As a Queer Black scientist, Dr. Moore is breaking barriers in the marine science field
As a Queer Black woman in a predominantly white field, Dr. Tiara Moore has faced a long journey to overcome challenges and gain a place in her field. Today, her outreach through Black in Marine Science (BIMS) is making waves in Vancouver, elevating the voices of Black marine scientists and promoting intersectional environmentalism.
The barriers blocking Dr. Moore's path to marine science
Growing up in an environment where being gay “wasn't an option,” Dr. Moore learned to suppress her sexual identity for many years. This struggle continued as she advanced in her academic and professional career in marine science.
As the only Black woman in room after room, the pressure to conform and hide her true self was immense. She endured constant feelings of isolation as peers mistakenly asked her to bring them coffee or carry their SCUBA equipment. Lack of acceptance boiled to the surface every time she overheard competitive classmates connecting her place in the doctoral program to token diversity scholarships.
Realizing that seats at the table of academic and scientific excellence were not intended for people like her, Dr. Moore deliberately decided to become an outspoken advocate for historically excluded groups. She had already faced years of racial discrimination and microaggressions, but her decision to come out as pansexual on social media was one extremely public step in her long journey of living authentically while fighting for inclusivity.
Leadership and Advocacy: The Birth of BIMS
Dr. Moore's experiences were instrumental in the foundation of BIMS, an organization dedicated to elevating the voices of Black marine scientists. Today, she leads BIMS to create spaces where Black scientists can thrive without conforming to the norms dictated by a historically white field.
Central to Dr. Moore's ethos is the concept of bringing intersectional environmentalism to marine science. This framework posits that environmentalism must include perspectives from all walks of life, especially those from LGBTQIA+ and Black communities. Through her work, Dr. Moore exemplifies how incorporating these diverse perspectives leads to a more inclusive, effective, and equitable environmental science field.
Dr. Moore's work with BIMS also focuses on protecting the marine environments of marginalized coastal communities. Through community BioBlitz events, BIMS encourages community members to engage in sample collection and hands-on scientific research. Through the AI-driven platform called Ocean Justice AI, BIMS empowers marginalized coastal communities with easily accessible scientific research and advocacy tools.
BIMS's holistic approach bridges the gap between traditional research methodologies and community-based conservation strategies. This is particularly impactful in areas like Vancouver, where marine environmental issues are a priority for both the scientific community and the public at large.
BIMS amplifies diverse voices to make waves in Vancouver
Dr. Moore's commitment to diversity in the scientific community is about creating a world where every young scientist, regardless of background, can dream of and achieve greatness without fearing isolation or discrimination. BIMS serves as a source of strength for Black marine scientists, particularly in British Columbia, where Dr. Moore actively supports her peers and amplifies their achievements.
Today, six innovative researchers with ties to BIMS and British Columbia are working to learn more about the planet’s oceans and coastal communities:
With an impressive background in GIS, seafloor mapping, and scuba diving, Dr. Alexandria Davis is pursuing her postdoctoral fellowship with the University of Alberta and pioneering interactive conservation tools to manage invasive marine species. Her drive for DEI in marine science reflects her dedication to ensuring that future generations of scientists never feel the loneliness of being the sole representative of their community in their field.
Moronke Harris, an oceanographer from the University of Victoria, is uncovering the secrets of the deep sea, focusing on hydrothermal vent ecosystems. With over 110 days spent in the ocean's depths, Harris's work is not just about exploration; it's about understanding our planet's final frontiers and the potential discoveries that lie within.
A dual French and Canadian citizen with a prestigious academic and research background, Dr. Daniel Pauly has made significant contributions to fisheries biology and marine ecosystem management. Now a professor at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Pauly leads the Sea Around Us Project, aiming to mitigate the impact of fisheries on global marine ecosystems. His innovative approaches and software tools are instrumental in marine research worldwide.
Internationally recognized for his work in fisheries economics and marine ecosystem valuation, Dr. Rashid Sumaila has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. His extensive research tackles some of the most pressing global issues, from fisheries subsidies and illegal fishing to climate change impacts on marine life.
Ayodele Oloko's interdisciplinary approach combines natural and social sciences to study human-ecological interactions in rural, fishing-based communities. Currently a research assistant at the Fisheries Economics Research Unit at UBC, her work advocates for vulnerable communities, including indigenous people and fisherfolk, in the face of climate change and unsustainable fishing practices.
Exploring the microscopic world of ocean plants, doctoral researcher Raisha Lovindeer is at the forefront of developing tools for remote monitoring of phytoplankton. Her work, pivotal for understanding the ocean's health and forecasting the future of marine life, emphasizes the importance of satellite imaging technology in global oceanic studies.
Dr. Tiara Moore's story and the achievements of these distinguished Black marine scientists demonstrate the pressing need for diversity in today’s research and conservation efforts. By fostering an inclusive environment in marine science, Dr. Moore and BIMS are slowly but surely reshaping the field to be more reflective of the world it aims to understand and protect.
About Black in Marine Science:
Black in Marine Science is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating Black marine scientists, spreading environmental awareness, and inspiring the next generation of scientific leaders. BIMS provides a platform for Black marine scientists to share their work, connect with each other, and access resources and opportunities. BIMS also works to increase diversity and inclusion in the marine science field.
