Magic on the Yard: Barrier-Breaking Black Chemist Dr. Tiana Shaw's HBCU Education Enriched Her STEM Career
Written By: Dani Canada
Dr. Tiana Shaw, a proud Clark Atlanta University alumna, exemplifies the institution's motto, “find a way or make one,” in her career as a Black female chemist in federal government labs. Shaw has faced and overcome significant challenges in a field where representation of Black women is scarce. "It shouldn’t be shocking when I tell people I’m a chemist," the scientist determined to pave the way for more women of color to enter and succeed in STEM fields told OffTheYard.
Shaw’s academic journey began at CAU, where she chose to major in chemistry despite it being an unconventional path for many of her peers. Her early curiosity about science blossomed into a passion during her time at the university. "I didn’t really understand all the things you could do with chemistry. I just knew I liked it," she recalled. Gaining practical experience through internships and lab work, Shaw discovered the vast career possibilities within chemistry. Though the recession made her job search difficult after graduation, Shaw’s persistence and support from CAU’s faculty led her to pursue a master’s degree, a decision she now calls "the best I could have made."
Beyond her academic achievements, Shaw’s connection to Clark Atlanta runs deep, especially when it comes to the university's cherished homecoming tradition. As a student, Shaw was in the marching band, which made her experience during homecoming different from most. It was a very hectic time for Shaw which included marching in the parade and practicing for the big homecoming show. Even so, the excitement was palpable, especially when alumni returned to campus to cheer for the band’s performances. "The homecoming game happened, and it was a lot of energy. Everybody in the crowd was so happy to see us," she remembered.
Now, as an alumna, Shaw’s homecoming experience is less about the intensity of rehearsals and more about reconnecting with old friends and soaking in the celebratory atmosphere. "Now, I can come back and I love going to the tailgate, Clark Atlanta’s tailgate is just one of the best," she said, recalling the music, food, and the joy of catching up with fellow alumni. Shaw treasures this time to see familiar faces, including her former bandmates, professors, and classmates, reliving shared memories and reflecting on their time at CAU.
The tailgate has become even larger over the years, Shaw noted, attracting not only alumni but the broader Atlanta community who come to partake in the one-of-a-kind experience. What once felt like an intimate gathering of recent alumni has now expanded into an event that brings together people from across generations and even other HBCUs. Yet, despite its growing scale, the essence of homecoming remains unchanged for Shaw. "Every time you go to Clark’s homecoming, it’s truly like you’re going back home," she told OffTheYard. "You reconnect with those people that were part of your makeup for four years, and that was a big part of my life."
For Shaw, homecoming is a chance to rekindle old friendships, and the bond between her and her former classmates feels just as strong as it did during their college days. "It’s almost like time hasn’t passed," she said. Each year, returning to CAU brings back the warmth and familiarity of her time on campus, where the energy and spirit of her alma mater remain as vibrant as ever.
Looking back on how Clark Atlanta shaped her personal and professional journey, Shaw credits the university for providing her with invaluable skills, including networking and presenting, which have been crucial to her success. Her advice to current students? "Talk to your professors, figure out what you want to do, and be intentional about the field you choose."
Shaw's journey—from her days marching in the CAU band to her trailblazing career as a chemist—serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of her HBCU experience. And for Shaw, homecoming isn’t just a celebration—it’s a homecoming in the truest sense, where the past and present intertwine and where she always finds her way back to her CAU family. "It just feels good to come home," she told OffTheYard, and that sentiment rings true year after year.