Ciara Sivels Makes History as First African-American Woman to Earn PhD in Nuclear Engineering at University of Michigan
During her time at the University of Michigan, Ciara Sivels not only excelled academically but also founded the organization "Women in Nuclear Engineering in Radiological Science." This initiative aimed to expose more Black women to the realm of STEM, emphasizing the importance of representation and exposure in facilitating smoother paths for aspiring individuals.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a groundbreaking achievement, 27-year-old Ciara Sivels has etched her name in history as the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the prestigious University of Michigan in the United States.
Hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, Ciara embarked on her academic journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree before pursuing her groundbreaking Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.
Reflecting on her educational journey, Ciara mentioned her initial interest in culinary arts during high school. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a teacher recognized her aptitude and encouraged her to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In an interview with Huffington Post, she recalled, “I remember the teacher from that class saying, ‘Oh, you’re really smart, you should think about doing something other than culinary.”
During her time at the University of Michigan, Ciara Sivels not only excelled academically but also founded the organization "Women in Nuclear Engineering in Radiological Science." This initiative aimed to expose more Black women to the realm of STEM, emphasizing the importance of representation and exposure in facilitating smoother paths for aspiring individuals.
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In 2019, Ciara Sivels received the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science IF/THEN Ambassadors award, recognizing her significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This award serves as part of an outreach initiative to encourage the representation of women in STEM fields.
Her remarkable accomplishment includes being one of only three black women completing her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan, marking a transformative moment in the institution's history. The University's Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Department acknowledged her achievement on their Twitter handle.
Ciara Sivels' historic achievement not only celebrates her academic prowess but also underscores the importance of representation and exposure in paving the way for future generations in STEM fields.
