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Meet Katherine – the Musical Engineer
Instagram has no shortage of individuals in the STEM fields who embrace a passion for creative expression. One of our favorites is Katherine (@naturallyshe) whose page is filled with awesome, 60 seconds or less, piano covers of anyone from Adele to Stevie Wonder to even Ludwig van Beethoven!
Katherine is an engineer, musician, and teacher in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Inspired by her own personal story and passions, she has been on a journey to highlight the parallels between music and STEM.
Her musicianship started over 20 years ago, when she started taking piano lessons, learning music theory, notation, and performance. She took lessons for 11 years, and since went on to accompany vocalists at church and events, and currently teaches piano to both children and adult students.
As a young child, she had an aptitude and love for math, but didn’t quite know how that could translate into a future career. At the time, internet was not ubiquitous; as well, STEM outreach programs were not prevalent, so she wasn’t even aware of STEM fields. But a chance conversation with her high school physics teacher steered her to declare an engineering major in college, and she went on to pursue two degrees in Civil Engineering.
Today, Katherine works as both an engineer and a musician. While teaching piano lessons, she began to recognize the parallels between music and engineering. One of the foremost parallels is that the skills gained as a musician (whether learning, listening to, or performing music) develop the ability to recognize and decipher patterns. Music also develops creative thinking which can strengthen problem solving. Music builds imagination which leads to innovation and new design.
In 2015, Katherine started documenting these parallels and sharing them on Instagram, along with media portraying her embodiment of the music+STEM message. In doing so, she hopes to shed light on STEM and encourage/inform artistic students that their passion, gifts, skills, and discipline as artists/musicians can be deployed in STEM.
Fun Fact: She also has her Professional Engineering license
Watch this inspiring rendition of her singing “World’s Greatest” 🙌🏽
Creative Arts
Why Every Nerd Needs a Creative Side (and vice…
Leonardo Da Vinci, architect, mathematician, scientist, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, astronomer, paleontologist, cartographer and botanist, Leonardo Da Vinci. A left-brain thinker if there ever was one. Some of you think of Da Vinci and think of how much he accomplished and discovered that we still benefit from today. I mean, what is Da Vinci without his Vitruvian Man and his dedication to human flight?
Actually, he is an artist. It is equally fair to ask, what is Da Vinci without his Mona Lisa, without The Last Supper? Some people think of Da Vinci and they think of a sculptor, a painter, a musician, a historian, a writer.
Both sides of Da Vinci, his “nerdy” side and his artistic side, help make him so great even today. Had he focused only on mathematics, we may never have had the chance to appreciate his “Head of a Woman” or “Leonardo’s Horse”. And vice versa, had he only concentrated on his music, we may not have had drafts for today’s war machines. Take it from Da Vinci, it is not so bad to be a “jack of all trades”. Though we live in a time different from Da Vinci’s, the concept still applies, just in a different way.
Nerds of the world, do not count yourself out of being an artist. & Artists, do not think yourself unable to function amongst a group of nerds. All are capable of having both artistic and nerdy characteristics and it really is to your benefit.
Today, employees are not just looking for strategists and folks who can “crunch the numbers”. They are looking for creativity and innovation. Marketing is one growing industry that requires imagination. But to go along with that imagination, there is also a statistical component as well as a research component to marketing. Well-roundedness is something that all employers can value. (Insert fact)
Another reason to have both an artistic side and a nerdy side, is to network. If there is one thing that you learn in college, it’s that it’s not necessarily what you know, but who you know, and better yet, who knows you. So express yourself, make your abilities known, learn the abilities of others, and network!
Reason number three to be both artistic and nerdy is, both can have a way of relaxing you. It’s is more obvious that art is a calming agent. Being imaginative has been known to decrease negative emotions and aid in preventing depression. For you artists, trying some math or science may be something new to try that just re-centers you and lets you know that there are some definites in the world.
Reason number four is, no matter how left-brained a left-brainer may be or how right-brained a right-brainer may be, there are still two sides to the brain that compliment each other. You may not think they need each other, but to be a better functioning human being, both are necessary.
