Spelman College Making History With New STEM Concentration
The Atlanta HBCU will be offering Cosmetic Chemistry courses for the first time this fall.
(YR Staff)
California; Hayward — Spelman College is expanding its STEM programs to introduce a focus on cosmetic chemistry for chemistry majors and a minor in cosmetic science for students pursuing other disciplines. Essence reported all the details outlining the first ever offered at the Atlanta institution.
As outlined in a college press statement, this pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is slated to commence in the fall semester.
The program’s objective is to encourage careers within the beauty industry, augment the technical expertise of students aspiring to work in cosmetics or pursue advanced studies in the field, and ensure a gendered and racial perspective in product development and formulation.
The college underscores the necessity for greater representation in the beauty sector, highlighting that Black women expended over $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care items in 2022, while Black-owned beauty brands only account for 2.5% of the market. By prioritizing the development of beauty products tailored to people of color, the Atlanta-based HBCU aims to alter this course.
Spelman Provost Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the extensive impact the program will have, supporting both students and faculty in effecting change in an industry that caters significantly to Black women as consumers, propelled by scientific proficiency in this domain.
The curriculum of the cosmetic chemistry program zeroes in on molecular sciences concerning product formulation and development. The burgeoning interest among undergraduate students in cosmetic sciences has prompted the expansion of the program to encompass a concentration and minor. Since its inception as an online certificate program in January 2023, the program has witnessed a surge in applications, from 150 to 750.
Dr. Leyte Winfield, a chemistry and biochemistry professor at Spelman and division chair for Natural Sciences and Mathematics, expressed excitement for the new opportunities the concentration and minor will afford students, fostering their competitiveness for future studies and careers in the field.
Moreover, Winfield emphasized the program's contribution to offering a culturally pertinent perspective essential in discussions surrounding Black hair and skincare, as well as cosmetic development.
In addition to academic offerings, Spelman College will host a one-week Cosmetic Science Summer Law intensive from June 2 to 8. This event will feature seminars and panels focusing on fundamental cosmetic formulations, convening Black female product developers, formulators, and researchers.
Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Hayward, CA who covers culture and entertainment.
Edited by Nykeya Woods