EP#46 - JOURNEY TO THE STARS: A STEM ODYSSEY with Joan Higginbotham

In this episode, I sit down with Joan Higginbotham, Electrical Engineer, Retired NASA Astronaut, and President of Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC, to discuss her incredible journey in STEM and space exploration. Our topic for today is "Journey to the Stars: A STEM Odyssey."

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joan Higginbotham:

• How did you get started with what you are doing today, and what inspired you to create Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC?
• Who do you help in your business now, and how do you tailor your services to meet the needs of your clients in the aerospace sector?
• What inspired you to pursue electrical engineering and space exploration, and how did programs like En ROADS influence your path?
• Can you share your experience flying aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-116 and any challenges you faced during the mission?
• How do you actively support STEM education, particularly for underrepresented communities, and why is this important to you?
• Why do you believe representation is crucial in encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers, and can you share a personal story that highlights this?
• What advice would you give to aspiring astronauts or those interested in space exploration, especially in today's rapidly evolving space industry?
• What challenges did you face as a young African American female engineer in a male-dominated industry, and how did you overcome them?
• What is one thing people can start on right away if they are interested in pursuing a career in space exploration or engineering?
• Are there any tools or resources you recommend for those interested in getting involved in STEM or exploring opportunities in space?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About "Journey to the Stars: A STEM Odyssey":

• A Stellar Career: Joan Higginbotham shares how her passion for math and science led her to a remarkable 35-year career, including working for NASA and launching her own consulting company, Joan Higginbotham Ad Astra LLC.
• Navigating Space and Challenges: Joan reflects on her experience aboard Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-116, where she faced unexpected challenges, showcasing the importance of adaptability and teamwork in space exploration.
• Supporting STEM Education: Joan is deeply committed to supporting STEM education, particularly for underrepresented communities, through scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy. She emphasizes the impact of representation and the importance of being a role model.
• The Importance of Representation: Joan shares a powerful st

About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani owns Thrive Edge Publishing and is the owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an engineer with over 19 years of experience, Tiffani is passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift—the 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book—at www.stemistheway.com.