STEM CREW MAGAZINE
INTERVIEW WITH
Tiffani Teachey
A pivotal part of my mission has been making STEM accessible to children and their communities. I've taken this message to three different countries in Africa, including Ghana, South Africa, and Botswana. There, I've had the privilege of sharing my STEM books with children, parents, and educators. By doing so, I aim to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, fostering a passion for STEM from an early age. Beyond the African continent, I've had the honor of traveling to Italy, where I served as a featured speaker on STEM education and the process of publishing children's books. This experience provided me with the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with a broader international audience, emphasizing the global significance of STEM education and the powerful impact of children's literature in this field. While these accomplishments are a source of pride and motivation, my STEM journey has not been without its challenges. As an underrepresented minority in STEM, I've encountered the need to break down stereotypes and address biases, both on a local and international scale. Balancing my roles as a mechanical engineer, author, and STEM advocate while pursuing advanced degrees has demanded dedication and effective time management. Furthermore, motivating young minds to embrace STEM careers has been a continuous challenge. However, through my international experiences and outreach efforts, I remain committed to creating engaging resources and programs to capture the interest of children, parents, and educators around the world.
Perseverance is another essential quality that has proven invaluable. STEM often presents complex challenges and setbacks, and the ability to overcome them with determination and resilience has been critical to my achievements. It has taught me that failure is a part of the learning process and a stepping stone toward success. Effective communication skills have played a pivotal role in my STEM career. Being able to convey intricate STEM concepts in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences, from students to colleagues, is crucial. It's not only about understanding STEM but also about sharing that understanding with others effectively. Mentorship and networking have also been pivotal. Learning from experienced mentors and building a strong network within STEM communities has provided invaluable guidance and support throughout my journey.
My STEM journey has been enriched by these experiences and challenges, reinforcing my dedication to promoting STEM education and inspiring the global community to recognize the importance of nurturing young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM has been a central principle for me. Advocating for underrepresented groups and working to foster an environment of equity are essential components of my approach to STEM.
Q, Can you share the key qualities or principles that have guided your success in STEM?
Lastly, embracing innovation and creative problem-solving has allowed me to tackle complex STEM issues, providing new solutions and perspectives. These qualities and principles continue to serve as the pillars of my success in STEM, shaping my path as an advocate, educator, and mentor in this ever-evolving field.
A. My success in STEM has been guided by several key qualities and principles. Firstly, an unwavering passion for learning and a genuine enthusiasm for continuous exploration within STEM fields have been at the core of my journey. This has driven my commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements and technologies in my area of expertise.
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