At 23, she is the youngest PhD graduate at UH

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- At an age when many young adults are just finishing college, Salenah Cartier is adding a doctorate to her resume.

At 23, Cartier is the youngest Ph.D. graduate at the University of Houston, according to school records dating back to 2007. On May 13, Cartier is walking the stage after earning her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She plans to use her degree to spark change.

"Education is the foundation of society, and I wholeheartedly believe that empowering underserved communities through education and technology, we can unlock a bucket of potential in those spaces," Cartier said.

This doctoral degree is the latest milestone in Cartier's remarkable academic journey at UH. She made headlines in 2020 when she became the University of Houston's youngest graduate, earning her bachelor's degree in psychology at age 17. A year later, at 18, she completed a master's degree in education.

Cartier shares what motivates her the most in the video above and shares words of wisdom to younger students.