From the Paint to the Lab: Rutgers Alum Myles Johnson Redefines What a Black Athlete Can Be
[PISCATAWAY, NJ] — Standing 6’11”, Myles Johnson towers over most physics lab benches—and just about any defender who dares to guard him. But the former Rutgers basketball star and UCLA graduate transfer is leaving his deepest mark far beyond the court, challenging outdated assumptions and proving that Black excellence thrives in the laboratory just as much as on the hardwood.
From Slam Dunks to Data Sets
The mechanical engineering major turned professional athlete has become an unlikely champion for STEM diversity through his viral #BlackInTheLab campaign. “I’ve had kids tell me they didn’t know Black people could be scientists,” Johnson says. He posts TikTok tutorials breaking down game footage alongside fluid dynamics equations. “They see us dunking, but not building satellites or curing diseases.”
Impact by the Numbers
- Launched “Black Kids Code Too” camps at 12 Title I schools across New Jersey
- 78% of participants went on to enroll in STEM electives after attending his workshops
- Partnered with MIT to distribute 500 “Lab Starter Kits” to aspiring young scientists
- Maintains a 3.6 GPA while playing professional basketball overseas
The Bigger Picture
With Black professionals making up only 5% of engineers nationwide (according to NSF 2023 data), Johnson stands at the forefront of a rising generation of scholar-athletes. “Scoring 20 points gets you cheers tonight,” he says. “But designing sustainable cities? That kind of impact echoes for generations.”
What’s Next
Johnson is scheduled to speak at the National Society of Black Engineers conference in March—sandwiched right between playoff games with his team in Lithuania.
Call to Action
“To every Black teen out there: Your brain is your strongest muscle,” Johnson says. “DM me your science fair projects—let’s work together to get you published.”
