For Dr. Tiara Moore, a Black marine ecologist, the ocean has long been one of the only sanctuaries amidst societal expectations and systemic barriers. Navigating the treacherous waters of predominantly (and historically) white institutions, her academic journey was one mired by microaggressions and overt acts of racism. The demeaning environment where she was asked to fetch coffee and overheard doubts cast on her academic capabilities continually left her feeling isolated and excluded.
“I stepped up to lead Black in Marine Science (BIMS) because of how alone I felt as a Black woman in the STEM space,” Dr. Moore admits. “When I was in graduate school, I heard comments about diversity scholarships all the time. My first research assignment, after my PhD, was in an all-white area in Seattle where neighbors closed the door in my face even when I had my key fob out.”
Dr. Moore admits to being somewhat naive at the time. “I thought that once I had my doctorate, I would belong,” she says. “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”
The birth of Black in Marine Science
BIMS was born because of Dr. Moore’s fight for belonging, but she was not alone in this struggle. During the racially charged days of the early pandemic, following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and the global headlines the crime generated, a white woman became suspicious of a Black birder in Central Park and called the police.
“Believe it or not, one good thing came out of that phone call,” remembers Dr. Moore. “A group of Black birders responded by creating Black Birders’ Week on social media. Their event spawned Black in Astronomy, Black in Physics, and Black in Neuroscience, any many others. The whole goal was to remind people that Black people belong in STEM fields, too.”
Dr. Moore, who had long struggled with isolation in her field, decided to launch her own call by posting a simple tweet that asked, “Hey, where’re the other Black marine scientists at?” The overwhelming response revealed a vibrant community eager for connection.
The first BIMS Week, a virtual event, was a resounding success. It offered a space for Black marine scientists to share their work, forge connections, and strengthen their sense of belonging in the field.
“I was suddenly the leader of a movement,” Dr. Moore recalls. “Two years later, we created a whole week of in-person outreach to highlight what black people are doing in marine science.”
A significant leap forward for BIMS came when Dr. Moore was named the recipient of the Black Voices for Black Justice award, accompanied by a $50,000 grant. The financial freedom that came with the grant provided her with the courage to fully dedicate herself to BIMS’s growth.
Exciting growth and progress for BIMS
Today, BIMS is a thriving global organization. Each year, members unite for a week-long event celebrating Black culture, history, and connection to the ocean. BIMS Week expands the definition of what a scientist looks like and does by showcasing the multifaceted talents of Black voices in marine science, from Ph.D. holders to children’s book authors.
“BIMS Week is a joyful place of discovery, innovation, and, most importantly, belonging,” says Dr. Moore. “It’s about making a welcoming space for everyone.”
Dr. Moore and BIMS pioneer the path forward
Dr. Moore’s initiative could not have come at a more critical time — one when marine science is grappling with a legacy of exclusion and systemic inequity. According to researchers in both the US and UK, the impact of sea level rise and nutrient pollution disproportionately affect Black communities.
For example, in Hampton, Virginia, a population of over 50% of Black residents are impacted by an increasingly unstable coastal environment. Black fishermen and oyster harvesters watch the declining health of both their homes and livelihoods. Meanwhile, conditions in the waters off the shores of predominantly white areas, such as Boston, are monitored, researched, and much healthier. Dr. Moore believes the difference stems from federal funds supporting programs in Boston’s predominately white institutions.
At the intersection of race, environmental justice, and climate change, BIMS is poised to make a difference. The conversations that the organization sparks around the need for diversity in environmental research and policy-making are only the first steps toward a more inclusive and just scientific community. With a five-year sustainability plan in place, BIMS looks forward to even greater strides.
In 2023, Dr. Moore began running BIMS full-time, quickly growing the organization from one employee to a staff of seven with salaries and benefits. Now, she is positioned to explore a variety of exciting opportunities, including supporting BIMS fellows, raising funds, and establishing an institute tailored to the needs of Black marine scientists. By developing the BIMS Institute and establishing partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities, she envisions a future where the representation of Black voices in education, curriculum development, and research institutions is drastically increased and more equitable.
For Dr. Moore, the path forward is clear. She aims to continue bridging the gap between Black communities and marine science, to fight for systemic change within STEM fields, and to ensure that future generations of Black scientists never have to question their place in the world of scientific discovery.
“BIMS was built from a place of pain,” Dr. Moore concludes, “but in the midst of that hurt, there was also hope. I had hope in myself as a competent Black woman and hope for a brighter future. I took the moment to be transparent about my experiences, and people listened. To go from years of being the only Black person in the room to finding community in BIMS — it’s a beautiful story.”