I am a planner, and I had my entire year already planned out. Cancer was not a part of those plans. However, in April 2024, I received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Those who are familiar with me understand that I become quite perturbed when my plans are disrupted. The nerve of cancer thinking that it could just swoop in and change my plans. However, thanks to the exceptional grace of God and the diligent efforts of my team of surgeons and oncologists—Dr. Manmohan Ghanta, Dr. Robert Knowling, Dr. Jorge Diaz, and Dr. Ashlyn Everett—the impact on my plans was minimal.
I support the American Cancer Society for their commendable work in fighting cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. They ensure that the lives of other cancer patients are minimally impacted by this disease.
DR. SHELIA NASH-STEVENSON MADE HISTORY IN 1994 when she became the first African American female in Alabama to earn a Ph.D. degree in physics. She was among the first African Americans to receive a Ph.D. in physics from Alabama A&M University and one of less than 20 African American females to hold a Ph.D. in physics in the entire United States at that time.
Dr. Nash-Stevenson is currently employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center as a Physical Scientist Acquisition Manager with the Science Office for Mission Assessments. Dr. Nash-Stevenson has co-authored several papers in the area of Laser Upconversion and holds a patent for an Optical Fiber Holder. She has served on dissertation and thesis committees, and she also mentors graduate and undergraduate students at Alabama A&M University.
In addition to being a charter member of both the City of Madison Board of Education and the Madison Rotary Club, Dr. Nash-Stevenson is also a member of Leadership Alabama, Leadership Huntsville/Madison County Alumni Association, Alabama A&M University Youth Motivation Task Force Advisory Board, Alabama A&M University Alumni Association, Greater Huntsville Chapter (AL) The Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
She was named to the Alabama A&M University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021, the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022 and selected as a 2022 This is Alabama Women Who Shape the State Honoree.
Dr. Nash-Stevenson is an active member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Huntsville, Alabama where she serves as a trustee, an usher and a greeter. She is married to Mr. Kirby Stevenson and is the proud mother of Dr. Kecenia (Brandon) Wright and Mr. Keegan Stevenson, and very proud grandmother of Master Grayson Wright. She resides in Madison, Alabama.
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