How Do I Become a Computer Scientist?February 25, 2022
Presented in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Computing and Engineering
This program is an interactive Q&A session on academic and career advice from a panel of young computer scientists.
The panel:
Gharib Gharibi, Applied Research Scientist, TripleBlind Inc.
Imon Stevenson, Software Engineer, C2FO
Natalie Jenkins, Software Engineer I, Commerce Bank
How Do I Become a Marine Biologist?January 28, 2022, via Zoom
Are you a student thinking about a career as a marine biologist? If so, this presentation offers academic and career advice from Jaclyn Doody, a Naturalist and Marine Animal Researcher based in Key West, Florida. During this interactive Q&A session.
The speaker:
Often called a ‘Dolphin Whisperer,’ Jaclyn Doody has been researching and educating the public on several species of whales and dolphins for the past ten years. Jaclyn has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has worked all over the world to develop the necessary skills and experience to become a Marine Mammal Scientist. She is currently working in Key West for an ecotourism company, where she not only serves as a Wildlife Guide, but is also collecting data to spearhead a photo-identification project on the residential population of bottlenose dolphins. She has identified 125 individuals so far and is interested in their social associations and how boat traffic impacts their behavior and movement patterns.
How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?November 12, 2021 via Zoom
The program:
Are you a student thinking about a career as a forensic scientist? If so, join us for an opportunity to get academic and career advice from Marsena Craig, a Forensic Specialist at the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory. During this interactive Q&A session, students will have the chance to ask questions about coursework, internships, college and certificate programs, and anything else about becoming a successful forensic scientist!
Parents, teachers, and mentors are also encouraged to participate.
The speaker:
Marsena Craig is a Forensic Scientist at the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory specializing in DNA analysis. A bulk of her work focuses on performing biological screening examinations of evidence from sexual and domestic assault cases. With this expertise, Marsena regularly provides training for sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), teaching evidence collection techniques and best practices. In addition to her work in the laboratory and as an educator, Marsena is the secretary of the Kansas City Interdisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault (KCIRSA) and serves on the Board of Directors for Collection of Victim Evidence Regarding Sexual Assault (COVERSA).
Marsena earned a BS in biology from Jackson State University and a Master’s in forensic science from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has testified as an expert witness in Jackson County, Cass County, Leavenworth, Kansas, and the 8th District Federal Court in Kansas City, Missouri.
How Do I Become an Engineer?October 22, 2021 via Zoom
The program:
Are you a student thinking about a career as an engineer? If so, join us for an interactive Q&A session to get academic and career advice from a panel of young engineers. You’ll also have a chance to learn about UMKC’s School of Computing and Engineering programs and the new Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center.
The panel:
Sierra Shipley
Senior Mechanical and Systems Engineer at Baxter International Inc.
UMKC ’14
Bayley Brooks
Water Resources Engineer at HNTB
UMKC ’21
Erik Timpson
Principal Electrical Engineer at Honeywell
UMKC ’11
How Do I Become an I.T. Professional?September 24, 2021 via Zoom
The program:
Do you have a passion for computers and enjoy being the go-to tech wizard? Have you thought about pursuing a career in the I.T. industry? If so, join us for an opportunity to get academic and career advice from Du’An Lightfoot, founder of LabEveryday. During this interactive Q&A session, students will have the chance to ask questions about coursework, internships, college and certificate programs, and anything else about becoming a successful I.T. Professional!
Parents, teachers, and mentors are also encouraged to participate.
The speaker:
Du’An Lightfoot is an Air Force veteran, DevNet Content Developer Engineer at Cisco, and the creator of LabEveryday. He has 10+ years of designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network environments. Over the last 2 years, he has been focused on everything Network Automation and DevOps. Today his goal is to create something greater than himself by giving back the knowledge he has obtained throughout his career through LabEveryday, his YouTube channel, and working with local organizations to help those often left behind in tech.
How Do I Become a Wildlife and Conservation Biologist?April 30, 2021, via Zoom
Academic and career advice from bear biologist Wes Larson, a.k.a. @grizkid. Following a presentation by Wes, students asked about coursework, internships, college programs, and what it takes to become a successful wildlife and conservation biologist.
