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.

In this episode, I talk with Apoorva Panidapu, a global speaker, researcher, and writer, about being a human calculator.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Apoorva Panidapu:

• How did you get started in what you are doing today?
• Can you elaborate on how you became known as the human calculator?
• What advice do you have for students who struggle with math and how can we make math more accessible and engaging for them?
• How can we address gender bias in early STEM education and encourage girls to pursue STEM careers? Can you share any personal experiences or success stories?
• What do you think are some of the biggest challenges Generation Z faces, especially in transitioning from school to college to the workplace? Are there specific skills they should focus on?
• What advice do you have for young people who aspire to make a difference in their communities and beyond?
• Can you share a mistake you made on your journey and what you learned from it?
• What is one thing people can start doing right away to get involved in STEM or improve their skills?
• Are there any tools or resources you recommend for those interested in STEM?
• How can people get in touch with you for more information or to stay updated on your work?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Being a Human Calculator:

• Early Start and Visibility: Apoorva's journey began at 12 years old when she appeared on NBC's Genius Junior, which gave her significant visibility and a platform to talk about gender bias in STEM.
• Becoming a Human Calculator: She earned the nickname due to her exceptional mental computation skills, learned through using the abacus, which helped her perform complex calculations quickly.
• Advice for Math Learners: Apoorva emphasizes making math relatable by connecting it with personal interests, like art or music, and encourages finding practical applications of mathematical concepts.
• Addressing Gender Bias in STEM: It's crucial to introduce young students to diverse role models and address unconscious biases early. Apoorva shares her own experiences of overcoming gender stereotypes and stresses the importance of visible representation.
• Generation Z Challenges: Gen Z seeks meaningful work and values personal connections, diversity, and environmental responsibility. They need to adapt quickly to new technologies and focus on continuous learning.
• Finding Hope and Curiosity: Apoorva highlights the importance of hope and curiosity, suggesting that young people should pursue their passions and remain

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.