Standout Scholars
Young educators bring their passion and excitement for teaching, research and training to the forefront of the academy

Inspiring, impressive, determined, ambitious, fearless, innovative, inquisitive, pioneering and committed are just some of the words that describe this year's list of "Emerging Scholars" — a group that proves the intellectual capital in the Black community is limitless.

From fields as diverse as art to evolutionary biology, these standoutscholars exude a passion about their research, about teaching, about training and preparing today's students — the next generation of scholars — to discover and nurture their own interests and talent.

These scholars represent a variety of disciplines and educational institutions — from HBCUs to the Ivy Leagues, from the publics to the privates — but all are armed with top-notch academic credentials and a commitment to their craft.

Everyone succeeds with a little help from others, and many of these scholars have been fortunate to align themselves with mentors who have encouraged and supported their innovative ideas. Still, life in the academy has not been free of its own obstacles. But by staying focused, these scholars persevered, using criticism and discouragement as motivators. "The pursuit of something that really excites you serves as fuel. It gets you through the difficult times," says scholar Dr. Nicole Y. Weekes of Pomona College.

All under the age of 40, these young educators inspire all of us to strive for excellence. Tenacious in their intellectual pursuits, there is no doubt they will make their mark in the academy and in the lives of the students they come in contact with.

The next few pages provide just a snapshot of the outstanding academics in the United States. It is by no means a comprehensive list: The scholars featured, as well as the countless others not acknowledged here, should give the academy much to be proud of and a reason to be optimistic about its future.