The AfroNouveau 100
When people talk about “breaking glass ceilings”, Dr. Ciara Sivels AfroNouveau leader is doing this and more. She didn’t just break the glass ceiling, she walked into a field where most people didn’t even know there was a ceiling. Then she built a door for others to follow.
In 2018, she became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan. In an industry that powers cities, explores space, and influences global security, she carved her own path and made history.
Dr. Ciara Sivels AfroNouveau: From Chesapeake Bay to Changing the Game
Ciara grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. In a place better known for fishing boats than nuclear reactors. Her love for science started young, but she didn’t imagine she’d end up studying atomic nuclei. In fact, she first considered culinary school before she got curious about nuclear engineering.
In the end, her curiosity won. She pursued nuclear engineering, where equations stretch for pages and the stakes involve global safety. That leap took her from local classrooms to some of the most advanced research labs in the world.
AfroNouveau Impact Beyond the Lab Coat
Dr. Sivels doesn’t just focus on her own success. No. She’s committed to making STEM more inclusive. She mentors young scientists, especially those from underrepresented communities, and speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced.
I was a ‘first’, but I hope you join me in the field of engineering. We together can solve problems and inspire the next generation of female scientists– Dr. Ciara Sivels.
By being visible, she opens the door for others to step in with confidence.
A Global AfroNouveau Mindset in a Critical Field
Nuclear engineering isn’t just science, it’s diplomacy, security, and innovation. Dr. Sivels’ research contributes to a world where nuclear technology is handled with responsibility and vision. In an era of climate challenges, her expertise also plays into conversations about cleaner energy solutions.
Her voice isn’t just in academic journals. Her voice is on stages, in panels, and across networks where decisions shape the future. That’s the AfroNouveau spirit: African descent excellence influencing the global stage.
Explore more AfroNouveau trailblazers in technology →
Dear AfroNouveau Innovators,
Dr. Ciara Sivels’ story matters in many ways than one. Her journey isn’t just about degrees and research. It’s about shifting narratives. For young AfroNouveau students watching from classrooms in Lagos, Johannesburg, Kingston, or Atlanta, she’s living proof that there’s space for them in the most complex, high-stakes fields on Earth.
Join us as we celebrate more than her achievement. As we push for a world where “the first” becomes “one of many” for the AfroNouveau.
