EP#59 - EXPLORING CITIZEN SCIENCE AND STEAM ENTREPRENEURSHIP with Dr. Tamuka Chidyausiku

Read It Right Radio Show

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Tamuka Chidyausiku, Founder of STEAMulater LLC, about exploring citizen science and STEAM entrepreneurship.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dr. Chidyausiku:

• How did you get started in what you are doing today?
• Who do you serve in your business?
• How does STEAMulater utilize art and pop culture to teach STEAM?
• How does STEAMulater promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• How does citizen science and research contribute to the mission of STEAMulater?
• What are some future goals for STEAMulater and its impact on the next generation of STEAM leaders?
• Can you share some success stories or notable outcomes from STEAMulater's programs, highlighting the impact they've had on participants' lives and careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Citizen Science and STEAM Entrepreneurship:

• Dr. Chidyausiku’s journey in STEM started at Claflin University, a historically black college in South Carolina. He realized the need for more black scientists and decided to focus on recruitment and retention in STEM fields.
• STEAMulater LLC targets young adults, 18 years and older, who are either interested in or already pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
• The company's programs, like "Hip Hop Biochemistry" and "STEAM Olympics," integrate art and pop culture with science education to make learning more engaging and accessible.
• Dr. Chidyausiku emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM. He explains that diverse backgrounds and perspectives are crucial for innovative problem-solving and advancing scientific research.
• STEAMulater’s mission includes promoting DEI by providing tools and support for underrepresented groups to succeed in STEM fields. This involves creating new examples and methods of teaching that resonate with diverse communities.
• Citizen science and research are key components of STEAMulater’s approach. By involving ordinary citizens in scientific research, the company aims to democratize science and encourage more people to participate in solving real-world problems.
• Future goals for STEAMulater include expanding its reach and impact, particularly through collaborations with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions. Dr. Chidyausiku envisions a world where more people from diverse backgrounds are actively engaged in STEAM fields and contributing to groundbreaking research and innovation.

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.