My STEM Background
I am a writer, researcher, and educator with a mission to bring awareness to the diverse women in STEM careers. Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for writing. I even wrote my first book when I was in 4th grade. I am an avid Girl Scout (a Lifetime member) and am now an active STEMinist, providing both interactive and hands-on training and STEAM activities to teachers and faculty looking to implement STEAM education in the classroom.
Since receiving a Masters of Education degree, I have traveled the world, lived on three continents, and observed and questioned the ways that we perceive the environment, gender, and more. Much of my published work highlights climate change, renewable energy, and women in STEM careers, with my latest book in the works to feature women in energy. My books primarily focus on elementary kids, teachers, and parents.
Additionally, my STEM books have received multiple awards, including the 2019 Moonbeam Multicultural Non-Fiction Award and the 2020 Best Indie Book Award for Children’s Middle Grades. Most recently my book “Climate Change: The Science Behind Melting Glaciers and Warming Oceans” was awarded the 2021 Honor Award by Skipping Stones Magazine.
Why Elementary School Education?
Elementary is one of the most developmentally important stages of our lives. It’s a time when children learn to become independent thinkers. It’s also when children begin to really gain awareness of the social dynamics around them. My work aims to educate children about inclusivity and diversity within the sciences when they’re most open to learning and absorbing information.
The Gender Achievement Gap in STEM
Gender biases have played a major role in the choices children make as they approach adulthood. The disparity between genders within the education systems begins early on and stems from a lack of gender and racial diversity in the classroom, as well as from other social factors. Though the gender achievement gap in STEM has improved in the US over the last few decades, there is still much to be done to encourage girls to pursue math and science classes in school and beyond.
When teachers and parents make an effort to encourage girls to take interest in advanced STEM classes, they open the doors to possibilities that can have profound effects on future generations. That is why I stress opening those doors as early as possible, in elementary-aged children, where girls are looking for role models who best represent their communities and identities.
Writing with 2 Little Kids
I wrote my first two books before having my two kids. Since then, I\’ve written three books… One of the biggest challenges of being a mom and a writer is lack of sleep. I often write at night because I have two little ones, and it is quiet after 8 pm.
As a mother, I have found creative ways to jot down my thoughts. It was on an airplane from the US to Germany that I wrote the very first draft of my book, Capturing Cow Farts and Burps. Recently, I drafted the cover for my upcoming book, Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy, on a paper towel while at the eye doctor. This just goes to show that, when a moment of inspiration hits, you have to take the opportunity before it passes!
My Work: Sharing the Diverse Women and Careers
There are diverse women behind the scenes of many pivotal moments in history. Our present-day recount of history overshadows the many women who have shaped and built the backbones of our society. It’s no wonder the gender gap was so prominent until recent years, as young girls didn’t have the role models and representation to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM.
To address this, I am the lead author on the children’s book series “Everyday Superheroes” which is shedding light on women in STEM careers. These books share the stories, careers, and superpowers of real women working in STEM. The books are a way to introduce students, upper elementary, to the wide variety of careers in the STEM world and to the endless opportunities that they afford. I am currently working on the second book in the series, Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy, but you can learn all about it at https://stemsuperheroes.com