I used to think my authority in STEAM only came from my lab coat. I was wrong. True authority in STEAM doesn’t just come from data; it comes from the ability to translate innovation into a story that sparks the soul. I operated under the traditional scientific method: Observe, Hypothesize, Experiment, Conclude. But seeing the “Missing Millions” and the call to increase representation, I realized that sharing personal stories can inspire and connect us, making you feel valued

In any scientific or engineering practice, we begin by asking a question or defining a problem. Mine is simple. How do we inspire the “Missing Millions” if the science remains behind a cold wall of facts? They say science belongs in the lab. I also have a different hypothesis. Biotechnology is only as powerful as the stories we use to teach it. For this reason, I traded my lab coat for a storybook 23 years ago to prove that a cell’s journey can be just as magical as any fairy

AI-generated image By Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D. Have you ever tried to explain the invisible mechanics of life to a child, only to see their eyes glaze over? I spent over 20 years immersed in the technical worlds of biotechnology and biochemistry, surrounded by data on metabolic pathways and cellular respiration. As a researcher, these were my tools. But as an educator, I kept seeing the same problem. For many children, science feels like a cold wall of facts they can never quit

As the InTouch Think STEAM Careers Podcast host, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful guests who have graced my...