• Co-Principal Investigator | U.S. National Science Foundation Grant; Afterschool Alliance (September 2025 - Present)
• STEAM Youth Activities Community Facilitator | National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution; Bezos Learning Center (June 2025 - August 2025)
• Education and Outreach Assistant | Miami Waterkeeper (June 2025 - August 2025)
• Assistant Teacher | Bard College; Nursery School and Community Children's Center (January 2025 - June 2025)
• Sustainability Assistant | Bard College; Office of Sustainability (August 2024 - June 2025)
• Lab Monitor | Bard College; Fisher Studio Arts Computer and Digital Fabrication Lab (August 2024 - June 2025)
• Handcrafted Artwork and Gifts | Rainbow by Jamora (July 2020- Present)
• Multimedia Content Developer | Content By Jamora (June 2020 - Present)

In December 2024, the Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP), University of Washington, and Public Profit, submitted a grant proposal titled “Beyond Individual Impacts: Identifying Characteristics of Youth STEM Programs that Yield Community-Level Impacts” for consideration to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). The three-year project was officially awarded funding by the NSF in September 2025.

As one of the three Co-Principal Investigators - Katie Taylor (University of Washington) and Amanda Sullivan (NGCP) - led by Principal Investigator Anita Krishnamurthi (Afterschool Alliance), I will assist the efforts of our team in conducting a study of programs operating at the intersection of out-of-school-time or afterschool STEM learning, teen leadership, and community engagement.

The team will examine the outcomes for young people involved in STEM learning, how the community issues they engaged with were addressed, and if/how their physical community was impacted as a result of youth STEM participation. The goals of the project are to:

1. Document the broader systemic impact(s) of youth STEM involvement,

2. Design a documentation framework that programs can use to capture these broader impacts, and

3. Identify the commonalities and support structures programs need to achieve these impacts.

Our activities will include conducting interviews with program directors, adult facilitators, and participating youth; observing programs; collecting artifacts of their work; and gathering evidence of community impact.

This project will provide critical insights into whether real-world youth STEM issues can be solved more effectively, and if/how communities benefit when young people are involved in leading change, as well as highlight resources and strategies that positively impact teen engagement in STEM and society.

Read the full NSF Award Abstract:

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2517238&HistoricalAwards=false

- BACK TO TOP -

Selected by the Director at the Bezos Learning Center, Tina Menendez, Ed.D., to represent the organization as a STEAM Youth Activities Community Facilitator, and work with Miami-Dade College Director of Advisement and Career Services, Suze Guillaume, in conducting STEAM activities and demonstrations to youth attending local summer educational programs throughout Miami-Dade County, which included events at Liberty City Reads, African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center, and sponsorships from Miami-Dade College and the Children's Trust of Miami-Dade.

This position was incredibly rewarding because it provided me with the opportunity to encourage and inspire young students throughout Miami-Dade County to explore STEAM activities in a curious and playful environment.

- BACK TO TOP -

Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Biscayne Bay and the surrounding watershed. Launched in 2010, MWK has become a leading advocate for clean water, inspiring a movement of empowered citizens dedicated to achieving swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. The organization uses community outreach, scientific research, and civic and legal action to advance its mission.

I am a former three-year member of MWK's Junior Ambassador Program, a free, year-long leadership experience for high school students in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are ready to advocate on behalf of their local environment. Currently, I serve on the program's Alumni Leadership Board.

As the Education and Outreach Assistant, I was responsible for helping to ensure meaningful engagement with South Florida community members by assisting with the MWK Education and Outreach team’s design, implementation, and management of its various events and programs.

Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as an MWK ambassador when working directly with local schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

- BACK TO TOP -

As an Assistant Teacher for the Bard Community Children’s Center OAC program, I supported the main teachers in guiding students from K-5 throughout their day. I helped with drop-off, assisted students during snack time, and supported them as they changed into their outdoor play clothes, as well as led hikes and outdoor play activities, ensuring students stayed active and engaged while having fun in a safe environment.

Also, I worked closely with the main teachers to create an enriching environment, helping to shape students' social interactions and encouraging effective communication. By guiding their interactions, I aimed to help them become well-rounded individuals who could confidently express their needs and work well with others. At pick-up time, I assisted in ensuring a smooth and organized transition for both students and parents.

My role focused on providing support to the teachers and creating a nurturing environment that fostered each child's growth and development.

- BACK TO TOP -

The Bard Office of Sustainability (BOS) seeks to grow the College’s environmental, social, and economic capital while operating within the limits of the ecosystem. The primary work areas involve efficient transportation, the flow of goods, and energy use.

BOS fosters dialogue among community members, assesses new technology and industry best practices, coordinates projects, develops policy and market programs, while believing that all community members have a part in furthering sustainability.

As a BOS Sustainability Assistant, I leveraged my broad academic background and extensive professional experience working in the environmental field to provide core services that supported the school's mission in three critical areas: environment, equity, and the economy.

- BACK TO TOP -

As a Lab Monitor, I utilized my expertise in digital design and fabrication to assist Bard College students in creating and prototyping projects using advanced tools and software.

Drawing on my prior digital arts experience, I helped students fabricate projects, offering guidance on the technical aspects of design, fabrication workflows, and material selection. Additionally, I provided hands-on support with high-end equipment, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and large-format printers, as well as design software such as CAD and Adobe Creative Suite.

- BACK TO TOP -

From a very young age, I was fortunate that my parents fostered my creative spirit and artistic expression. Being creative was an area where I naturally flourished. From painting to sewing, ceramics to ironwork, I enjoyed it all. However, my absolute favorite activity is crocheting, where I am able to spend hours on end creating fabulous items out of colorful balls of yarn.

Initially, I would give away my creations to family members, friends, and schoolmates as simple random acts of kindness. Then, I began receiving special requests for my handcrafted crocheted creations, and a business was born.

- BACK TO TOP -

Working as a freelance consultant, I utilize my extensive design and video production skills to provide clients with a variety of services, including multimedia content development, website design, social media development, and content management.

- BACK TO TOP -