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We sat down with Dr. Kameron J. King, Ph.D. — chemist, environmental scientist, federal researcher, and the powerhouse founder behind BlackGirlScientist, LLC. — to talk science, representation, and what happens when a little girl who wanted to cure cancer grows up and changes the world one molecule at a time. From PFAS research by day to building STEM Girls™ dolls by night, Dr. King is redefining what it means to be a scientist — and making sure the next generation of girls can see themselves doing it too.
1. What is your name, field of study, and current role?
Dr. Kameron J. King, Ph.D.
Chemistry, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineering
Founder, BlackGirlScientist, LLC.
Physical Scientist, Federal Government
2. Tell us about the organization or scholarship programs you're involved in. What do you all do, and what's your role?
BlackGirlScientist, LLC. is a S.T.E.M empowerment and sustainability brand that increases representation and opportunity for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through scholarships, educational workshops, mentorship, culturally affirming merchandise, and environmental sustainability consulting.
3. What inspired you to pursue STEM?
Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be the one to “discover the cure for cancer” as I was especially attentive to all those around me who died from this disease. It seemed elusive, random, and scary. As I grew up, I thought I had to be a biologist to become a medical doctor to take on this great task. Turns out I did not like studying biology (thanks to my HS biology class/teacher) and did not want to become a MD (I hated the smell of the hospital–thanks to my amazing RN mother for the frequent work hospital visits…although I have taken a liken to the endocrinology field lol), BUT that is precisely why God made me a chemist and environmental scientist/engineer– which were the exact tools I needed to sojourn my mission to “discover the cure for cancer.” I just had to change my perspective one degree (well 3) to realize that prevention of these types of diseases are just as important if not essential to treatment before they could end up within the body in many cases.
My understanding of chemistry allows me to know how chemicals interact with our bodies, and my understanding of the environment helps me to know how chemicals can enter our bodies through various media. Engineering allows me to understand the solutions to mitigate many of these problems.
My purpose is to help inform and educate others and myself, and to remediate and steward the environment God has given us, so that we can live life and live it more abundantly. Not just to live life to survive, but to thrive with a good quality of life in good health based on the knowledge that we have.
4. What impact do you hope to make in your field?
As an African-American woman earning my Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and throughout my entire career, I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the rooms I worked in. Representation in STEM was not just limited — it was nearly invisible.
That absence affects confidence long before career decisions are made.
BlackGirlScientist was created because representation is catalytic. When girls see someone who looks like them as a scientist, engineer, or Ph.D., it expands what they believe is possible.
I started BGS to provide what I once needed: visibility, encouragement, funding support, and access. What began as a community page has grown into a scholarship initiative, educational platform, product line, and consulting service — all rooted in one mission: increase diversity in STEM by making science relatable, accessible, and affirming.
5. Tell me about your doll project.
STEM Girls™ was created to close the gap between playtime and possibility.
Founded by Dr. Kameron J. King — Environmental Scientist and Engineer — STEM Girls™ empowers the next generation by showing children, especially girls, that STEM is for them.
Our debut collectible doll, Dr. Khemi the Chemist™, pairs confidence with hands-on learning through: The Organic Lava Lip Gloss STEM Kit — a safe, engaging experiment introducing real chemistry concepts like solubility, emulsions, and organic compounds.
Together, we’re redefining what science looks like.
6. How do you balance creativity, beauty, or entrepreneurship with your STEM work?
By not separating them. By day we are a Physical Scientist for the federal government working on PFAS research — and by night we are running BlackGirlScientist, designing merch, building STEM Girls™ dolls and creating content that makes science accessible and fun for women and girls everywhere.
It comes down to time blocking, a really good planner and a lot of faith. We also recently brought on our first cohort of BGS interns which has been a game changer for scaling the business side without sacrificing the science side.
7. What does being a woman in STEM mean to you?
It means responsibility. When we walked into rooms where very few people looked like us, we knew that visibility mattered. Being a woman in STEM means not just doing the work but making sure the next generation of girls can see themselves doing it too. That’s why we founded BlackGirlScientist in 2019 and why we’re bringing STEM Girls™ to life — because representation isn’t just inspiring, it’s necessary.
8. Any accomplishments, awards, or projects you’re especially proud of?
BlackGirlScientist celebrating 5 years and our STEM Girls project! Through BlackGirlScientist we’ve built: STEM workshops, $20,000+ in scholarships awarded, sustainability education, and now we’re bringing STEM Girls™ to life.
Our goal has always been simple — to make sure the next generation can see themselves in STEM. If you believe in representation in STEM, you’re part of the BGS Village.
9. Where can people learn more about you, your organization, or your doll project (socials, website, etc.)?
www.theblackgirlscientist.com (BGS Website)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stemgirls/stem-girlstm-by-blackgirlscientist-llc (STEM Girls Kickstarter)
@theblackgirlscientist (Instagram)
@stemgirldolls (Instagram)
