23-Year-Old Salenah Cartier Makes History Yet Again In Education, Becomes Youngest PhD Graduate At The University Of Houston – AfroTech
Salenah Cartier has made history at the University of Houston (UH) at 23 years old.
Cartier’s journey at UH has been driven by her understanding that education and technology are key “foundations of society” that can empower underserved communities. She acknowledged this in an interview with ABC13 Houston.
“What motivates me most is giving back, showcasing my research by using my research to fill in those gaps within the literature, within studies, by partnering with charities, by volunteering, by being involved within my community, and also giving my life to God,” Cartier explained, according to ABC13 Houston.
At age 17, Cartier earned a bachelor’s in psychology and remained at UH to pursue a master’s in education focused on learning, design, and technology. She made history as its youngest master’s graduate at 18, according to Essence. She has now become the university’s youngest PhD graduate. Her doctoral degree is in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on learning, design, and technology, per ABC13 Houston.
“With my degree, I plan on giving back in those spaces through policy, through research, and through practice,” she told ABC13 Houston.
Quailly Cartier, her mother, said:
“She is exceptional. I know that she likes to make me proud. She is a good young lady. I couldn’t ask for a better child.”
In an Instagram post, Cartier also recognized her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support throughout her seven-year journey at UH. She hopes her journey will inspire the next generation.
“I’m so grateful that I stayed in Houston, and so grateful that my mentors and advisors supported me, motivated me, and challenged me. To the young kids, challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Set a goal, write your goals down, and actually work towards it,” she explained, according to ABC13 Houston. “Right now, I am so emotional because I wrote these goals down, right? And now looking back, I see that I’ve accomplished them. I don’t know how to feel, but the truth is, when you set a plan, and you actually work towards that, you can achieve anything.”