This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!
Cynthia M. Sharpe, is a May 2015 graduate of NC State University. Cynthia graduated with a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and currently aspires to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. “As I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Cynthia M. Sharpe, inspired by Marianne Williamson
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Technimetric I STEM_Poetry – Cynthia’s Reflection
I sat there, scanning through a list of words I hadn’t heard of since middle school. I had already looked over the words I knew I recognized Sent from iPhone
I’ll be honest with you all, I have made a C in every math class I have ever taken in college, but I found a friend in science. What I realized as I conducted my research about STEM was that, I don’t know a whole lot about one specific area, but I know a little bit of something about everything. And by-George, just because I did not take a bunch of Engineering classes, it does not mean that I did not take poetry workshops and that I have been writing poetry since elementary school. And by-George I know I’m pretty good at it! So I took that confidence and ran with it. Right at the deadline for interested performers to apply, I sent in my not-so developed thoughts:
“Hello Mr. Mabry,
I am Cynthia M. Sharpe and I would like to participate in the STEM Poetry Slam on January 30th. I am no STEM major, so I figured it would be appropriate for me to write about how I don’t know much about STEM, but I do know about Chemistry between two people. Something to that liking. And then use STEM terms in a different way, in a way I prefer to understand them. For example, I’ve heard Java as being a computer engineering headache, but I understand Java as soothing coffee with some coffee cake where two beings can simply conversate on how they want to further complicate their ironic, iconic, ionic bond. These are just a few thoughts that I hope will encourage you to consider me as a participant.
This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!
Cynthia M. Sharpe, is a May 2015 graduate of NC State University. Cynthia graduated with a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and currently aspires to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. “As I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Cynthia M. Sharpe, inspired by Marianne Williamson
Creative Arts
Introducing the NSBEpreneur Podcast, produced by STEMedia
The NSBEprenuer™ S.I.G. has launched brand new podcast series produced by media company, STEMedia™ Incorporated! The podcast will focus on sharing stories of successful minority entrepreneurs and helpful resources for startups and small business owners. Though designed for National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Professionals membership, the series will be made available through popular audio channels such as iTunes and Stitcher Radio.
Creative Arts
How a personal passion for journaling and a natural…
NSBEpreneur Podcast, produced by STEMedia
Show Notes
Episode 2 – Dr. Maeling Murphy (Interview): How a personal passion turned into a lucrative business.
Dr. Maeling Murphy is the creator of NaturalChica.com, a leading natural hair and lifestyle site, which was started in 2009. She is a wife, mom and an avid learner with interests in healthy living, web development, photography and video production. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2015.
Random Fact:
Maeling loves journaling and has kept a consistent journal since the fourth grade.
The Idea:
It initially began as a personal plan to document her natural hair journey and encourage others who were also in the process through online journaling. Once she noticed her growing audience it dawned on her that she could leverage it as a business.
First Steps:
It was a lot of networking in the beginning and so she reached out to several individuals to simple learn from them and find out what they were doing. As she started to share more information on her site she found that more people started to come to her with questions. She then started attending several natural hair events to further connect with companies that were interested in partnering for reviews, advertising, etc.
Early Challenge:
Convincing potential clients of the value she had to offer when there were many others in the industry who were doing it for free.
Advice:
- Create an LLC – Taxes are a huge part of running a business.
- Be Confident – Trust your ability, value and what you have to offer the world.
- Don’t use the path of others to define success for your own life.
*Book and/or Resource:
- “Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You
” Book by Cynthia Kersey
- Evernote – organization app
*Books are Amazon affiliate links.
