The human need for belonging runs as deep as the rolling sea. For many long years, Dr. Tiara Moore’s unsettled search for acceptance as a Black marine scientist mirrored the restless waves she studied. Her education and research in a field historically dominated by white faces left her feeling isolated and scrutinized.
However, Dr. Moore refused to give up the search for belonging. During the racial awakening of 2020, she launched an online call to Black marine scientists. Encouraged by the response, she founded Black in Marine Science (BIMS), a place where Black marine scientists forge alliances and find strength in shared experiences.
The genesis of BIMS
The field of science always captivated Dr. Moore. Initially, she set out on a pre-med track with hopes of becoming a pediatrician, but a spring break spent collecting samples in Costa Rica opened her eyes to a future in marine science.
Despite a Master’s, a Ph.D., and post-doctoral work utilizing environmental DNA to understand biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, Dr. Moore’s journey was marred by racially charged experiences and the feeling of being an outsider in predominantly white spaces. Even as a doctoral student, she was asked to get coffee and point people to the restroom. She repeatedly overheard doubts about her academic capabilities and assumptions about diversity scholarships. These implicit biases and the continual need to validate her expertise took an emotional and psychological toll.
The private exclusion Dr. Moore endured came to the forefront of public awareness during the pandemic. When a white woman called the police to report Christian Cooper, a Black birder in Central Park, it shed a glaring light on the systemic racism in field science.
Suddenly, the internet resounded with calls to unite Black voices in every field, from botany to neuroscience. In response, Dr. Tiara Moore tweeted, “Hey, where’re the other Black marine scientists at?” The overwhelming response led to the inception of BIMS, a platform dedicated to showcasing Black marine scientists and fostering a supportive community.
BIMS week: Celebrating Black excellence and heritage
At the heart of the BIMS community is the annual BIMS Week, a vibrant celebration of Black culture, history, and connection to the ocean. This event shatters the conventional image of a scientist by showcasing a wide array of diversity within the scientific community. From authors penning children’s books on ocean acidification to activists preserving the marine environment, BIMS Week amplifies all the voices of Black individuals contributing to marine science in unique and impactful ways.
One of the most memorable moments from the last BIMS Week was the poignant address from the Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, Queen Quet. She eloquently shared her community’s complex relationship with the waters of the South Atlantic, a narrative inextricably bound with the history of the slave trade.
Empowerment through representation and support
Dr. Moore’s vision for BIMS extends beyond annual events. She envisions a future where Black individuals see themselves reflected in every aspect of marine science. The challenge is twofold. BIMS confronts systemic racism within the field and builds structures that foster hope, inclusivity, and empowerment.
The commitment to highlighting Black voices remains at the heart of BIMS’s mission. Weekly YouTube series like BIMS Bites and BIMS Bites Kids bring Black marine scientists into homes across the globe, making science accessible and relatable. Moreover, the BIMS Dives conversation series offers a deeper exploration of marine science topics, featuring prominent Black scientists. These sessions educate and create a space for meaningful dialogue on pressing oceanic issues.
Looking ahead, Dr. Moore is ambitiously driving BIMS toward building an institute for Black individuals aspiring to careers in marine science. Currently, institutions focused on this field are located in the heart of predominately white communities, but Dr. Moore envisions an institution in Hampton, Virginia. In this coastal town, sea-level rise and nutrient pollution directly impact a population of over 50% Black residents. Black fishermen and oyster harvesters stand by and watch the failing health of their community.
Dr. Moore contrasts these stark conditions in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay with the much healthier waters surrounding Boston. She concludes that the difference is federal dollars flowing to support marine scientists in Boston’s predominately white institutions. By partnering with historically Black colleges and universities, BIMS aims to establish itself as a research institution that not only generates scientific knowledge but also actively involves Black communities in the process. This vision underscores a deeply held belief in the power of representation, education, and community engagement to transform marine science into a field that reflects the world’s diversity.
BIMS’s commitment to creating opportunities also extends to practical support for its members. As the organization secures funding to compensate its fellows in their research, it contributes to the growth of a more inclusive marine science community.
Under Dr. Moore’s impassioned leadership, BIMS represents a turning point in the world of marine science. It celebrates Black individuals within the field and challenges the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized these voices. Through education, outreach, and community, BIMS is charting a course towards a brighter, more inclusive future for marine science, where Black scientists and marine enthusiasts are recognized not as exceptions but as integral participants in the field.