Marsha J. Tyson Darling

Marsha J. Tyson Darling is a Professor in the Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies and the History Department at Adelphi University, where she also serves as Director of the Center for African, Black & Caribbean Studies Programs and Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives. She holds a Ph.D. from Duke University and has held faculty positions at Georgetown University, Columbia University, and Wellesley College, among others.

• Ph.D., Duke University (1982)
• M.A., Duke University (1975)
• B.A., Vassar College (1973)
• A.A. w/ Honors, CUNY College of Staten Island (1971)

Her research centers on the intersection of race, gender, and biotechnology, with a focus on reproductive justice, civil rights, voter suppression, and the ethical implications of genetic technologies. She explores how marginalized communities, especially women of color, are impacted by emerging biotechnologies and public policies. Her work critically examines consumer-driven eugenics, surrogacy, and the privatization of genetic knowledge.

Her recent publications reflect a strong thematic focus on reproductive rights, globalization, and historical justice. She has contributed extensively to edited volumes on Africana Studies, voting rights, and reproductive ethics. Her scholarship spans historical analysis, policy critique, and feminist bioethics.

• Recipient of Fulbright and Rockefeller Fellowships
• Named in Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s Top 25 Women in Higher Education (2017)
• NAACP Excellence in Higher Education Award (2009)
• Anna and Samuel Pinanski Endowed Award for Excellence in Teaching (1984)

She has advised numerous senior theses across multiple institutions and has been a dedicated mentor to students. She has also led curriculum development initiatives, including freshmen seminars on social justice and human rights. Her leadership extends to community outreach, public lectures, and media appearances on civil rights and reproductive justice. She serves on advisory boards and is actively engaged in national conversations on racial healing and transformation.