“The Untapped Genius That Could Change Science for the Better”: A Summary

Jedidah Isler’s TED talk “The Untapped Genius That Could Change Science for the Better” argues that those who exist at intersections of race and gender are best fit to explore intersections of scientific research. Delivered in August of 2015, Isler begins by discussing the importance of intersectionality, arguing that intersectionality provides a different sense of “...freedom in that in-between, freedom to create from the indefiniteness of not-quite-here, not-quite-there, a new self-definition” (00:00:32-00:00:43). Therefore, she claims, those whose identity is also a type of intersectionality would be best fit to explore liminal disciplines, such as STEM, since “STEM itself is an intersectional term” (00:07:29-00:07:33). 

With this, Isler highlights that women of color in STEM do not face the same obstacles of only women or only people of color. To illustrate this, Isler provides three examples of women of color who not only overcome their struggles but also excelled in STEM, starting with herself. Through her experience with intersectionality, she learned to navigate the liminal space between her aspirations and reality, ultimately becoming the first black woman to earn a PhD in astrophysics from Yale in its 312-year history. Dr. Claudia Alexander, who led NASA's Rosetta mission, used her bicultural experience for bold exploration, and finally Jessica Matthews, inventor of the SOCCKET line of sports products, which generate renewable energy, explains that a “..major part of invention isn't just creating things, it's understanding people and understanding the systems that make this world” (00:10:57-00:11:10). 

Through these highlighted women, Isler demonstrates how their liminal identities contribute to their differing successes. She closes by mentioning her purpose is twofold. First, to call for every woman or girl who finds themselves in the liminal space between of race and gender, urging them to be anything they want to be and use their intersectionality to their advantage. Second, that the most pressing issues of our time exist within STEM, a liminal discipline. Therefore, there is no one better to explore these issues than those who not only exist, but thrive in liminal spaces of identity. However, systematic challenges often prevent this from happening. For the better of society, equal opportunity and inclusion of perspectives of those with intersectional identities, will aid in reaching our full collective genius.