This is my first AI- assisted blog post (in the spirit of my AI series!). I will say that I heavily edited and had to check and update the information quite a bit but it definitely was useful to use ChatGPT for content inspiration and organization.
Here we go! In the last, I selected women physicians but this year I decided to expand to women scientists.
One remarkable figure who embodies excellence in multiple fields is Gabby Thomas—a world-class sprinter and a scientist. Her story is an inspiration, showing that Black women can break barriers in both athletics and STEM.
Gabby Thomas made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 200-meter sprint, making her the third-fastest woman in the event’s history. Since then, she has continued to dominate the track, proving her speed, resilience, and dedication to excellence. She won three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Before she became one of the fastest female runners in the world, Gabby Thomas ’15 gave a Commencement speech at her alma mater, Williston Northampton, anchored around one idea: There’s no way to find out what will come, until you step up and race.
But what sets her apart is that she is not just an elite athlete—she is also a scientist with a passion for public health.
Thomas earned her undergraduate degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University, a remarkable achievement alongside her rigorous training schedule. Her academic work focused on addressing racial disparities in healthcare, a critical issue that affects Black communities disproportionately.
She now has a master’s degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas and is committed to making a difference in public health, particularly in reducing healthcare inequities. She works at a volunteer health care clinic in Austin, Texas, for people without insurance. Her dedication to both sports and science challenges stereotypes and inspires future generations.
Gabby Thomas represents the power of education, perseverance, and ambition. Her success highlights the importance of supporting young Black women in STEM and athletics, proving that they don’t have to choose one path—they can pursue all their passions.
This Black History Month, we celebrate Gabby Thomas for being a role model in sports, science, and beyond. Her story reminds us that breaking barriers is possible, and that representation matters in every field.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!