Amber Johnson Purdue’s first black woman to earn computer science PhD

When Amber Johnson (PhD S’19) walked across the stage at Elliott Hall of Music, she knew she was making history as the first black woman to earn a doctorate in computer science at Purdue University. 

“It’s cool that my graduation coincides with the 150th anniversary of Purdue,” Johnson says. “With Purdue having the first department of computer science, this moment has a lot of symbolism. It means a lot for the world. It shows that computer science is for everybody and anybody.”

Growing up in Mississippi, Johnson discovered her love of technology and computers at an early age when her mother purchased a computer when Johnson was 4 years old. Johnson’s mother called a computer technician to teach her how to use it. Johnson observed the technician and learned how to use the machine. She’s been blazing her own trail ever since. 

“I’ve always been different,” Johnson says. “Growing up, I was outside climbing trees, playing football with the boys. I was always in spaces that were not meant for me. Institutions, organizations, majors, where nobody thought about Amber.”

Did You Know? Students who identify as an ethnic minority comprise 24% of students enrolled in the Graduate School. 

Programs that recruit and support students underrepresented in various majors are important in achieving diversity and inclusion goals across campus, according to Zenephia Evans (PhD S’97), associate dean of students and one of Johnson’s mentors. 

“While I am elated to celebrate Amber, there are majors not only in the College of Science but elsewhere at Purdue where we have yet to produce an underrepresented student with a PhD,” Evans says. “This is a momentous occasion, but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

At first, Johnson didn’t see herself as a role model, but as commencement neared, she became more comfortable with the idea. A volunteer with Black Girls Rock Tech and Girls Who Code, Johnson hopes to inspire girls to pursue computer science as a profession. 

“It’s important to love yourself and be yourself,” she says. “If there’s no space for you, you make a space. If there’s no seat, bring your own seat. No room at the table, bring your own table.”