Stanford University PhD Student, Marine Scientist & Founder of Black Nerds
"Come For The Science Stay For The Nerds"
I am Deidric Davis
My Story
I have recently completed my Bachelor's degrees in Marine Science (B.S) and Animals Studies (B.A) from Eckerd College. Through my time as a student I have seen a disparity in representation for Black and Brown students in my field. I am determined to be the change I want to see and show that Black marine scientists exist can make an impact on the world. My goal is get my Ph.D in marine ecology while continuing to produce media for marine science and make discoveries along the way through outreach and research.
Skills
I am a AAUS certified scientific diver with over 3 years of research laboratory experience. I have 1 year working in the private sector and 1 year in government. I have 3 publications with another in the works. I have experience in R & Python programming languages. I've conducted multiple speaking engagements that have showcased my public speaking skills and networking ability. I have extensive experience in audio-media production, as I independently ran and produced my own podcast.
Personal Interests
When I'm not creating content, diving or collecting parasites in my lab at 4am; I enjoy traveling, surfing, rock climbing, reading, playing Pokemon, and trying any food I can get my hands on. Anything high-octane or dorky is right up my alley!
Research Interests
I aim to pursue research focused on identifying anthropogenic stressors within ecosystems and quantifying their impact on local species and nearby fishing communities.
I intend to elucidate the effects of climate change on the abundance of organisms important to fisheries in less developed nations by working collaboratively with local stakeholders and using these findings to inform and empower communities most affected. I intend to dismantle parachute science while furthering biological research.
My work integrates aspects of stable isotopes, ecological modeling, livelihood outcomes and science communication to capture how ecosystem shifts influence both food web dynamics and human wellbeing.
By linking trophic ecology to livelihood outcomes, I seek to highlight the relationship between ecosystem health and the resilience of small-scale fisheries. This ensures management strategies reflect both ecosystem and community needs.
The Story of Black Nerds Matter
What is it?
Black Nerds Matter is a multi-media platform used to share the stories of minority scientists and creatives from unconventional career paths. Through podcast episodes, blog posts and clips our guests are able to share themselves as professionals and individuals to our audience. The main niche of this platform is to allow our guest to share words of wisdom and experiences that helped them pursue their current career.
Why?
Representation for Black people in science was scarce when I was a child. The only prominent Black figures were either acting in movies, making music or competing in pro sports. I found my love for science and the water through shows like River Monsters and Shark week. I wanted other Black kids to see themselves in these spaces because I never saw myself in them. Now through BNM I am able to catalogue the experience of Black people in different niche fields in an attempt to break down these barriers. If you want to be a Black artist, gamer, scientist, model, therapist, or anything else we've covered so far you now how the resources and inspiration to do so.
How can I join?
BNM has a rolling schedule of interviews. Fill out our form in the link below to join it is limited to underrepresented groups. Feel free to email me of shoot a DM on Instagram if you have questions regarding the scheduling or production process
How can I support?
You can support the show by subscribing on our YouTube and through streaming platforms like Spotify & Apple Music. Our merchandise is linked below and we have a page dedicated to collaborations/ sponsoring episodes.
Future Goals
We have a speaking event planned in the coming year at a marine science instuition and a presentation at a international conference. Alongside this, we have a few new series with some of our partners. As time progress we hope to grow the show and have as many of you supporting as possible.