Biography:
Jedidah C. Isler is an American astrophysicist, educator, and a prominent advocate for diversity in STEM. She made history as the first African-American woman to complete her PhD in astrophysics, earning her degree from Yale University in 2014. With an unwavering dedication to her field, Isler has made significant contributions to the study of blazars, which are hyperactive supermassive black holes, and specifically focused on understanding the jet streams emanating from them.
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York, Isler’s passion for astronomy ignited during her early adolescence. At the age of 11 or 12, she received a telescope as a birthday gift from her sister, which opened a window to the wonders of the cosmos. Motivated by her newfound fascination, Isler embarked on a journey to pursue a career in science. Despite facing financial challenges resulting from her father’s departure, she remained determined to fulfill her educational aspirations.
Isler enrolled at Norfolk State University’s Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences (DNIMAS) to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in physics. Although her undergraduate institution did not offer an astronomy program, Isler made the most of her opportunities by engaging in multiple internships and summer research projects related to her field of interest. Her exceptional academic performance led her to graduate magna cum laude from DNIMAS, a program that aimed at nurturing minority scientists seeking to pursue advanced studies.
Continuing her educational journey, Isler obtained a Master’s of Arts degree in Physics from Fisk University. Under the guidance of Keivan Stassun, she then pursued a Master’s of Science in Physics from Yale University. Isler’s commitment to advancing representation in STEM led her to become one of the first participants in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program, which aimed to increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. While most students in the program pursued their Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University, Isler made the groundbreaking decision to obtain her doctorate from Yale University, becoming the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics from the institution.
During her time at Yale, Isler faced challenges and discrimination, as highlighted by an encounter she recalled in an NPR interview. One incident involved a classmate who handed her a stack of dirty plates, remarking, Here, now go and do what you’re really here to do. Undeterred, Isler persevered and successfully defended her doctoral dissertation, titled In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion: Probing the Disk-Jet Connection in Fermi, which she published in 2014.
Isler’s groundbreaking achievement not only opened doors for other women of color in the field of astrophysics but also positioned her as a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she actively advocates for increased representation of historically underrepresented groups in scientific research and education.
Currently serving as an assistant professor of Astrophysics at Dartmouth College, Isler’s research continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in her field. Her investigations into blazars and the intricate dynamics of their jet streams provide valuable insights into the nature of our universe. In recognition of her expertise and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, Jedidah Isler was appointed as a member of Joe Biden’s presidential transition Agency Review Team for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in November 2020.
Through her achievements, advocacy, and research, Jedidah C. Isler has become a trailblazer and an inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and women’s history.