Top of graphic has the name "Dasia Taylor" Below the name is a picture of Black scientist and inventor Dasia Taylor. She is wearing a white lab coat with a black graphic tshirt. She is wearing glasses. Next to her photo is the text, "Dasia Taylor is a black scientist and inventor. In 2019 at the age of 15, she developed surgical sutures that change color to indicate to reveal if a wound is healing properly "

Welcome To Black Mail!

Where we bring you Black History, Special Delivery.

Scientist and inventor Dasia Taylor was born on April 6, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois. Taylor graduated from Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa, in 2021. 

In 2019, at age fifteen, Taylor conducted an experiment with beets. She discovered that dye from beets applied to surgical sutures would change color at a perfect pH point, revealing if a wound was healing properly. When healing correctly, the suture thread (containing beet juice) would change from bright red to dark purple. Cesarean infections were of particular concern for Taylor. In some African nations, as much as 20 percent of women giving birth by c-section experience surgical site infections. 

While developing her invention, she faced racial discrimination and was discouraged from joining a science competition team. These experiences led her to be an anti-racism advocate. Setting aside the negative opinions of those who didn’t believe in her capabilities, Taylor entered her first regional science and math fair in 2020. In 2021, she was one of 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the most prestigious science and math competitions for high school seniors in the United States. Taylor was awarded $25,000 for her invention. Her discovery is a significant milestone in medical science. She is now in the process of seeking patents for her inventions. Taylor is currently attending the University of Iowa.

Another installment of melanated mail has been delivered. Ponder, reflect, and pass it on!