For the
of science and justice
Do not think for one minute that because you are who you are, you cannot be who you imagine yourself to be.
—Jedidah Isler
Dr. Jedidah Isler is an astrophysicist, educator, futurist, policy-maker, and strategist dedicated to using science and technology as a tool for social justice. A proud double-HBCU graduate (NSU & Fisk!), she became the first African American woman to complete her Ph.D. in astrophysics at Yale University. She continued her award-winning research on hyperactive supermassive black holes on the faculty at Dartmouth College before turning her attention to science policy and joining the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP).
She has worked extensively with schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and planetariums across the country to inspire and advance a more equitable future where anyone can participate in, contribute to, and benefit from science and technology. She lives in the DMV with her amazing family.
Jedidah Isler, PhD
At OSTP, she was Principal Assistant Director, where she served as the interim deputy director for the Science & Society division. There she helped advance numerous science & technology policy initiatives, including equitable engagement, STEM education, open science, research security, and R&D infrastructure.
She is also the founder and former executive director of the STEM en Route to Change (SeRCH) Foundation, Inc., whose signature program, VanguardSTEM, is thriving with a new generation of women of color scientists and leaders.
She is a nationally recognized public speaker whose work has appeared on numerous radio and television programs including NPR’s All Things Considered and TED Radio Hour, the Science Channel’s How the Universe Works, National Geographic’s feature miniseries MARS, and Crooked Media’s Pod Save the People.
ASTC 2023 Annual Conference Plenary
—Oprah Winfrey
“Success is, liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
-Maya Angelou
Science Policy & Strategy
Science and technology have tremendous potential to change the world for good -- and not just that -- to be used as a critical tool for social justice. I was drawn to science policy because of the scale of impact it can have on our lived experiences in this increasingly technological world. Having spent time working at the White House for the Biden-Harris Administration, I am completely convinced that we cannot do the best for the most marginalized in our society without equitably wielding both scientific/technical knowledge and policies that are informed by them.
Speaking & Engagement
Ella Baker's quote about having something to pass on is one of my favorites to live out. From my time as a student at 2 HBCUs (NSU & Fisk!), a graduate student at an Ivy league institution, former Ivy league professor, non-profit founder/CEO, creator, and science policy advisor, I've learned a lot that I feel honored to share with my community. I've spoken all over the country and internationally, and look forward to continuing to engage directly with other curious and driven minds wherever they may be.
Astrophysics & Research
Space is my first love -- specifically black holes. I have always been completely enthralled with the night sky. I spent nearly a decade doing active research as an aspiring and then professional astrophysicist. My area of expertise is in high energy observational astrophysics. I studied blazars, which are supermassive black holes that are able to spin up powerful streams of particles that are moving at 99.999% of the speed of light.
"If there is any philosophy, it's that those who have walked a certain path should know some things, should remember some things that they can pass on, that others can use the path to walk a little better."
— Ella Baker
I’m very serious about taking my experience across a wide variety of domains, including astrophysical research, higher education and academia, non-profit leadership, grassroots program development, science policy, equity/justice/belonging and science communication to build the world I want to live in.
If you’d like to explore having me help your organization envision a brighter, more equitable science & technology future, contact me here.
I am constantly buoyed with hope for the future, in part because of the conversations I have with folx across all walks of life. Whether it’s a deep-dive into supermassive black holes, or a reframe on how we think about how science, technology, and innovation can be used as a tool for social justice, the answers we need are found when we come together to think and imagine a different and better future for us all. This is why I continue to enthusiastically accept speaking invitations and remain in conversation with some of the best and brightest (and sometimes overlooked!) minds in this world.
If you’d like to explore having me come to your event and speak on topics within my areas of expertise, contact me here.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.”
— Harriet Tubman
Black History Month: Celebrating African American Scientists
Exploration Place, in collaboration with The Kansas African American Museum, is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the contributions of a different scientist each week with an outdoor display.
Rising star in astronomy: Jedidah Isler
These days, Jedidah Isler doesn’t have much time to research blazars — supermassive black holes devouring material in distant galaxies — though she’s still interested in how they produce their jets.
ABC News and Nat Geo Partner to Produce 2-Hour Live Special ‘Eclipse Across America’ on April 8
ABC News and Nat Geo will cover next month’s total solar eclipse via a live two-hour special on Monday, April 8, that will run across several Disney linear and streaming outlets.
Are you interested in booking a speaking engagement or do you have specific consulting needs? Get in touch via the speaking or consulting requests.
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I would love to connect with you!