Clarice Phelps (jan 1, 1981 – 2h 42min, may 6, 2025 y)

Description:

Clarice Phelps (1981 - Present), Chemist

Life:
Clarice Phelps was raised in Tennessee, where she completed her BS in chemistry from Tennessee State University. Having struggled academically in college, Phelps joined the US Navy after graduation, where she enrolled in their Nuclear Power School, and graduated in the top 10% of her class. She then served as a non-commissioned officer in the US Navy Nuclear Power Program for 4.5 years as the only African American female in her division. After her service, she returned to Tennessee in 2009 to begin working as a nuclear chemist with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Contributions to Science:
She was involved in the discovery of the second heaviest known element, Tennessine. Through that accomplishment, she became the first African American woman involved in the discovery of a chemical element. Throughout her career, Phelps has been dedicated to research and STEM mentorship, aspiring to be a role model for young women of color. In December 2019, Phelps presented a TED talk sharing stories of women of color making their way in science.

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