In this episode, I talk with Wendy Coleman Blue, Career & Placement Coach for the Engineering and Technology Career Pathway at Thrive Scholars, about the future representation in STEM and career opportunities within this field.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Wendy Coleman Blue:

• How did you get started in your current role?
• What challenges do underrepresented students face in STEM education, and how can we address them?
• Are there any trends you see in the demand for STEM jobs, and what skills are needed to succeed in them?
• How can we increase representation of women and people of color in STEM fields?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About STEM Future Representation & STEM Careers:

• Wendy's Career Journey: Wendy shares her diverse career path, spanning from higher education to corporate America, and now in the nonprofit sector. Her experience in various fields provides her with a unique perspective on STEM education and career development.
• Challenges for Underrepresented Students: Wendy highlights the barriers faced by students from historically marginalized communities, including lack of access, exposure, and advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of community support and strategic coaching to help these students navigate their educational and career paths.
• Current Trends in STEM: Wendy discusses the growing interest in computing and the need for students to understand their motivations for choosing specific STEM disciplines. She stresses the importance of helping students articulate their ""why"" and the kinds of problems they are passionate about solving.
• Increasing Representation in STEM: Wendy introduces her ""Four E's"" strategy to increase diversity in STEM: Engage, Expose, Equip, and Explore. She explains how each step is crucial in supporting students' journeys and helping them envision their futures in STEM.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tamuka Chidyausiku, Founder of STEAMulater LLC, about exploring citizen science and STEAM entrepreneurship.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dr. Chidyausiku:

• How did you get started in what you are doing today?
• Who do you serve in your business?
• How does STEAMulater utilize art and pop culture to teach STEAM?
• How does STEAMulater promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• How does citizen science and research contribute to the mission of STEAMulater?
• What are some future goals for STEAMulater and its impact on the next generation of STEAM leaders?
• Can you share some success stories or notable outcomes from STEAMulater's programs, highlighting the impact they've had on participants' lives and careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Citizen Science and STEAM Entrepreneurship:

• Dr. Chidyausiku’s journey in STEM started at Claflin University, a historically black college in South Carolina. He realized the need for more black scientists and decided to focus on recruitment and retention in STEM fields.
• STEAMulater LLC targets young adults, 18 years and older, who are either interested in or already pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
• The company's programs, like "Hip Hop Biochemistry" and "STEAM Olympics," integrate art and pop culture with science education to make learning more engaging and accessible.
• Dr. Chidyausiku emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM. He explains that diverse backgrounds and perspectives are crucial for innovative problem-solving and advancing scientific research.
• STEAMulater’s mission includes promoting DEI by providing tools and support for underrepresented groups to succeed in STEM fields. This involves creating new examples and methods of teaching that resonate with diverse communities.
• Citizen science and research are key components of STEAMulater’s approach. By involving ordinary citizens in scientific research, the company aims to democratize science and encourage more people to participate in solving real-world problems.
• Future goals for STEAMulater include expanding its reach and impact, particularly through collaborations with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions. Dr. Chidyausiku envisions a world where more people from diverse backgrounds are actively engaged in STEAM fields and contributing to groundbreaking research and innovation.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.

In this episode, I talk with Kevin J DeBruin, Former NASA Rocket Scientist and Founder of SPACE CLASS, about the exciting intersection of space science and education.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Kevin J DeBruin:

• How did you get started in what you are doing today?
• Who do you help in your business now and how?
• What was your journey and role like at NASA?
• What made you decide to transition from NASA to starting your own company?
• How do you explain complex science topics in a fun, easy-to-understand way?
• How do you balance your roles as an author, YouTuber, and TV host?
• How do you integrate fitness into your busy schedule?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About The Rocket Scientist Educator:

• Early Inspiration: Kevin's passion for space science began at age 10 after watching the movie "October Sky.”
• Path to NASA: His journey to NASA involved overcoming multiple rejections and obtaining a master's degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech.
• Role at NASA: As a systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kevin worked on missions like the Europa Clipper, integrating complex spacecraft systems.
• Transition to Education: Kevin's love for educating others about space science led him to leave his dream job at NASA and start SPACE CLASS.
• Audience Engagement: Kevin tailors his educational content to various audiences, from young children to professionals, using analogies and relatable references.
• Entrepreneurial Drive: His decision to leave NASA was influenced by a desire for greater freedom, financial potential, and the ability to make a unique impact.
• Balancing Multiple Roles: Kevin emphasizes time management and self-discipline to juggle his various roles, ensuring fitness remains a foundational aspect of his routine.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.