Short Wave This NASA Engineer Is Bringing Math And Science To Hip-Hop
Jul 8, 2020
Deja Williams, a NASA engineer, is on a mission to make math and science accessible to young people of color through hip-hop. She shares her inspiring journey to NASA and discusses how music ignited her passion for STEM. Deja opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome while advocating for inclusivity in these fields. Her innovative approach connects rap lyrics to scientific concepts, highlighting the importance of relatability in education. She emphasizes the power of supportive leadership and community in fostering curiosity within underrepresented youth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Struggles and Triumph
- Dajae Williams initially struggled with math and science due to a lack of resources and feeling out of place in a new school environment.
- However, a dedicated 7th-grade teacher helped her achieve her first 100 on a test, boosting her confidence and inspiring her to pursue STEM.
Quadratic Formula Rap
- Dajae combined her love for music and math by creating a rap song about the quadratic formula for a school project.
- This innovative approach resonated with her classmates and helped her understand and remember the formula better.
Relatability and Memorability
- Dajae recognizes that making educational topics relatable and memorable is key to student engagement.
- She leverages the popularity and emotional connection people have with hip-hop music to achieve this.