If you’ve ever stumbled upon a TikTok video of a chemist in a rainbow-hued lab coat voguing down a school hallway, please know that you’re witnessing the multiple talents of Andre Isaacs (better known as @drdre4000).
In one of my favorite recent TikToks, he and two of his colleagues do a hand performance, duck walk and dip in lab coats to Azealia Banks’ “I Rule the World.”
Isaacs, an associate professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, has been breaking the mold by bringing vibrant energy and inclusivity to the often dull and conventional world of academia. Originally from Jamaica, he has become a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, bringing joy and visibility to his campus.
While the STEM field can be challenging and unwelcoming for marginalized individuals, Isaacs is defying the norms and creating a space where authenticity is celebrated. In many professional settings, people feel the need to hide their true selves, but Isaacs is showing that being unapologetically queer and true to oneself is essential for personal well-being and professional success.
The pressure to conform and suppress certain aspects of one’s identity can negatively impact mental health and overall job satisfaction. Research has shown that lack of support and acceptance at work leads to mental health struggles and potentially harmful coping mechanisms. This is particularly true in STEM, where LGBTQ+ professionals experience higher rates of health issues, insomnia, social exclusion, and devaluation of their expertise.
Isaacs believes that young students should see STEM as a welcoming space where they can embrace their unique talents and identities without fear of discrimination or missed opportunities. He understands that self-expression and authenticity are crucial for progress in the field.
Scientific advancement is vital for improving our lives, but it should also be accompanied by joy and celebration. Isaacs is proof that queerness and excellence in STEM can coexist, and that by embracing our true selves, we contribute to the advancement of the field and create a more inclusive future.
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