dr. Kailani Acosta. She is a biological oceanographer, science communicator, and a powerful voice for equity in STEM. Kailani currently serves as the Science Program Associate at OceanX, helping to drive innovative ocean exploration and research. She earned her Ph.D. in 2024 from Columbia University, where she studied nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton communities in the Gulf of Mexico, an area with deep environmental and cultural significance. But Kailanis work doesnt stop at the science. Shes the founder of Columbias Seminar Diversity Initiative, co-author of published best practices for building DEI task forces, and the creative force behind Bridging the Gulf, a science-art exhibit connecting 100-million-year-old plankton, Black Belt soil, and Southern cultural identity. As an Early Career Liaison for the UN Ocean Decade, shes helping shape the next era of global ocean sustainability. In this conversation, we explore how science and storytelling intersect, how DEI work can reshape institutions, and how shes making waves from the lab to the ocean floor to the art gallery. And we definitely didn't ask her what it was like having a bunch of college kids on her boat this summer....

    55 min
  7. Sharks, Storytelling & Sisterhood: Chanté Davis on Rewriting the Narrative in Ocean Science

    EPISODE 3

    Sharks, Storytelling & Sisterhood: Chanté Davis on Rewriting the Narrative in Ocean Science

    Today on Black Nerds Matter, were diving deep with Chant Davisa powerhouse marine science student, climate justice advocate, and shark conservationist whos already making serious waves in the world of ocean advocacy. Currently an undergrad at Duke University, Chant is majoring in marine science and conservation and minoring in journalism, arts, and media. At just 17, she organized a 400-mile Gulf South climate march from New Orleans to Houston, and she hasnt slowed down since. From features in Teen Vogue to documentaries like To the End and Changemakers alongside Ted Danson, Chants voice has become a beacon for youth-led, BIPOC-centered conservation efforts. In this episode, we unpack her love for sharks, the powerful parallels she draws between their media portrayal and that of Black women, and how shes creating more equitable pathways in marine science. We also talk campus leadership, creative storytelling, and how Chant balances it all with grace, fire, and plenty of nerd energy.

    1 hr
  8. Black Nerds Matter: D'Karia Bascom

    EPISODE 4

    Black Nerds Matter: D'Karia Bascom

    we're excited to feature D'Karia Bascom, a senior at North Carolina A&T majoring in laboratory animal science and an emerging scientist with a passion for marine biology.

    1h 1m
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Hosted by Deidric Davis. An interview style podcast where guests of different backgrounds will describe their experiences and interests in the world of science.

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