ShowingUpforSTEM STEM CREW MAGAZINE

By Danielle Lewis

HBCUs graduate 25% of African American professionals in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) [1]. HBCUs offer wonderful STEM programs, including notable engineering programs such as North Carolina A&T State University and Howard University, while typically maintaining a lower cost than other institutions. However, we are still lacking proper representation for minorities, including women. It’s imperative to not only showcase to black students the possibilities of STEM, but also equip them with the tools they need to be successful in these highly competitive fields. Increasing black representation in STEM will drive change and increase equity in our communities STEM jobs are some of the most lucrative available. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for STEM professionals is more than double that of non-STEM jobs [2]. Let’s ignite a passion and curiosity for STEM in black youth, and promote HBCUs as a valuable option in pursuing a STEM career!

I’d like to share my HBCU STEM (heavy on the ‘E’) journey and helpful resources along the way:

I'm from Pell City, AL, a small town not too far from Birmingham Even when I was younger, I was always interested in Math and Science, partly due to my mom being an engineer. I knew I wanted to attend Oakwood University, however, it did not have its own Engineering program. Through Oakwood University and University of Alabama in Huntsville's Dual Degree Program, I had the unique experience of attending both a private HBCU and a public PWI while earning my degrees. At Oakwood, I was able to really connect with my peers, professors, and mentors that guided and challenged me. Additionally, the financial and academic burden of a 5 year program caused me to be proactive in discovering scholarships through organizations such as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) NSBE’s mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community", and it was the single most important resource during my college career. With NSBE, I was able to lead as chapter President, receive scholarships, build my engineering network, and land my first full time job.

After graduating with degrees in Applied Math and Mechanical Engineering, but thankfully no student loan debt, I joined Cummins Inc Through Cummins’ Engineering Development Program (EDP), I had the opportunity to explore the company in a holistic manner, both technical and non-technical and from new technology development to aftermarket areas of the company. My 7+ years in the automotive industry has been both exciting and challenging. My most recent role has been working as a Systems Engineer Product Specialist in Accelera (Cummins’ newest technology company) to create, test, and deliver demo electric vehicles and software. One of the biggest highlights in my career was a recent trip to the UK where I led a team of engineers and successfully commissioned several electric mini excavators.

Because I know first hand how invaluable these opportunities were for my career as a black woman in STEM, I am passionate to advocate for the younger generations of black STEM potential I remain actively involved in the attraction, retention, and engagement of diverse talent including serving as the coordinator for the Cummins NSBE Integrated Pipeline Program which is a scholarship, internship, and mentorship opportunity for students at Howard, NC A&T, and Purdue University. Starting my own scholarship for deserving students has been a long lasting dream of mine, so in the midst of COVID, I did just that

I created HBCU STEM Education Run (STEMER) with the mission to "Educate, Empower, and Elevate HBCU STEM Students through Scholarships and Career Resources". We host our signature 5K and Women in STEM Walkathon (virtually and in-person) to raise funds and STEM awareness through fitness. We are proud to announce that we have raised over $7,000 worth of STEM scholarships since inception.

Additionally, we host workshops about tech or career building skills. Each year, I look forward to the Oakwood University Women’s Initiative (WIN) for STEM summer bridge program. This is an opportunity to guide incoming freshmen girls through the engineering design process to conceptualize, build, test, and improve their own electric vehicle! For more information, email us at info@hbcustemer.com and follow us on IG @hbcustemer.

Women in STEM Walkathon 2023 @ Morehouse College

Moreover, the curiosity for STEM should start early, so that it can grow as the student grows. I’ve had the privilege to work with outstanding organizations focused on just Technovation Families (formerly known as Curiosity Machine) is an online platform where kids and parents can learn about a variety of STEM concepts from hydraulics to circuits and beyond. Projects use everyday household items, making STEM learning fun and accessible. Additionally, the NSBE offers a free 3 week program called Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) that allows 3rd- 5th grade students to explore engineering as a team Example projects range from building a catapult to navigating a drone and teams are scored on different design criteria. It’s a perfect opportunity to get hands-on engineering experience while working on soft skills, such as presentation skills and creativity. The best part about programs like these is that even if the child doesn’t pursue a career in STEM, the foundation for creating curious black minds with the power of critical thinking skills has already been laid.

With all this information you might be wondering “How can I get involved? How can I help?” The answer is show up! Show up as a participant, show up as a volunteer, a science museum chaperone, mentor, donor, just show up in whatever capacity you can to keep moving the needle forward. Be encouraged that there are numerous opportunities out there waiting for you - your voice, your talent, your creativity, your valueto impact the world of STEM!

Danielle Lewis is from a small town called Pell City, AL From a young age, she was always interested in Math and Science, partly due to her mom being an engineer Through Oakwood University and University of Alabama in Huntsville's Dual Degree Program, she had the unique experience of attending both a private HBCU and a public PWI while earning her degrees. Additionally, the financial and academic burden of a 5 year program motivated her to proactively seek scholarships, and ultimately graduate from college debt free After graduating with degrees in Applied Math and Mechanical Engineering, she joined Cummins Inc. Through Cummins’ Engineering Development Program (EDP), Danielle had the opportunity to explore the company in a holistic manner, both technical and non-technical and from new technology development to aftermarket areas of the company. Her most recent role has been working as a Systems Engineer Product Specialist in Accelera (Cummins’ newest technology company) to create, test, and deliver demo electric vehicles and software Because she knows first hand how invaluable these opportunities are, she is passionate to advocate for the younger generations of black STEM potential Danielle remains actively involved in the attraction, retention, and engagement of diverse talent including serving as the coordinator for the Cummins NSBE Integrated Pipeline Program which is a scholarship, internship, and mentorship opportunity Most recently, she founded HBCU STEM Education with the mission to "Educate, Empower, and Elevate HBCU STEM Students through Scholarships and Career Resources", and established the MACS Support Scholarship at her alma mater