Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Tiffani Teachey Weighs in on The Current and Thriving State of The STEM Industry

According to S.T.E.M. industry advocate and expert Tiffani Teachey, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) industry is thriving and experiencing significant growth. As an engineer with 19 years of experience, Tiffani tells us that the demand for professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields is high, with a projected shortage of skilled workers in the near future. The National Association of Manufacturing and Deloitte reported that the United States will have to fill 3.5 million STEM jobs by 2025, with more than 2 million of them going unfilled because of the lack of highly skilled candidates in demand.

The industry is witnessing advancements and innovations across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and space exploration. Efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusion within the STEM workforce, recognizing the importance of different perspectives and experiences. The industry is also placing increased emphasis on STEM education and inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers.

It is our honor to chat with Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Tiffani Teachey as we learn more about her STEM journey.

Were you always into STEM as a child, or did you come to obtain interest?

Tiffani: As a child, my initial career aspiration was to become a lawyer because I enjoyed debating. However, my interest in STEM developed later on. It was by attending the Math & Science Saturday Academy and actively participating in math classes by asking questions that I discovered the problem-solving aspect of engineering and its reliance on math and science. My parents played a significant role in fostering my interest in STEM. My mother, an educator, emphasized the importance of education and encouraged my brother and me to seek out math and science programs. My father, an entrepreneur, had a client who was a civil engineer and suggested that engineering could be a valuable field for his children. They provided me with guidance and exposure to math and science programs, which ultimately influenced my decision to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I was drawn to the challenges and the opportunity to solve problems in the world through engineering.

Would you say STEM opportunities are equal in schools and in the corporate sector? Why or why not?

Tiffani: STEM opportunities may not be equal in schools and the corporate sector due to various factors. In schools, disparities can arise from differences in funding, location, and educational policies, leading to varying access to STEM programs and resources. This can result in unequal exposure and opportunities for students across different school environments. Similarly, in the corporate sector, the availability of STEM opportunities can differ based on industry, company size, and geographical location. Certain sectors may offer more extensive STEM roles and projects, while others may have fewer opportunities for STEM-focused work. Additionally, systemic biases based on gender and race can further contribute to unequal access and advancement in STEM.

Efforts are being made to address these disparities and promote equality in STEM. Initiatives are focused on increasing access to quality STEM education, fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and providing mentorship and support networks. By addressing these issues, we can strive to create a more equitable distribution of STEM opportunities, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal access to pursue and excel in STEM fields both in schools and the corporate sector.

Why is it important to get more young women interested in STEM?

Tiffani: It is important to get more young women interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for several reasons:

1. Gender Equality: Encouraging young women to pursue STEM ensures equal access to opportunities and breaks down gender barriers, promoting a more inclusive society.
2. Diversity and Innovation: More women in STEM bring diverse perspectives, fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving from multiple viewpoints, leading to groundbreaking advancements in technology and research.
3. Economic Growth and Addressing Challenges: Engaging women in STEM fields drives economic growth, maintains competitiveness, and equips society to tackle pressing global challenges through multidisciplinary STEM solutions.

In summary, getting more young women interested in STEM is essential for promoting gender equality, fostering diversity and innovation, closing the gender gap, driving economic growth, and addressing societal challenges. It is an investment in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Is there anything you haven’t achieved yet as a Sr. Mechanical Engineer that you aspire to do someday?

Tiffani: As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, my aspirations for the future are multi-faceted. Firstly, I aspire to lead major engineering projects that tackle complex challenges and have a significant societal impact. I want to contribute to groundbreaking technological advancements and be at the forefront of innovative solutions.

Secondly, I am passionate about mentorship and inspiring the next generation of engineers. Through mentoring programs, educational initiatives, and outreach activities, I aim to encourage young individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue STEM careers and reach their full potential. Additionally, I strive to publish research papers and contribute to the scientific community, while also leveraging my expertise to provide consulting services. Ultimately, I seek to become a global leader in the field, actively engaging with professionals worldwide and shaping the future of engineering.

We would love to learn more about your journey as the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. What kind of quests appear on the show, and what topics are discussed?

Tiffani: As the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRB Media, I feature a diverse range of guests who inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Guests such as Tiffany Layton, TrevisMichelle, Tiffany Obeng, Cameron Clark, Dr. Charlene Whitaker-Brown, and Jen Rafferty discuss a wide array of topics. These include encouraging children in math, resilience, and empowerment for women in STEM, diversifying STEM through Kid Lit, career advice for aspiring STEM professionals, mental health awareness in STEM, and empowering educators in their teaching journey. Through their stories and expertise, the guests aim to promote representation and inspire listeners to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math. Tune in every Wednesday at 5:30 pm EST on the WDRB Media via TuneIn Radio. Apply to be a guest or to advertise on the Read It Right Radio Show at www.readitrightradioshow.com.

What else would you like our readers to know about what you’re working on as of late?

Tiffani: As of late, I’ve been actively engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in STEM fields. In addition to hosting the Read It Right Radio Show, I have been working on expanding my publishing consulting services through Inspired Authors Publishing, LLC. These platforms focus on amplifying the voices of underrepresented authors in the publishing industry, particularly in children’s books. I’m passionate about providing opportunities for diverse authors to share their stories and inspire others. I released The STEM Crew Kids Adventures: Building a Balloon-Powered Car, which is a part of the new STEM Crew Kids Adventures series. Additionally, I continue to collaborate with organizations and individuals to create educational resources, workshops, and events that encourage young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to pursue STEM education and careers. I hosted the STEM is the Way Summit, which was a way to collaborate with various STEM experts to help parents and educators get their children to excel in math and science through the various STEM tools and resources. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future in the STEM community.

For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift — 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com. Free publishing ebook at www.publishtherightbook.com.