Dr. Tay's Quest: Igniting Curiosity through S.T.E.M.!
Dr. Lataisia C. Jones
Neuroscientist|1st African American PhD from FSU BMS🎓|S.T.E.M. Educator| S.T.E.M. Consultant| Keynote Speaker📣|Advocate👩🏿🔬👩🏽🔬👩🏾🔬| AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador
Hello there!
You might be wondering why I invest so much time into teaching and sparking conversations about S.T.E.M. careers and academic programs.
During my college years at Virginia State University, I traveled to Ghana to teach science and math to students. When I introduced myself to the class, they were astonished. Many of them had never encountered an African American female scientist before. Their enthusiasm soared as I incorporated engaging tools to make science lessons more enjoyable.
In that moment, I realized my passion for this endeavor and decided to make it a lifelong commitment. To achieve this, I pursued a Ph.D. and continued my scientific training upon returning to the United States. Five years later, I proudly graduated as the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Florida State University.
The inspiration I drew from my experience in Ghana propelled me to be the best version of myself – as a scientist, as a mentor, a radical educator, and as Dr. Lataisia Jones.
I've since initiated S.T.E.M. programs, exposing thousands of students to science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities on an annual basis. I even have a statue that serves as a motivational symbol for millions more!
Now, it's your turn! Let's collaborate to develop programs that empower today's youth to explore S.T.E.M. careers in ways beyond your imagination!