The speaker:
Wes Larson has been passionate about wildlife his entire life. As a wildlife biologist who has specialized in bear species and other carnivores for the last nine years, his work has specifically looked at human-bear conflict and ways to avoid confrontations between people and both polar and black bears. Wes also has done a lot of work in the world of science communication in order to teach people about some of the issues facing species around the world. In addition to educating his 126,000 followers on social media and participating in formal speaking engagements like Tedx Vienna, Wes also hosted Mission Wild with CNN Digital. In the series, he investigated different wildlife biology projects around the world, giving viewers an in-depth and entertaining look at the ways that wildlife biologists are fighting to conserve and protect some of the most beloved and important species on earth.
How Do I Become an Architect?March 26, 2021, via Zoom
Presented in partnership with AIA Kansas City.
Do you have a passion for designing things and love the idea of using your creativity to construct buildings and large-scale structures? Architects Jake Brannon and Tara Bray discuss their careers and student questions about coursework, internships, college programs, and anything else about becoming a successful architect!
The speakers:
Jake Brannon, Associate AIA, is an associate at the architectural firm, Gould Evans. He earned a Master of Architecture degree at Kansas State University.
Tara Bray, Associate AIA, is an associate at Dake Wells Architecture. She earned a Master of Architecture degree from Kansas State University while studying under renowned architect Fuensanta Nieto.
How Do I Become an Astronomer?February 26, 2021, via Zoom webinar
The program:
Are you a student fascinated by space and would love to explore the universe? Dr. Robert Zellem, an exoplanet astronomer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses his career path and answers students' questions about becoming an astronomer.
The speaker:
Dr. Rob Zellem is an exoplanet astronomer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory working on ground- and space-based observations of the atmospheres of exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system). His job entails working on ground-based observing of transiting exoplanets, using telescopes to observe the atmospheres of these other worlds: the Palomar 200-inch telescope in San Diego County, NASA’s IRTF at Mauna Kea in Hawaii, the University of Arizona’s 61-inch Kuiper Telescope near Tucson, and the Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak in Arizona. He is also the Project Lead of Exoplanet Watch, a citizen science project that will aid in the characterization of exoplanets.
Dr. Zellem earned a BS in astronomy and astrophysics, with a minor in physics, mathematics, and classic, from Villanova University; an MSc in space science from University College London; and a PhD in planetary sciences from the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona.
How Do I Become a Rocket Scientist?November 20, 2020, via Zoom
Are you a student thinking about a career as a rocket scientist? If so, this program offers an opportunity to get academic and career advice from an inspiring husband and wife team of real-life rocket scientists, Tiera and Myron Fletcher. During this interactive Q&A session, students has a chance to ask questions about coursework, internships, college programs, and anything else about becoming a successful rocket scientist!
The speakers:
From Mableton, Georgia, Tiera Fletcher is currently a structural design engineer at The Boeing Company, working on groundbreaking projects in Texas. Previously, she served as a rocket structural engineer, working on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) in Louisiana and she practiced structural analysis engineering on cryogenic structures for the Exploration Upper Stage of SLS in Alabama. Outside of work, Fletcher is an author, teacher, mentor, motivational speaker, business owner and STEAM advocate. Fletcher is the co-founder of the outreach business Rocket With The Fletchers as well as the Chief Finance Officer of Jonah Real Estate LLC. She has served as the instructor for MIT outreach programs, including MOSTEC and SEED Academy. As the co-founder of Rocket With The Fletchers, Fletcher travels the world to promote STEM and motivate at various events. Fletcher has been awarded 2019 Most Promising Engineer in Industry, 2018 NSBE 21st Century Trailblazer in Human Spaceflight, Notable Georgia Citizen, in addition to online and televised features on PBS, BBC and others in addition to campaigns, including The North Face and the Ad Council as well as various publications. Fletcher obtained a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from MIT in 2017 and she is currently pursuing her M.S. in Engineering Management from Duke University.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Myron Fletcher is a senior flight test engineer at The Boeing Company, working on history-making projects in Texas. Prior to his current industry role, he served as a rocket propulsion test engineer in Louisiana on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) program and a rocket propulsion engineer on the SLS program in a responsible engineer role in Alabama. Since the age of sixteen, Myron Fletcher has been working as an aerospace engineer, beginning his career at NASA. Fletcher is a motivational speaker, STEAM advocate, teacher, mentor, business owner and real estate investor. Myron Fletcher is the co-founder of outreach business Rocket With The Fletchers, founder and CEO of Jonah Real Estate LLC, and co-founder of JMS Real Estate LLC. He has served as an instructor for outreach programs of MIT, including MOSTEC and SEED Academy. Fletcher is the recipient of the 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Legacy Award. He has been featured in multiple publications and television features, including PBS and The Science Channel. Myron Fletcher obtained a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a B.S. in Physics from Tuskegee University in 2013 and a M.S. in Engineering Management from Duke University in 2017.
