Estella Atekwana on being a âfirstâ Article by Adam Thomas Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson February 24, 2021 Dean of UDâs College of Earth, Ocean and Environment reflects on being a Black woman in geoscience and a career full of firsts With Black History Month â and every other month â in mind, Estella Atekwana, dean of the University of Delawareâs College of Earth, Ocean and Environment (CEOE), discussed her career as a Black, female scientist in the geoscience field in a question-and-answer interview. Q: Could you give some background about yourself and your experience as a Black, female scientist in the geoscience field?