Kristen Wells-Collins, a Prairie View A&M University graduate, is transforming how Black girls engage with science. She has taught over 3,000 students by using cosmetic chemistry to make STEM approachable and fun. Through hands-on projects like lip gloss, body scrubs, and lotions, Wells-Collins demonstrates how science connects to everyday life.
Using Beauty Products to Make STEM Accessible
Wells-Collins teaches chemistry through beauty products that girls already know and enjoy. This method makes STEM less intimidating and more relatable. Participants mix formulas and experiment with ingredients while learning scientific principles in a practical context.
She told The Jennifer Hudson Show, “We know that they know makeup, so they know science. We want young girls to know that their voices are important.” By linking science to familiar experiences, she builds both curiosity and confidence among students.
Black to the Lab Breaks Barriers in STEM Education
In 2020, Wells-Collins founded Black to the Lab to address the underrepresentation of Black girls in STEM. The organization provides activity kits that teach chemistry through real-world beauty products. Students not only learn about chemical reactions but also gain exposure to entrepreneurship, including branding and marketing their creations.
The program emphasizes learning by doing rather than memorization. Wells-Collins believes this hands-on approach helps students understand complex STEM concepts while preparing them for future careers.
Reaching Thousands Through Hands-On Learning
Black to the Lab has already reached over 3,000 young girls, and the number continues to grow through school programs and community initiatives. Each participant leaves the program with both technical skills and greater self-confidence.
Wells-Collins told Dallas Weekly, “They also get a chance to learn about branding and marketing, which shows how science connects to real-life opportunities.” The program equips students to see themselves as capable scientists and innovators.
Expanding STEM Opportunities with Tulsa Beauty Collective
Wells-Collins expanded her mission with the Tulsa Beauty Collective, a STEM-focused storefront in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The location includes a classroom where children and adults explore the intersection of science, scent, and skin care. Visitors create their own beauty products while learning about chemical processes, making science both educational and engaging.
According to AfroTech, the STEM Beauty Bar and Studio combines creativity with structured learning, allowing participants to apply scientific principles in ways they can see and feel.
Making STEM Feel Like Home for Every Learner
Wells-Collins believes STEM should be welcoming to all students, regardless of background. “Science should feel like home for every learner,” she told AfroTech. Her programs honor Black identity while providing pathways for the next generation of scientists and innovators.
By connecting STEM education to beauty and creativity, Wells-Collins has created a model that empowers young Black girls. Her work proves that science can be relevant, fun, and inclusive.
