Congratulations are in order!

Despite navigating a global pandemic and a wave of national unrest, Jasmine Bowers has made history as the first Black person to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Florida. Her achievement marks a groundbreaking milestone not only for the institution but also for the broader landscape of diversity in STEM.

The University of Florida’s computer science doctoral program—created within the last decade—has already gained recognition for having one of the highest concentrations of Black women faculty among U.S. computer science departments, a rarity in a field where representation remains critically low (National Science Foundation).

Bowers’ historic accomplishment places her among iconic Black women in STEM, including Mary Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer (NASA), and Dr. Patricia Bath, the pioneering ophthalmologist who became the first Black woman to receive a U.S. medical patent for her laser device used in cataract surgery (The New York Times). These trailblazers paved the way for scholars like Bowers, who continue to expand the boundaries of what is possible for Black women in science and technology.

For Bowers, the foundation of her success started at home. She credits her mother — whom she lovingly calls the smartest woman she knows — for nurturing her curiosity and introducing her to the world of technology early.

“The seed of motivation was planted at a young age when my mother taught me how to use Excel to record my ‘wish list.’ I grew up in a household where I was encouraged to embrace technology,” Bowers shared in an exclusive interview with BOTWC. “I also had the freedom to explore computers and other equipment that my mother, a self-taught engineer, had.”

Her academic journey reflects that early encouragement. Bowers double majored in Mathematics and Computer Science at Fort Valley State University, a historically Black university, before earning her master’s degree at North Carolina A&T, one of the top producers of Black engineers in the nation (Forbes).

On July 15, she proudly announced that she had defended her dissertation, making history in the process. She punctuated the announcement with the inspiring poem “See It Through” by Edgar Albert Guest:

“You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!”

Her accomplishment shines even more brightly in the context of persistent underrepresentation in STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, Black women earned only 24% of doctorates in STEM in 2016, and Black professionals—regardless of gender—represent a mere 5% of executive-level STEM roles, highlighting the systemic barriers that reduce retention and advancement for Black scholars and professionals.

Bowers acknowledges that her journey was made possible by an ecosystem of support: inspirational teachers, meaningful internships, dedicated mentors, and a Ph.D. advisor who championed her success. Above all, she honors her mother’s relentless encouragement: “You can do this.”

With her doctorate in hand, Bowers is beginning the next phase of her career as an engineer in a new state, where she plans to put her research into practice. But her vision extends far beyond her own goals.

“I will continue to give back and encourage young girls to explore STEM,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to mentorship and representation — crucial elements in building a more equitable STEM pipeline.

Her story has already sparked inspiration online. One Twitter user celebrated her achievement by writing: “Wear your crown, Queen! Can’t wait to show my daughter!”

Here’s to more Jasmine Bowers in the future — until the day comes when there are no more “firsts,” only limitless possibility.