Word to the Wise | Kendra Coronado

by Anna De Cheke Qualls

As an aspiring chemist and biracial woman, Kendra Coronado never saw any scientists who looked like her. Through her journey, she hopes to inspire black and brown students to pursue STEM without some of the limits she experienced.

"We all have something to give to this world in our unique way but when we see someone who looks like us it lifts us up to believe that nothing is impossible. I hope to inspire other minority students and women of color by giving them the confidence to pursue chemistry or any other discipline within STEM when they otherwise would not. Having similar superiors to look up to in chemistry can make a significant difference to the aspirations of young black and brown students, and women. This will ultimately lead to a balanced STEM workforce. This also allows the students to feel a sense of belonging," says Coronado.

Through various academic stops, Coronado witnessed the attrition of black or brown students in science programs. Science education was a key reason for this outcome.

"Black and brown students don't go “all the way” to pursue an advanced degree. Most students who are enrolled in any biology, chemistry, math, or physics class are anticipating careers related to medicine, pharmacy, dental, etc. Although those are all fulfilling careers, we need more black and brown scientists and researchers in the world. Also, while it used to be a male-dominated field, we are starting to see more and more women gaining significant roles in science. Which makes me extremely happy. If I had the opportunity to teach our young women and students of color, I would emphasize the importance of science in the real-life world. Incorporate why chemistry, math, biology, etc is important in research, in life, and why we need more of them to help solve real-life problems. Basically, stress the importance of scientific careers and what types of careers are out there. I feel like that’s never really taught or mentioned in any classes. You just learn the related material and that’s it," observes Coronado.

Fortunately for Coronado and thanks to the HBCU experience, her academic journey did include those important real-world connections. After high school, she was accepted into Grand Valley State University which she left after two years. From there, Coronado spent a few semesters at her local community college in Michigan. She ultimately decided on a total reset. She applied and was accepted into the University of Houston and relocated to Texas, where she would spend the next 12 years. After completing her Bachelor's, she worked for the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center's HLA, immunology, and histocompatibility laboratory. Four years later and continuing to work full-time, Coronado was back in school for her Master's degree at Texas Southern University. 

That experience and the support of her mentor Dr. Tuan Phan convinced Coronado that if she were to pursue a PhD it would have to be in the HBCU context. And two years into her Physical and Computational Chemistry doctoral program at Howard, she is still going strong.

"My research involves a lot of math, which I really enjoy. In computational chemistry I use theoretical concepts to preform computer simulations to help calculate, predict, design, and solve complicated experiments, chemical systems, molecules, or research questions. My research group is also studying machine learning, so I’m in the preliminary stages of my work on this. Since computational labs are considered a dry lab, there isn’t any instrumentation that is used, aside from a computer. That said, I am still familiar with IR (infrared) spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), mass spectrometry, Qiagen (DNA extraction), Radiometer (blood gas analyzer), FACSCanto (clinical flow cytometry), thermocycler and QuantStudio (for DNA PCR) instrumentation. Currently, I am learning how to operate our XRD (for x-ray crystallography). I’ve performed plenty of wet lab (hands-on experimental) work throughout my academic and professional career and continue to do so. I believe it is important to be efficient in many disciplines of science, and chemistry specifically, other than just my research specialization area," says Coronado. Through her research, Coronado hopes to collaborate with atmospheric science or environmental science/policy scholars and other chemists.

Last summer, Coronado had the opportunity to do an internship at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The experience provided her with insights into the inner workings of a non-academic research facility. Because she hopes to join NASA, the Department of Energy or the Environmental Protection Agency, having exposure to a government research culture was particularly important for Coronado.

"I was able to bring my own expertise and wisdom to support the every-day challenges the brilliant NRL scientists face. They work on projects that benefit our government, country, and beyond. I met many other like-minded and amazing students as well as professionals. It was a great chance to network. Not only did I acquire knowledge and skills to transfer into my own research and academics, but I also learned how to professionally brand myself (updating resume, etc.) Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I encourage all undergrads and graduate students to do the same. I would love to go back. The experience inspired me to attend some conferences in the future," says Coronado.

For now, Coronado spends most of her time reading, studying, doing research and teaching undergraduates.  She is the first to admit that a chemistry PhD takes a lot out of a person.

"Time management and discipline is incredibly important. Without these concepts it’s easy to become off-task or procrastinate. Also, keeping stress to a minimum is critical, and staying ambitious and positive-minded is key. I always focus on the finish line, and why I chose to do this in the first place. But most importantly I am realistic, and know these long days are just a part of the process. They are inevitable - nobody is just going to hand me a degree, so I just do the work and minimize any complaints. Additionally, having a work-life balance is effective. I enjoy some hobbies outside of my studies. It can’t be just all work and no, play. That’s not healthy," says Coronado. "A support system is most definitely significant. I am blessed to have people who love and genuinely support me. My family, close friends… especially my parents, I owe it all to them, literally. They’ve helped me reach where I am today. There’s no way in the world I would be here if I didn’t have them."

For someone who has spent the last 16+ years thinking about science and a career, Coronado has finally found her place. From this perch, she offers this parting advice.

"For undergraduates, especially women: first, find your real purpose in life. It’s so easy, especially in today’s society to get caught up in the “hype” of social media, influencers, etc. We are better than that. In a world full of Kardashians, be divine, be unique, be authentic, be different. Don’t dim your own light nor let anyone else dim your light. We are smart, beautiful, and intelligent. Show it off. Show the world that you can, and that you are deserving. Science is important and meaningful. You never know, you could be the next Nobel prize winner, the next inventor, the next one to solve an environmental crisis, etc. The possibilities are endless," says Coronado. "If anyone tells you, “no” or that you can’t do something, seek someone else. If you struggle, keep trying until you get it right. Always remember that being a black or brown student, and a woman, you are already considered the minority and are at a disadvantage, especially in the scientific world. Most think you won’t succeed or aren’t as intelligent as your colleagues of a different race. Don’t let that deter you."