The lack of diversity of institutional leaders and faculty in private biological science graduate schools has created barriers for Black, Brown, and Indigenous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and women who pursue science careers in biomedical research. The disparity in the leadership of these populations has impacted the ability of students of color and women to thrive in these institutions with predominantly White and Asian student populations. This study is based on data collected from six Black female PhD students and postdoctoral fellows who attended (or recently graduated from) institutions with predominantly White and Asian graduate student populations in private biological science or science and engineering institutes. Data for this study were collected from participant profile questionnaires, reflective narratives, and extensive individual interviews. The purpose of this critical qualitative research study, using narrative inquiry with a phenomenological approach, was to investigate the lived experiences of Black female PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to develop an understanding of the psychosocial factors of their experiences and strategies they leverage to persevere. Because of the intersectionality of race, class, and gender, this study was framed by critical race theory, critical race feminism, and Black feminist thought, underscoring racism and anti-Blackness as historically existing in STEM academic spaces. The most salient findings from this investigation included racial and gender microaggressions, anti-Blackness, Black women's resilience and persistence, and the significance of allyship. This dissertation concludes with suggestions for STEM higher education structural change, policy practices, and future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]