In this engaging conversation, Dr. Rashida Likely shares her journey from a scientist to an educator, focusing on the importance of hair care education for Black girls. She discusses the lack of representation in science curricula and the significance of DIY hair care as a means of teaching scientific principles. The conversation highlights the dangers of chemical hair treatments, the importance of community and family in hair care practices, and the need for decolonizing science education to better serve marginalized communities. Dr. Likely emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and the impact of representation in fostering a sense of identity and belonging among students.

About Dr. Rasheda Likely.

Dr. Rasheda Likely serves as an Assistant Professor of Science Education in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida and her doctorate in STEM Education from Drexel University. Dr. Likely enjoys reimagining learning experiences that reflect and center the brilliance of minoritized students.

She wrote a book chapter about the development of her Lotions and Potions curriculum. Here is the citation: Likely, R. (2024). Informed by the Intersections. Antiracist Research on K-12 Education and Teacher Preparation: Policy Making, Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Practices, 167-186.