Graduate Research Assistant, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Educational Research Methodology (Program Evaluation).
1. How long have you been at your institution?
I am currently in my first semester in-person, but I took courses remotely in the fall 2023 semester
2. Who is your favorite STEM character in a book, movie or TV show?
Todd Campbell, in the Journal of Science Teacher Education
3. What inspired you to get involved in S-STEM work?
I grew up in a culture of male dominance in the STEM fields and told myself I can do it irrespective of my gender. Yeah, I am right here doing it! I’m thrilled to work on this project to hone the prospect of STEM Education.
4. What skills or knowledge are you learning throughout the program that you find most useful in your career?
In my chosen career as a program evaluator, it is important to note that this project will expose me to research opportunities in the field, equip me with the relevant skills for effective programming with target beneficiaries, and help me engage with stakeholders outside my organization to collaborate, network and build capacity towards achieving my potential.
5. What advice would you give to students who transfer from 2YC to 4YC?
You can do all that you have set out to achieve without limitations or boundaries. Be open to new knowledge and ideas. Don’t be a shadow of yourself; ask questions and be ready to adapt, adjust, and think outside the box.
6. Is your involvement in S-STEM work worthwhile to your graduate school/professional journey? If so, please elaborate.
As a graduate student and lover of STEM education, this is where my passion lies. I want to see STEM education advancement and will not stop acting towards it.
7. What skill do you think is most valuable for students considering a STEM career?
For students considering a STEM career, you must think critically. There are several problems that arise as we engage with our world daily; thus, we must apply knowledge gained to new situations and proffer solutions to mitigating issues to thrive in this changing world.
8. Tell us about the most rewarding experience that you have had during your STEM career.
As a science teacher, I navigated the challenges of poor facilities, attended to, and was able to meet the needs of individual learners. Beyond the science classroom, my skill has taken me to the development field where I worked on the prevention of HIV/AIDS among in-school youth using the child-child approach, the Minimum Prevention Package of Intervention (MPPI-HPDP-II), among others. This has prepared me for my evaluation career as I engage in baseline mapping, advocacy, lobbying, capacity building and strengthening, reporting, etc.