Team Interview: Parker
Where do you consider home (i.e. where are you from)?
I’m from Woodbridge, VA a lil hamlet 30 mins south of Washington, DC. South me again ASAP
Why did you join STEMulation?
I joined STEMulation because Michole made me an offer I couldnt refuse; she was like “do you want to help make a escape room game (duh) for Black kids (absoultely) that involves space somehow?” you daggum skippy I do.
What was your favorite part of helping to create SpaceBox?
My favorite part of helping to create spacebox was getting to develop our cast of characters’. I got to pretend to be them and think through their personalities, interests and dispositions. It was really cool to see how we were able to weave their personhood into the shape and narrative of the puzzles
What is an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/ cultivate your interest in STEM and/or education?
STEM and education have always been passions of mine. My first career goal was to be a paleontologist. When i was in 8th grade i went to Space Camp; I had subscriptions to discovery kids and national geographic for as long as I could remember. The sciences were always my jam in school; i even minored in astronomy in college, like a nerd :D
How do you think STEM education can be more inclusive?
Aside from the issues of representation that limit who can “see themselves” as a scientist, I think that equity in school funding and school programs can lead to more inclusive STEM education. The rich communities are not the ones that need STEM enrichment and innovated opportunities. Rather it is the most under-resourced schools and communities that should receive best and most exciting and most rigorous STEM education practices.
What is a random STEM fact that you love?
The Drake Equation!
What was your favorite game to play growing up (e.g. video game, board game)?
Lol Madden. I managed to be both a real big nerd and a jock. I contain mulititudes
What is your favorite science fiction movie or tv show?
Movie: The Fifth Element. Show right now, The Expanse
What book are you reading right now?
Revenger by Alistair Reynolds
What are some words of wisdom that you live by?
When I’m feeling real blue I remember the infinitesimal life-span of all humanity. I place it against the billions of years that the universe has been expanding, the billions of stars and likely millions of worlds where life could have sprang up, or will someday; I hold us in relief against the trillions of living creatures the earth has nurtured and reclaimed, and I smile-- it doesn’t matter anyway.