History-making nuclear scientist, FAMU grad to deliver summer commencement speech

This past year, Florida A&M University alumna Mareena Robinson Snowden, Ph.D., made national headlines after she became the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in nuclear science and engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

On August 3, Robinson Snowden will return to the “Hill” to share her history-making journey with approximately 400 graduates during the University’s summer commencement exercise, which will take place at 6 p.m., at the Alfred L. Lawson Jr., Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, located at 1800 Wahnish Way.

Her doctoral research at MIT focused on the detection of passive warhead signatures via a verification tool that could be used to support the U.S. in future nuclear arms reduction agreements. Warheads are explosive or lethal materials that are dispensed by a missile, rocket, torpedo, etc. Signatures are detectable, tangible properties that are helpful in determining if an item is a nuclear warhead or is a component of a warhead.

Currently, Robinson Snowden works as the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. Her research interests include nuclear arms control verification, nonproliferation and modernization issues.

Robinson Snowden’s impact in STEM and inspirational role in promoting diversity in science on behalf of women, minorities and youth, have been highlighted by such international platforms as MARVEL Comics, CNBC, ESSENCE Magazine, NewsOne, Yahoo!, The Root and Blavity. Robinson Snowden was awarded the MIT Graduate Woman of Excellence Award in 2015, as well as the MIT Community Excellence Award in 2016 for her leadership and dedication to equity.

In 2012, she was awarded the National Nuclear Security Administration Stockpile Stewardship Graduate Fellowship, a four-year fellowship that supported her graduate work in the Laboratory for Nuclear Security.

Robinson Snowden received her bachelor’s degree in physics from FAMU in 2011 and graduated with a 3.8 GPA.

While a FAMU student, her impact in STEM could be seen early on, according to Charles Weatherford, Ph.D., interim Title III executive director and physics professor.

“Dr. Robinson Snowden was an excellent student and a student leader in the physics department,” he said. “Her motivation to succeed was evident from the start. She worked very hard and the physics faculty was certain she would accomplish much. She has already done so, but she is just beginning. We anticipate more great things from her.”