From the Nerd Herd — November 2025
Earlier this month, members of our team traveled to the annual STEM Learning Ecosystems Convening of Practice, a gathering where ecosystems from across the country come together to learn, share, and collaborate. We returned inspired, energized, and more committed than ever to the unique work happening right here in Oklahoma.
Some solutions extend beyond the school day. Students who engage in out-of-school experiences aligned with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks and envision themselves in careers where women and students from Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities are underrepresented. Hands-on, identity-shaping STEM experiences boost confidence, competence, and college readiness.
From the Nerd Herd — October 2025
At Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, we know mentorship changes everything. When students connect with mentors who reflect their identities, share their experiences, or simply open their eyes to new possibilities, they start to see themselves in STEM. That shift in STEM identity—believing “I am a STEM person”—is one of the most important ways we measure the success of our programs.
Some solutions extend beyond the school day. Students who engage in out-of-school experiences aligned with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks and envision themselves in careers where women and students from Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities are underrepresented. Hands-on, identity-shaping STEM experiences boost confidence, competence, and college readiness.
From the Nerd Herd — STEMtember 2025
Nearly every headline about education reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our schools. Excellent educators, high-quality materials, and well-resourced classrooms are essential; however, progress is remarkably slow. In the meantime, I am deeply grateful for the persistence and brilliance of our school leaders and staff who show up every day for students.
Some solutions extend beyond the school day. Students who engage in out-of-school experiences aligned with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are more likely to meet college readiness benchmarks and envision themselves in careers where women and students from Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities are underrepresented. Hands-on, identity-shaping STEM experiences boost confidence, competence, and college readiness.
From the Nerd Herd — August 2025
I’m incredibly proud and humbled to share that since becoming our own nonprofit in 2017, Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, in collaboration with our partners, has reached 1,000,000 youth! Just think about that for a moment. That’s one million new STEM experiences across Oklahoma that inspired, engaged, and prepared Oklahoma youth for a STEM-enabled future. Each one of those moments, from lessons to mentor relationships and hands-on experiences, is a testament to what we can accomplish together when we lean into the power of our STEM ecosystem.
From the Nerd Herd — July 2025
Every now and then, I get to witness something truly extraordinary unfold in our community. Think of those early mornings when dedicated educators arrive to prep materials before the school day even begins, the afternoons when passionate volunteers mentor future engineers and coders, and those powerful days when organizations generously open their doors, welcoming students who are just starting to imagine a future in STEM. The quiet, consistent ways our community shows up inspire student breakthroughs and spark lifelong creativity.
From the Nerd Herd — June 2025
This reflection isn’t just about crunching numbers on academic growth, though that’s certainly a part of it! It’s also about delving into the stories, the smiles, and the breakthroughs I see reflected in our student and mentor surveys. And let me tell you, it fills me with immense pride to announce that the 2024-2025 Math Mentors school year was phenomenal. It was another year of fantastic growth, deep engagement, and countless moments of connection!
From the Nerd Herd — May 2025
In a field that’s constantly evolving, educators, those shaping our future leaders, will also be attending professional development to learn the latest skills, techniques, and educational philosophies. Anyone who’s been in education for a while knows that best practices change rapidly. New priorities emerge, funding landscapes shift, and evolving technology brings both exciting possibilities and new challenges. Through it all, teachers seek new ways to connect with their students and to bring their lessons to life. This commitment equips educators with new teaching strategies, boosts their confidence, increases their job satisfaction, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for students.
From the Nerd Herd — April 2025
At Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, we believe STEM is for everyone—and that belief guides everything we do. Even as policies and priorities shift, our commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, and welcoming STEM spaces remains unwavering. These values—often called DEIB—are more than words; they’re the foundation of our work and our future.
From the Nerd Herd — March 2025
I’ve been reflecting on what makes TRSA so special. It’s not just about the programs or initiatives; it’s about the heart of our community. It’s about the feeling of connection, of shared purpose, and of knowing that we’re all in this together. That’s why we selected “Together, We Create Possibility” as our value statement. That belief has driven us to refine our partnership approach.
From the Nerd Herd — February 2025
Before I became a Project Manager at Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, I was a middle school STEM teacher and led an after-school Girls’ STEM Club in Claremore Public Schools. In late 2019, I went to a TRSA SeaPerch training – I had no idea what SeaPerch was before that, and had to do a little research to figure it out. But after the full-day training, I knew this underwater robotics competition would be a fantastic opportunity for my Girls’ STEM Club.