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The Discovery FilesThe Science of Equity!
John Henry was more than mere legend. He was quite real and having competed against a machine until he dropped, he endured mental, emotional and physical stress, all also quite real. He coped by exerting excessive effort. This coping mechanism is called "John Henryism" and it puts one's overall health and career at great risk. Researchers are exploring "John Henryism" in "PEERS," Persons Excluded from science because of Ethnicity and Race. Learn more on NSF's "The Discovery Files."
Credit: National Science Foundation
The Science of Equity!
Hi! I'm Dena Headlee with The Discovery Files, from NSF -- the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Many people think folk hero John Henry was mere legend. But he was quite real -- and he competed against a machine -– swinging his massive steel hammer over and over again -- until he dropped.
John Henry endured mental, emotional and physical stress -- all also quite real. He coped, by exerting excessive effort.
This coping mechanism is called "John Henryism" –- and it puts one's overall health and career at great risk.
Supported in part by NSF, the University of Pittsburgh's Dr. Sandra A. Murray is a cell biologist –- but is also concerned with achieving broader impact in society -- by increasing the diversity of the workforce. She joined a team exploring "John Henryism" in "peers" -– Persons Excluded from Science because of Ethnicity and Race -– an experience she knows well.
While in high school, a guidance counselor told her she was -- quote, "colored and a girl" -– and shouldn't pursue her interest in science.
Yet, she is the first African American woman named a full professor at the Pitt School of Medicine -- and the first black woman to be a lifetime fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology.
Dr. Murray has excelled in the Science of Equity!
During National Black History Month, discover how the U.S. National Science Foundation is advancing equity in research at nsf.gov.
"The discovery files" covers projects funded by the government's National Science Foundation. Federally sponsored research -- brought to you, by you! Learn more at nsf.gov or on our podcast.
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