How Do I Become an Engineer?October 23, 2020, via Zoom webinar
Co-sponsored by the Linda Hall Library and University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Computing and Engineering
Academic and career advice for middle and high school student from John Bazin, aerospace engineer at Blue Origin, and a virtual tour of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s state-of-the-art drone lab.
The speaker:
John Bazin recently joined aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company Blue Origin as an aerospace engineer. Before that, he served as a Design Engineer for Airborne Systems, where he worked with a team on the NASA Mars Rover. John completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at University of Missouri- Kansas City in 2016 after receiving his BS in Mechanical Engineering from UMKC in 2015.
How Do I Become a Meteorologist?June 26, 2020, via Zoom webinar.
Are you a junior high or high school student fascinated by weather and curious to know what it takes to become a meteorologist? FOX4 Kansas City meteorologist Alex Countee discusses his career path and answers students' questions about coursework, internships, college programs, and more.
How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?June 24, 2020, via Zoom webinar
Are you a high school or college student thinking about a career as a crime scene investigator or forensic scientist? Do you want to know what the real CSI is like? Forensic scientist Lindsey Schissel offers academic and career advice and answers students' questions about coursework, internships, college programs, and more.
The speaker:
Lindsey Schissel is a Forensic Technician in the Biology/DNA section of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. In this role she examines evidence, performs DNA testing, and testifies in court when necessary. Her favorite thing about forensics is that it is all about using science to help find the truth. She is a May 2019 graduate of Drake University with a BS in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and a BA in chemistry. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys baking and watching Nebraska sports.
How Do I Become an Inventor and Entrepreneur?August 28, 2020, via Zoom webinar
Are you a student thinking about a career as an inventor and entrepreneur? Do you want to know what the real Shark Tank is like? Inventor Joe Pippins, creator of the Fishing Caddy, discusses the invention process and answers students' question about how to become a successful inventor.
The speaker:
As an entrepreneur and inventor, Joe Pippins has experienced many obstacles including being homeless and losing a parent, mentor, and brother. Despite this, Joe has navigated and successfully completed several big box retail partnerships and dedicated his career to helping other entrepreneurs bring their products to market with an honest and productive process. With experience in nearly all facets of product launch, from obtaining a USPTO approved patent, to packaging design, and coordinating domestic and international manufacturing, he now serves as a consultant and speaker guiding other start up companies to success. Joe’s work has been featured in over 500 publications, including the Kansas Business Journal, Wall Street Select, Miami Herald, Black Enterprise Magazine, Small Business Magazine, and many more.
How Do I Become a Computer Scientist?September 25, 2020, via Zoom webinar
Presented by the Linda Hall Library in partnership with the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering
Are you a student thinking about a career as a computer scientist? Do you want to see a cutting edge augmented and virtual reality lab? If so, join us for an opportunity to get academic and career advice from Dayveon Ross, co-founder and President of ShotTracker and Sherry Lumpkins , Principal Consultant at Blue Symphony LLC. You’ll also have a chance to learn about UMKC’s School of Computing and Engineering programs and see their state-of-the-art AR/VR lab.
