Please share with us your path from your undergraduate experience to leading the NSTMF
My journey to leading the NSTMF has been driven by a profound passion for creating meaningful impact and empowering others. As an undergraduate mathematics major, programs like the McNair Scholars Program, along with supportive professors, peer mentors, and transformative research opportunities, helped me realize that my contributions were not only valuable but essential for progress in STEM. This ultimately led me to pursue a Ph.D in mathematics.
During graduate school, I earning prestigious fellowships like the LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and cultivated leadership through active involvement in organizations like the Association for Women in Mathematics and Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. After completing my doctorate, I joined Lockheed Martin as a data analyst, all while continuing to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and participate in various speaking engagements to inspire and advocate for future STEM talent.
When I joined the NSTMF in 2021 to develop the inSTEM program, it felt like a natural extension of what I enjoy doing—supporting students. Over the years, I’ve played a pivotal role in driving transformation within the organization. Now, as Executive Director, I am honored to lead the NSTMF toward even greater heights and further our mission of building inclusive STEM communities.
What parts of the inSTEM program are you excited to expand?
I’m excited to expand the professional development opportunities that inSTEM offers, partnering with various organizations to offer internships, research experiences, networking events, and other opportunities that better equip our Scholars for STEM careers. I’m also looking forward to scaling the program, reaching more institutions and students, while maintaining a personal and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Why was the prospect of leading the NSTMF appealing to you?
Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply committed to mentoring, empowering underrepresented groups, and fostering opportunities that help students thrive. The NSTMF’s mission to inspire and support the next generation of innovators felt like a natural extension of everything I value. It offered the chance to make a meaningful, large-scale impact, combining my personal experiences with my professional skills to help shape a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape.
During your leadership and growth of the inSTEM program, you prioritized centering the student experience. Why is that focus so important when it comes to delivering impactful programs?
Centering the student experience is vital because impactful programs must address the real needs, challenges, and aspirations of the students they serve. When students feel seen, heard, and supported, they are more likely to thrive, build confidence, and maximize their potential. This focus also fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is critical for their success in STEM fields.
What’s the annual cost to comprehensively support an inSTEM scholar?
Annually it costs $5,000 in direct support of an inSTEM scholar. This includes student stipends, success kits, conference participation support, access to a mentoring platform, and other resources that support academic, professional, and personal well-being.
What’s the relationship between the inSTEM program and the national medal recipients?
The inSTEM program connects rising STEM talent with National Medal recipients for inspiration, mentorship, and encouragement. For example, the inSTEM scholars participated in events where National Medal Laureates engaged directly with them, such as the April Laureate Celebration and the 2023 inSTEM summit.
While the NSTMF does not have any control over the selection of NMS or NMTI Laureates, it is our ultimate goal to increase representation in STEM such that eventually, the future classes of Laureates will reflect the diversity of American society.
In addition to donations, how can I get more involved?
You can become more involved through activities like mentoring inSTEM scholars, participating in fundraising or outreach events, and helping the NSTMF expand partnerships with academic, industry, and nonprofit sectors. Offering personal and professional networks for scholar internships are also ways to deepen engagement.
What type of comprehensive support do the inSTEM scholars receive?
inSTEM scholars receive mentorship, academic guidance, professional development opportunities, and the chance to network with National Medal Laureates. The program also focuses on community building, offering workshops, and soft skills training, which are key to their retention and success in STEM fields.
What are the contemporary challenges and obstacles for STEM scholars?
Major challenges for inSTEM scholars, many of who are from underrepresented groups in STEM, include a lack of diversity in STEM fields, feelings of isolation, barriers to accessing mentorship and professional development opportunities, and financial constraints, which can also affect retention in STEM programs. Our scholars have also shared mental health challenges related to anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact their academic performance and overall well-being. We have adapted our inSTEM program based upon this feedback and we remain committed to providing our scholars the needed and necessary support to overcome these contemporary challenges and obstacles.
How do you help the scholars determine whether they should remain in academia or pivot to industry?
Through mentorship and professional development, inSTEM helps scholars explore different career pathways. The inSTEM summits and events like the Laureate Celebration give scholars the opportunity to interact with STEM leaders across academia and industry, helping them make informed decisions about their future career trajectories. Ultimately, this decision is up to the individual students, but the inSTEM program aims to give students as much information as possible to make an informed decision that will serve them best.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What’s that? With all the hats I wear—especially being a mom—spare time is rare, but I make it a priority. When I do get a moment to myself, I love trying foods from different cultures and painting.
Eleven years is a long time with any organization – what are some highlights from your tenure?
