In this episode of Perspectives in STEM, we sit down with Chioma Aso — engineer, author, and changemaker on a mission to close the gender gap in STEM.

Chioma is the Founder of STEAMDivas, where she empowers young women by blending STEM with the arts, and of Polymatvericks Engineering, which helps robotics and hardware companies move from prototype to production. With a career spanning space, gaming, and manufacturing, she's redefining how the next generation of women leads in tech.

In our conversation, Chioma shares the experiences that shaped her path, why creativity and engineering belong together, and her advice for young women ready to claim their place in STEM. It's a powerful reminder that when we open doors to access and representation, the possibilities are limitless.

Whether you're a student, an educator, or simply curious, this is a conversation worth your time.

Tune in now and join the conversation.

Perspectives in STEM is presented by Teach STEM Global — STEM for all, everywhere. Learn more at teachstemglobal.org.

What does it take to turn opportunity into action for the next generation of innovators? In this episode of Perspectives in STEM, host Dr. Kimberly West sits down with Brandon Okpalobi — former athlete turned global STEM champion, and founder of Dibia DREAM, Siyanse, and host of Hands-On STEM on Discovery Education.

Brandon shares his journey from the basketball court to the forefront of STEM education, and how his organizations have reached hundreds of thousands of young people across the U.S. and around the world. We talk about meeting students where they are, blending sports and STEM, and building real pathways to innovation and opportunity — especially for kids in underserved communities.

It's an inspiring conversation about purpose, persistence, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to explore STEM. Tune in and get inspired to join the movement.

Perspectives in STEM is presented by Teach STEM Global — STEM for all, everywhere. Learn more at teachstemglobal.org.

During our July 2025 Perspectives in STEM Speakers Series, host Dr. Kimberly West speaks with Jerome McQueen, a plastics engineer, Forbes-recognized STEM influencer, and founder of Academics. Jerome shares his journey from growing up in rural South Carolina with limited resources to overcoming a 1.4 college GPA and earning a NASA fellowship. He discusses his company's hands-on STEM kits, his innovative STEM Business curriculum, and his mission to inspire underrepresented youth. Jerome emphasizes mentorship, early STEM exposure, and perseverance as keys to success, delivering a powerful message: with the right support, anyone can thrive in STEM.

During our March 2025 Perspectives in STEM Speakers Series, Dr. Carlotta A. Berry shared her experience and expertise as a STEM and robotics expert. Her engaging presentation captivated the audience as she discussed her journey through the world of engineering and robotics. Dr. Berry emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, encouraging young minds to pursue their passions and contribute to innovative solutions. She shared inspiring stories of her students' achievements and highlighted the transformative power of mentorship and community support in fostering a new generation of engineers and scientists. The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees eagerly sought her advice and insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities in STEM careers.

During our July 2025 Perspectives in STEM Speakers Series, Aaminah Hasan discussed her work as the Founder and Director of FreeWorld Academy spoke to the topic of STEM-tastic Fun for Kids During Summer Break. Aaminah captivated the audience with her innovative approaches to engaging children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences. She emphasized the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in young minds, particularly during the summer months when children have more time to explore their interests outside the traditional classroom setting.Ms. Hasan's talk highlighted several successful programs implemented at FreeWorld Academy, where students are encouraged to participate in exciting projects like building simple robots, conducting experiments, and exploring the fundamentals of coding through games. Aaminah also shared insights on how these activities not only make STEM fields accessible and enjoyable but also help in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Parents and educators in attendance were inspired by the practical tips and resources Aaminah provided, which they could use to foster a love for STEM in their own communities. Her passion for empowering the next generation of innovators was evident, leaving the audience eager to implement her ideas and create a future where science and technology flourish in the hands of curious and enthusiastic young learners.

During our April 2025 Perspectives in STEM Speakers Series, Lilian Judy shared her experience and expertise as an engineer and her vision as the founder of Dear Women in STEM. Her talk was both inspiring and insightful, drawing on her journey from a curious young student to a trailblazing leader in the field. Lilian emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within STEM fields, advocating for more opportunities and support for women and underrepresented groups. Ms. Judy also highlighted the mission of Dear Women in STEM, an organization dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, networking, and educational resources. Her words left a lasting impression and were thoughtful and inspirational.