Alumni Spotlight - Dr. Kernysha L. Rowe

The discussion can be found on the link below. 

https://www.drkernysharowe.com/blackcrownchroniclespodcast/episode/2dd76b72/bonus-episode-of-the-black-crown-chronicles-podcast  

In our first Alumni Feature, we talk extensively with Dr. Kernysha L. Rowe about Black hair and the dissertation. Dr. Rowe hails from Birmingham, England. In 2019, she joined the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices at American University in Washington, DC. Dr. Rowe’s background includes over fifteen years of higher education experience including admissions, residence life, student activities, and leadership development. Dr. Rowe received a PhD from Morgan State University in May 2023. Her dissertation, "Crowning Glory: Exploring the narratives of Black women with natural hair and hair texture during the construction of professional identities as medical and law professionals," was awarded the 2023 Howard Simons Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. It focused on the professional identity construction of Black women in medical and law school with natural hair and hair texture.

In this episode, we have a candid conversation about Black women and their hair and how Dr. Rowe’s dissertation helped to promulgate a much-needed discussion about natural hair presentation and the identities of professional Black women as they navigate predominately white arenas while deciding to be true to their authentic selves. As well, we talk about her postdoctoral work and future projects. Dr. Rowe also gives some helpful advice to current doctoral students pursuing the terminal degree while remaining persistent and healthy.