From Dunking to Data Science
The mechanical engineering major turned pro athlete has become an unlikely STEM ambassador through his viral #BlackInTheLab initiative. “I’ve had kids tell me they didn’t know Black people could be scientists,” says Johnson, who posts TikTok tutorials of himself analyzing game film alongside fluid dynamics equations. “They see us balling, but not building satellites or curing diseases.”
By the Numbers
- Founded “Black Kids Code Too” camps at 12 Title I NJ schools
- 78% of participants pursued STEM electives after his workshops
- Partnered with MIT to distribute 500 “Lab Starter Kits”
- Maintains 3.6 GPA while playing pro basketball overseas
The Bigger Picture
With Black professionals comprising just 5% of engineers (NSF 2023), Johnson represents a new wave of scholar-athletes. “Scoring 20 points gets cheers today,” he notes. “But designing sustainable cities? That echo lasts generations.”
🏀 What’s Next
Johnson will present at the National Society of Black Engineers conference in March – right between playoff games with his Lithuanian team.
Call to Action
“To every Black teen: Your brain is your biggest muscle,” Johnson says. “DM me your science fair projects – let’s get you published.”