Favorite Quote:
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” –Arthur Ashe
Contact info:
Facebook: /NaturalChica
Twitter: @NaturalChica
Instagram: @theNaturalChica
Creative
A Background in Business aided in the Launch of…
NSBEpreneur Podcast
Show Notes
Episode 9 – A Background in Business aided in the Launch of an Independent Music Career (Interview w/ KJ Scriven)
KJ Scriven is an entrepreneur, singer, and prolific songwriter hailing out of North Carolina. K.J. brings an anticipated freshness and excitement to the gospel music industry. One of his most noteworthy achievements was that of penning the song “What Can I Do” which was featured on Tye Tribbett’s grammy award-winning album entitled Greater Than. K.J.’s blend of soul, contemporary worship, hip hop, and alternative rock has listeners buzzing at the originality and authenticity of his sound. On this episode of the NSBEpreneur Podcast KJ shares how his academic background in business prepared him for an career as an independent musician. He also gives priceless advice based on lessons he learned along the way.
Random Fact:
KJ played basketball all 4 years of high school basketball. Standing at 6’-5”, he frequently gets asked if he plays sports whenever someone meets him for the first time.
Video:
Advice:
- Don’t Wait, Start Now – Don’t wait for the right time because the right time will never come.
- Make sure you put you 10,000 hours in (Ref. Malcolm Gadwell)
- Do what you gotta do until you can do what you wanna do.
*Book and/or Resource:-
- “Outliers: The Story of Success” (book) by Malcolm Gladwell
- “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
- “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
- Square Register (app)
- Square Cash (app)
*Books are Amazon affiliate links.
Favorite Quote:
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who cn do nothing for him.” – Malcom S. Forbes
Contact info:
Twitter: @kjscriven
Instagram: @kjscriven
Facebook: KJ Scriven Artist Page
Creative
Poetry SLAM With a Twist! (TECHNIMETRIC II)
“I’m not another E^x I’m making sure you differentiate me from the rest. This differentiation’s a part of me. I’m molding my own life like it’s pottery. These emcees are gonna show you what STEM is supposed to be. Welcome to Technimetric STEM Poetry.”
The innagural Technimetric Poetry Slam, held January 30, 2014, served to prove the theorem that an interest in math or science doesn’t mean that one only uses the left side of their brain. And while one might hypothesize that participation was limited only to STEM majors, event organizers disproved that assumption and branched out to include students of other majors including Business and English. With the spotlight on them, each participant combined techinical knowledge with their passion for creativity to perform inspiring, humorous, and illuminating poetic pieces to a packed house, sharing stories of love, friendship, and motivation.
“Colleges are label makers and degrees are nametags. And for them, in the end, they’re always more comfortable if they can fit you into a category…”
William Stewart, a senior Electrical Engineering major stated in his piece, when you tell someone you’re an engineering major, regardless of all your other extra-curricular pursuits, “they’ll still only know you as that math kid”. But for the participants of this event, they shattered the stereotypes associated with engineers, mathemeticians, and programmers. Each participant was expressive and charismatic, commanding the attention of the room as they lyrically expressed their thoughts, emotions, and observations.
“It’s our time and we gotta own it. If you’ve got the force to go the distance, then it’s your moment…”
While the night was certainly about the showcasing of poetic gifts, it was also about the awarding of prizes to noble participants. Every participant displayed skill on par with excellence, but in the end it was Alexis Carson, a sophomore Computer Science major, who impressed the judges and claimed the grand prize of an iPad Mini. The open-mic style competition, held on the campus of North Carolina State University, was hosted by STEMedia in collaboration with the NC State Chapter of NSBE, Sacrificial Poets, NCSU MEP, and My Health Impact.
This year’s event will be held January 21st @ 6:30 pm, in the Talley Ballroom on the campus of NC State University. Selected participants will perform original pieces on the subject of their choice (Comedy, Romance, Philosophy, Social Commentary, etc.) making sure to contain frequent technical (i.e. STEM) references. The best poet (as determined by judges) will receive a brand new Apple Watch. For more information about this event, visit STEMedia.org or contact Nehemiah Mabry via email nehemiah@stemedia.org
Author: Michael Vance is a writer based in Houston, TX. While he makes his living as a technical writer, he also wears many other hats including, podcast host, blogger, speaker, mentor and most importantly husband and father. You can connect with him on Twitter @mjsmartypants.
