Today’s guest: Tiffani Teachey, mechanical engineer and author

Her STEM bio: Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, professional speaker, and author of the children’s book What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Masters of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Tiffani was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor.

Show Notes: In our first episode of the STEM Dreams podcast, we talk with Tiffani about what it took to prepare for engineering studies at UNC Charlotte, as well as her first 15 years of work as a mechanical engineer.

She emphasizes networking with professional organizations like Society of Women Engineers (SWE, pronounced ‘swee’) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE, pronounced ‘nezbee’).

Tiffani mentioned taking part in a math and science academy on Saturdays on Winston Salem State University’s campus. Check out WSSU’s Saturday Academy. Your local college or university might have something similar.

Other topics include mentoring the next generation, as well as perseverance and STEM readiness. She stresses the importance of parental involvement and support, even if the parents are not in a technical career themselves.

What parts did you enjoy about today’s show? What key points stood out? Please share in the comments below.

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Tiffani’s book is entitled What Can I Be: STEM Careers from A to Z. You can order the book from her site.

Praise for the book:

” Great book! The author has successfully highlighted STEM concepts in a way that makes it fun and interesting for kids! Even adults can get something out reading this book. Highly recommended!!”

Go get your copy.

What is STEM? STEM is a term used to describe a group of related professions: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Why STEM Dreams? Some kids dream of becoming sports superstars. Some (believe it or not) dream of becoming scientists, technologists, engineers, or mathematicians. Read about the people behind STEM Dreams.

Show Sponsor

STEM Dreams podcast is sponsored by Wildlands Engineering, a water resources engineering firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wildlands is dedicated to increasing diversity in engineering and environmental sciences like geology and ecology.

Wildlands, thank you for helping us help the next generation of STEM dreamers.

Credits: Show sound effects and music was sourced from FreeSound.org.