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The Statler College DEI Committee, in partnership with the Division of DEI at WVU, is hosting a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to honor Katherine Johnson (pictured center) during Black History Month. Featured panelists are (pictured left and right) Meshea L. Poore, Esq., vice president for DEI at WVU, and Kerri Knotts, Statler College alumnae and former NASA engineer.

WHAT: A virtual one-hour panel discussion webinar will celebrate Black History Month and honor Katherine Johnson and the legacy of strong women she inspired.

Story by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

WHO: The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at West Virginia University

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Via Zoom. Registration is required.

NOTES: Pioneering NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson was the voice of endurance. She remained resilient while facing biases and restrictions; a powerful woman at work who recognized and used her talents not only to advance space exploration but to open the door for cultural changes along the way.

Panelists will include Meshea L. Poore, Esq. Vice President for DEI at WVU and Statler College alumnae, former NASA engineer and partner of Ventures Yonder Kerri Knotts. 

• Poore, an attorney who served in the House of Delegates from 2009 – 2014, is also an experienced educator and mentor. She has mentored and consulted with hundreds of elected officials throughout the nation as they seek higher office. Poore has served as an adjunct professor at WV State University, as a faculty member in residence at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University and has teaching privileges at WVU College of Law.  

• Knotts, an aerospace engineering graduate, spent two decades working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where she focused on advancing Human Space Flight and served in engineering and senior leadership roles. She was a part of the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Moon/Mars Exploration Programs. Knotts went on to start businesses in the oil and gas industry and has recently joined Barrios Technology, a small woman-owned business supporting NASA for 40 years.

For more information contact Statler-DEI@mail.wvu.edu.

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