See You at the USA Science & Engineering Festival in WA DC!
These past few months have been a whirlwind for me! Between our 7th annual ArtSea in Miami to a speaking opportunity in Brunei to hosting backstage during Jazz in the Gardens 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium, I’ve been so blessed with all the opportunities to travel and do what I love.
But I’m most excited about what is just around the corner: the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC on April 7th and 8th! I’m so honored to be the Spokesperson for #SciFest this year and through the next couple of weeks up to and through the festival, I’ll be giving you a behind the scenes look at the nation’s largest celebration of STEM.
I attended the #SciFest back in 2016 while filming an episode of Xploration Nature Knows Best and I was impressed by the sheer amount of people in attendance and the palpable buzz of excitement that flowed throughout the expo. It made me wish that I could be a kid again and see the festival through their eyes. I know for a fact that I would’ve loved the experience while I was in grade school. I’m inspired and grateful to be the spokesperson this year because of the thousands of young people who are excited to attend this monumental event solely to experience learning opportunities in STEM and expand their knowledge about the world around them.
The #SciFest has Something for Everyone
The variety of subjects that the exhibitors showcase is amazing! This year, attendees will have access to over 2 million square feet of STEM fun! They can test out their coding skills at the Black Girls Code booth, explore NOAA's Science on a Sphere, visit This Science Isn't Fiction with Lockheed Martin, learn about the possibility of human life on Mars with SpaceX, explore STEM in the armed forces with the US Air Force, Navy & Marine Corps, discover weather patterns at the National Science Foundation Pavilion, learn about atmospheric science and nanotechnology with Howard University, explore the latest trends in health with the National Institutes of Health, become a maker at the Stanley Black & Decker Makerfest, check out super cool robots like ASIMO on the Honda stage, and so much more.
Plus, the USA Science and Engineering Festival is also a perfect venue for girls to explore STEM topics that might not be accessible in school. By taking the initial step into experiential learning, young girls can expose themselves to the possibilities available to them which can help mold their path and inspire them to make different choices when it becomes time to decide about their post-secondary education.
Science Communication at the #SciFest
It’s been such a joy to continue doing what I love on such a public stage and the USA Science & Engineering Festival is just another avenue for me to continue being a science communicator on a high level. I consider my role as a science communicator and advocate extremely important because representation matters. As the first African-American woman to host her own science television show, I think about the millions of young girls who might be thinking about pursuing a career in STEM and simply need to connect with role models that look like them to believe that it's possible.
I’m excited to share the stage with neuroscientist and PhD Candidate Samantha Yammine (aka “Science Sam”) on Saturday, April 7th at 11am in Hall C. We will be sharing the trials and triumphs of our individual experiences as science communicators. Make sure to check out Sam’s marvelous work online.
On Sunday, April 8th at 2:30pm, join me at my second stage show, “Stories from the Blue” where I’ll moderate a discussion with science filmmakers sharing their ocean experiences and clips from various high-profile productions including Carlos Toro from STEER Digital (who have produced content for NatGeo and Discovery Channel’s Shark Vortex) and acclaimed documentary Plastic Paradise produced by ESPN anchor, Angela Sun.
As we face challenges like climate change and ocean pollution, it’s important that there is a real connection and line of communication between the general public and the science community. Sometimes, there seems to be a disconnect between the two and not enough conversation about what scientists are discovering today. When we have those conversations between the general public and the science community, that’s when change will happen. As a science communicator, I feel like I can be the catalyst that can help make that change for the better.
Plus, it’s a lot of FUN being a science communicator! My intention is simply to be a lifelong learner who will continue to explore the world and assist with disseminating scientific knowledge as engaging and relatable as possible.
Join me at #SciFest
I would love for you to join me at #SciFest this year. Mark it on your calendar now and visit usasciencefestival.org for more information and register to attend TODAY. See you there!