STEM Ambassadors

Hailing from Nigeria and having pursued my education in Ghana before moving to the United States, I have spent most of my life navigating the world as an international student. As a first-generation doctoral graduate, I understand deeply the importance of building community and creating connections, especially in spaces where cultural, financial, and institutional barriers can make academic life feel isolating. My journey has included challenges, from navigating immigration and funding to adjusting to cultural differences, all while trying to find my place in science and higher education.

Teaching climate science to teenagers at the Windmill Library was one of the most energizing outreach experiences I’ve had. My focal group consisted of high school students who were interested in learning about climate change at the library, and the venue offered an open, welcoming environment that encouraged engagement. I wanted to design a program that didn’t just explain climate change but helped young adults to see the connections between atmospheric science, human behavior, and their lived experience.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans' trust in science has declined 16 percentage points — from 73% to 57% people reporting a positive view of science's societal impact, according to the Pew Research Center. This erosion has had real consequences, including significant research funding cuts in 2025. When the public better understands why scientists conduct research and how it benefits daily life, they are more likely to support that investment. Bridging this gap is the foundation of the High School Science Communication Workshop, developed by the UNLV Radiochemistry Program.