Creative
The Business of Musical Artist, Speaker, Forest Scientist, Professor,…
COVER SUBJECT | NSBEpreneur Podcast
Episode 13 – A Business housing the Brilliance of Musical Artist, Speaker, Forest Scientist, Professor, and Pastor Dr. Thomas Easley
Dr. Thomas Easley is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He has held positions with the US Forest Service and other non-profits. Easley serves as CEO of his business The Easley Branch, LLC and the Director of Community for Diversity in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University from 2004 to now. Easley earned his undergraduate degree in forest science from Alabama A&M University and his master’s degree in Forest Genetics from Iowa State University, and his doctorate in Adult Education from NC State University, where his research focus was STEM Faculty Perceptions of Matters of Diversity. In his role as the Diversity Director he teaches courses, counsels students, consults with faculty and staff on programming ensuring they are inclusive to all populations. With his background in forestry and diversity he has co-taught courses in Sweden on forest practices, and Landscapes in Ecotourism in Ghana, West Africa. Lastly, Dr. Easley is also a musician and is known by RaShad in the world of music.
Random Fact:
Thomas serves as Pastor of a campus-church congregation that meets weekly. There he educates and works with students helping them to become their best selves. He has been involved in this ministry for a number of years and has overseen its growth from one to three different entities in North Carolina.
The Idea:
As an undergrad exchange student at the University of Georgia, he joined two separate bands playing both rock and jazz music. This love for music followed him into graduate school where he played in yet another band that would travel throughout the region and perform at various shows. This, along with other key life changes, allowed him to see these opportunities as a way to continue using his gifts outside of the classroom as well as make money. Soon after, he connected with a fellow native of Alabama who encouraged him to launch a business that incorporated all of his musical, oratorical and academic skills. Hence, the Easley Branch was born.
Advice:
- Don’t be afraid of the talents that you have and don’t be afraid to tell other people that you have something that they need.
- Don’t be afraid to go off on our own.
- Be smart with your money but don’t be afraid to invest in yourself – It’s one of the best investments you can make!
Books*:
- “Life is A Choice” by David Washington
- “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman
- “Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success” by Russell Simmons
*Books are Amazon Affiliate Links
Resources:
- Google Services (i.e. Gmail business account)
- Paypal
- Square
- BandZoogle
- TuneCore
Contact info:
thomasreasley@easleybranch.com
info@easleybranch.com
Also follow on @RashadEas on: Instgram & Twitter
Quote:
“Whenever you have a vision for yourself, hold on to it and don’t let go because the people who don’t understand what you’re doing will eventually catch up with you.” – Dr. Thomas R. Easley
Creative
PBS Design Squad goes Global!
Last month PBS’s Emmy award-wining initiative has taken it to the next level – a global level. The website for kids, know as Design Squad is now Design Squad Global (DSG)!
This project, which was made possible by support form the National Science Foundation and The Lemelson Foundation, is designed to connect 8 to 13 year olds, around the world, to the world of engineering. At DSG kids can play fun games and try their hand at tackling relevant world challenges. A favorite is “Don’t Flood the Fidgits” which is a SIMS-like, flood prevention simulation that is quite addictive. Several educational videos are also continuously posted online, including these engaging pieces:
To complement the digital hub, there is a plan in place to launch Design Squad Global Clubs, which will be local out-of-school programs, led by a community Engineers or Educators, beginning in the fall of 2016. In collaboration with the global development organization, FHI 360, the model is currently being piloted at 16 sites around the world. To date, sites are present in the United States, Swaziland, Botswana and South Africa.
The aim is to build kids’ global competency as they work together on engineering projects that meets the needs of their communities – and this STEMedia fully supports. With us now living and being a part of a global economy, we must begin to embrace common goals that, with collaborative effort, we can work to elevate the game for all of us. PBS is definitely poised to hit a homerun with this one, and fortunately we’re all on the home team.