Engineering & Science Education Department (College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences)
Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
1. How long have you been at your institution?
2 semesters
2. Who is your favorite STEM character in a book, movie or TV show?
This is very hard because I love STEM-related books, movies, and tv shows, but I will go with Mark Watney (Matt Damon) in The Martian. When the movie was first released, I used scenarios that he encountered in The Martian to teach dimensional analysis to my high school chemistry classes.
3. Is your involvement in S-STEM work worthwhile to your graduate school journey? If so, please elaborate.
Definitely. A motivating factor for pursuing doctoral studies in STEM education was to better understand and contribute to the scholarship that broadens the participation and success of racially minoritized students in STEM fields. Although S-STEM programs focus on low-income students there is still alignment with my research interests of understanding how interventions (in and out of the classroom) impact academic and affective outcomes for students in STEM programs.
4. Tell us about the most rewarding experience that you have had during your STEM career.
My most rewarding experience was teaching chemistry at my high school alma mater! I was only there for 3 years due to a military relocation with my partner, but it was truly an honor to help build the secondary chemistry program in the community where I grew up.