Contents -- Preface and Acknowledgments -- 1 Introduction: Understanding Young African American Women's Experiences in Science -- 2 The Conceptual Framework: A Critical-Feminist Approach -- 3 Young African American Women's Experiences in Science: "Science Is Like Opening a Present from Your Favorite Aunt. You Just Can't Wait to Open It Because You Know There Is Something Wonderful and Unique Inside." -- 4 Influences-Teachers and Schools: "They Looked at Us Like We Weren't Supposed to Be Scientists." -- 5 Influences-Family and Community: "My Mother Never Minded Me Using Her Kitchen Utensils to Dig Up Insects and Worms to Explore." -- 6 Influences-Peers: "I Know Plenty of Girls at My School [Who] Love Science." -- 7 Conclusions: "Science Is Not About Which Race Likes It Better, It Is About Doing What You Like." -- Appendix A: Tables -- Appendix B: Detail on Knowledge Networks Sampling -- Appendix C: Text for Vignettes -- Appendix D: Selected Questions from Knowledge Networks Survey -- Appendix E: Detail on NELS Sampling and Data -- Notes -- References -- Index.