AMERICA| An exceptional lady named Amber Spears, from Detroit, has made history at Jackson State University (JSU) by becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Civil Engineering since the university’s inception.
Her journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, passion, and determination in a male-dominated field.
Amber's Story and How She Did It
Amber’s academic journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Notably, she was the only Black woman in her class, an experience that pushed her to excel and carve out her place in engineering.
She continued her studies at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, again standing out as the only Black woman in her program.
During these years, Amber battled imposter syndrome and test scores. But instead of giving up, she took action, attending the professor’s office hours, joining peer tutoring groups, and putting in extra hours of study until her results improved.
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After her Master’s program, Spears transitioned into the engineering sector, working as a staff engineer and later as an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University. It was during this period that she discovered the lack of diversity in the field of civil engineering.
This experience inspired her to return to academia, not just to advance her career but to help pave the way for future Black women in STEM. She enrolled in JSU for a PhD in Civil Engineering, being the only black woman in her class.
Amber said she chose JSU for her doctoral studies because of its rich cultural heritage and supportive academic environment. At the university, she thrived, completing rigorous research and making significant contributions to advancements in civil engineering.
In 2024, she officially graduated with a PhD in Civil Engineering, while also setting a record.
Beyond her personal success, her ambition is to establish a scholarship fund in honor of her great-grandmother’s parents, aimed at supporting students experiencing housing insecurity, an issue she witnessed during her time at JSU.
She also plans to use her expertise to improve infrastructure in other underserved communities, ensuring that her knowledge translates into real-world change.
As she reflects on her journey, Amber hopes her story will inspire other young Black women to pursue STEM fields, no matter how challenging they seem.
“If one young girl sees my story and believes she can do it too, then I know my journey has been worth it,” Amber said.
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