Bronzeville Twins Proudly Excel in Science and Technology

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Catherine Boyd-Carney (left) and twin sister Carolyn Boyd (right) both have successful careers in science and technology. (Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Boyd)
Catherine Boyd-Carney (left) and twin sister Carolyn Boyd (right) both have successful careers in science and technology. (Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Boyd)

There is an extreme demand for African Americans who are well-versed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines; especially in todays global economy.

Carolyn Boyd and Catherine Boyd-Carney, 29, are an exceptional set of twins. Both of them are enjoying successful careers in the STEM industry. In 2006, the twins earned bachelors degrees from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Carolyn received a degree in Electrical Engineering and Catherine received a degree in Chemistry.

Carolyn works in technology for a Fortune 500 company as a Software Configuration Management Consultant. Her job requires her to provide technological solutions for her companys clients.

Im never doing the same thing over and over again. Its always changing. I would say every 60 to 90 days Im doing something different, thats the good thing about it. I dont get bored, she told the Chicago Citizen.

The engineer said she originally did not have an interest in STEM.

It wasnt a love, I just knew I was good at it, she said. I got introduced to this; I didnt know what I wanted to do in life. It caught me at an early age.

Carolyn added that a field trip to a technology company ignited her interest in pursuing the career.

I wanted to be outside of the norm, you really did not see that many [Blacks] in the industry, Carolyn said.

Catherine is a cosmetic chemist at a local ethnic hair care company. She develops relaxers, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers.

Unlike Carolyn, Catherine has always been interested in STEM. I was always intrigued by the sciences, she said.

Catherine said their involvement in science summer camps as children enriched her curiosity for the field. In fact, a family friend informed their parents about a program at Chicago State University called Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP). The girls were involved in the program 6th through 12th grade.

We were in there with some serious kids who had already had in their mind that they were going to do engineering, said Carolyn. Some were ahead of us, some werent but it was an opportunity to learn.

The dynamic duo are members of the National Society of Black Engineers. Theyve both held leadership roles in the organization. The PREP program took them to their first NSBE convention and Carolyn found this to be really inspiring. She said it was amazing to see so many African Americans who were working and successful in STEM.

Carolyn has advice to students who may be interested in a STEM career.

Dont get intimidated by what people say, she said. Some people may find it hard and if its hard for you, its up to you to seek help. STEM is challenging from beginning to end. The stuff that you learn in high school, youre going to need those principles for college. Make the best of the time that you have and really just know that its not going to come easy. You have to be humble and know when you need help.

Catherine also admits that STEM careers can be difficult but are fruitful with hard work and determination. She said developing study habits early is the key to success. The chemist added that many people begin STEM programs but drop out due to ill-preparedness.

You have to be able to designate time to really focus because we have a lot of minorities that start out [seeking] these type of degrees but dont finish, she said.

Catherine and Carolyn both drew on family support to complete their education and see their parents as role models. The twins were born to 19-years-olds in 1982.

My mother was pregnant during senior year of high school, said Catherine. It took a little longer but their mother did earn a bachelors degree in nursing. While there mother took care of them, their father earned a bachelors degree in accounting. The twins say their parents conquered enormous obstacles to ensure they would have great futures.

Today, their parents have been married 30 years and they have a younger sister, Tawanna.

They had to raise a family and both still managed to obtain bachelors degrees and put three kids through college, said Catherine. They are my idols, Ill say that.

The impressive twin siblings currently reside in Bronzeville.

By Thelma SardinTwitter: @thelmasardin

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