Sibrina Speaks

I was devastated when I learned about the passing of my longtime research collaborator, Dr. William "Bill" Connick, Jr. on April 22, 2018. Bill was an amazing inorganic chemist, friend and mentor. More importantly, he was truly my "brother in inorganic chemistry." Academia can be a really difficult place to navigate for tenure-track faculty, and I certainly had my share of challenges. Bill was my staunch supporter and cheerleader when I needed it most. Although it is very important to have mentors and advocates at your own academic institution, I highly recommend that tenure-track faculty find mentors and advocates outside of their home institutions as well. External mentors can provide you with additional guidance and offer a different perspective on various matters. Furthermore, external mentors can serve as a sounding board for new research ideas and managing students. Bill served that important role for me.  I first met Bill several years ago while attendin...

This has been an amazing second year as the Executive Director of LTU's Marburger STEM Center located in Southfield, Michigan. There are so many proud STEM-ing moments and milestones working with great LTU colleagues this year. I just wanted to share a few fun highlights for the second year. Published Book Chapters I authored two book chapters during my second year! The first book chapter is entitled, " Critical Mass Takes Courage: Diversity in the Chemical Sciences ," which was published in Diversity in the Scientific Community Volume 2: Perspectives and Exemplary Programs (ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 1256) . This book chapter is a collection of selected stories about some amazing chemists including a tribute to my friend and colleague, the late Dr. Melissa Schultz.  Secondly, I authored a chapter entitled "Life After Tenure Denial in Academia: A Success Story," in the forth coming book  African American Women Chemists in the Modern Era  authored by Jea...