The Superpowers of STEM | Stephanie Hill | TEDxMidAtlantic

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker, an 'accidental engineer,' recounts their unexpected journey into STEM, emphasizing the transformative impact of early exposure to science and technology. They highlight the need to encourage young people, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue engineering careers. By sharing personal anecdotes and the excitement of working on life-saving technologies at Lockheed Martin, the speaker advocates for diversity and community support in STEM fields. They call for a collective effort to ignite passion in the next generation, underscoring that we cannot afford any more accidental engineers in a rapidly evolving world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker identifies as an 'accidental engineer,' having not planned to pursue engineering until later in college.
• 😀 Early exposure to engineering and STEM fields is crucial for inspiring young people to consider careers in these areas.
• 😀 The speaker's love for programming began in college, demonstrating how a single course can dramatically change career paths.
• 😀 There is a significant shortage of young people pursuing STEM careers, particularly among underrepresented minorities.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the need for storytelling in STEM to convey the excitement and impact of engineering careers.
• 😀 Innovative technologies developed by Lockheed Martin have real-world applications that can save lives, such as the F-35 pilot helmet and K-MAX UAV.
• 😀 Diversity in engineering is essential for driving innovation and problem-solving; a variety of perspectives leads to better solutions.
• 😀 There is a concerning trend where young girls, even in second grade, start doubting their math abilities, which can discourage them from pursuing STEM.
• 😀 The speaker calls for collective efforts to encourage young people to pursue their aspirations in STEM, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support.
• 😀 Personal stories and experiences in engineering can inspire others, showcasing the rewarding and impactful nature of the field.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by calling themselves an 'accidental engineer'?

The speaker did not originally plan to become an engineer and only discovered their passion for engineering later in their education, specifically through a COBOL programming elective.

How did the speaker's background influence their career choice?

The speaker grew up without knowing any engineers and initially pursued a career in accounting, influenced by their strong math skills. They eventually shifted to engineering after discovering computer programming.

What pivotal experience changed the speaker's career path?

Taking an elective in COBOL programming during their sophomore year of college sparked their interest in computer science, transforming their career trajectory.

What is the significance of the speaker's alma mater, UMBC, and its mascot?

UMBC's mascot, True Grit, symbolizes the perseverance and determination needed to succeed in challenging STEM courses, reflecting the speaker's educational experience.

What challenge does the speaker highlight regarding interest in STEM careers among young people?

The speaker points out a frightening shortage of young people interested in STEM, particularly underrepresented minorities, emphasizing the need for outreach and encouragement.

How does the speaker suggest we can inspire youth to pursue STEM careers?

The speaker advocates for collective efforts to expose young people to the excitement of STEM, sharing personal stories and showcasing the rewarding nature of engineering careers.

Can you describe an example of technology the speaker developed at Lockheed Martin?

The speaker worked on the F-35 pilot helmet, which provides 360-degree vision and crucial information, enhancing pilot safety and mission effectiveness.

What role does diversity play in the field of engineering, according to the speaker?

Diversity drives innovation in engineering; the speaker emphasizes that varied perspectives are essential for solving complex problems and advancing technology.

What specific technologies does the speaker mention that demonstrate engineering's impact on society?

The speaker discusses K-Max, an unmanned aerial vehicle used for fire-fighting and rescue operations, highlighting its potential to save lives without risking additional human life.

What does the speaker say about the perceptions of STEM careers among young people?

The speaker notes that many young people, particularly girls, may not see themselves in STEM fields by a young age and stresses the importance of encouragement and belief in their abilities.