Dr. Sheila Nash Stevenson, raised in Lawrence County, Alabama, is the first Black woman in the state to earn a doctorate in physics. She skipped a grade, graduated high school at 16, studied at Alabama A&M, earned a master’s, and later completed her PhD. Stevenson worked at the Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA, and says her milestone aims to inspire more young African American students to pursue STEM. She urges persistence, curiosity and the power of mentorship.
Dr. Sheila Nash Stevenson: Alabama’s First Black Woman to Earn a PhD in Physics — A Milestone for STEM Representation
Dr. Sheila Nash Stevenson, raised in Lawrence County, Alabama, is the first Black woman in the state to earn a doctorate in physics. She skipped a grade, graduated high school at 16, studied at Alabama A&M, earned a master’s, and later completed her PhD. Stevenson worked at the Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA, and says her milestone aims to inspire more young African American students to pursue STEM. She urges persistence, curiosity and the power of mentorship.
08:12 PM, 11/15/2025Science
Dr. Sheila Nash Stevenson: A Milestone for Diversity in STEM
Dr. Sheila Nash Stevenson has become the first Black woman in Alabama to earn a doctorate in physics — a significant achievement for representation in one of the most underrepresented fields.
Raised in Lawrence County, Alabama, Stevenson remembers being a naturally curious child. “I was always very inquisitive growing up,” she said. “My mom will tell you. You ask too many questions. And, I have grown up doing that, asking questions. I just want to know. You can’t just tell me anything and expect me to believe it.”
Stevenson skipped a grade and graduated from high school at 16. She earned her undergraduate degree at Alabama A&M University. Encouraged by a professor to continue her studies, she returned to pursue a master’s degree in physics.
“He said, you know get your degree in physics, you can write your own check,” Stevenson recalled. “And I’m like, that sounds good. So that’s what I did. I went back and got that master’s degree in physics, and then I got a job.”
After earning her master’s, Stevenson focused on her family, career, community involvement and church. She later returned to school and completed her doctorate in physics, breaking new ground and setting an example for future generations.
Stevenson has worked for many years at organizations including the Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA. Reflecting on her career, she said, “It is very rewarding to know that you had your hand in improving life on Earth. It is basically why we do the research and the science that we do — to make things better for us here on Earth.”
When asked what she would tell her younger self, Stevenson offered simple encouragement: “One day you’re going to look up and you’re going to be in places you’d never thought you could be. Just don’t give up and just keep striving to do your best.”
Why this matters: Stevenson’s achievement not only honors her personal dedication but also offers a visible role model for young Black students — especially young women — considering careers in STEM. Her story highlights the lasting impact of mentorship, persistence and community support.
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