AI Is the New Calculator: My Journey in STEM

This will be the second blog post I have written about this topic. Unfortunately, the people who need to see it often won’t read it. My motto is #MySTEMIsForTheStreets. This means my mission is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). I aim to inspire more girls, women, Black, and Brown people to pursue STEM fields by sharing robotics and STEM content online.

Creative Approaches to STEM

I use many creative methods to engage my audience. These include STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) initiatives like #EngineeringProfessorAdvice, #EngineeringQuizzes, #RobotHipHopSlamPoetry, #Engineering101, #LilyBotTutorials, and the #WhatDoYouKnowAbout series. For examples, check out my socials or YouTube channel.

Let’s be real: being camera-ready and content-prepared all the time is a lot. I juggle the roles of engineering professor, robotics researcher, public speaker, mom, wife, and business owner. It takes energy, time, and focus. Some days, I just don’t have that extra bandwidth.

The Need for Visibility

Still, because of my mission, I know I need to be on social media. That’s where my target audience—students, educators, and changemakers—are. They need to see what’s possible. However, being visible in these digital spaces comes with a cost. Alongside encouragement and connection, I deal with hate, harassment, and trolls. These individuals feel entitled to question my credentials, my work, or simply my presence.

NoireSTEMinist, Dr. Carlotta A. Berry, shows off robots to a gymnasium full of high school students

Believe it or not, there are folks who see an intelligent, articulate, educated Black woman (yes, I see you too, Vice President Kamala D. Harris) and feel threatened. Their first instinct? Tear her down. Even the strongest among us get tired of constantly having to defend our existence.

Facing the Challenges

Don’t believe me? Take a scroll through the replies on any of my viral BlueSky or Twitter posts. I’ve been asked whether I really built or programmed my robots, among other nonsense. Black women have always been easy targets. Yes, it does get exhausting. 🤦🏾‍♀️

So here’s what I’ve decided: If I can still get my message across without always showing my face on camera, why not? If using a Black woman AI avatar of myself allows me to educate, inspire, and impact my target audience just as powerfully, then I’m going to do that. Period. The trolls don’t get to dictate how I show up in the world.

Taking a Break from Visibility

That doesn’t mean I’ll never appear on camera again. As a natural introvert who’s been “on” for a long time, I’m giving myself permission to take a break from that kind of visibility. I’m still doing the work. I’m still walking in purpose. I’m just doing it on my terms.

To those who feel the need to nitpick or critique how I deliver my message—maybe find some business of your own. Better yet, try putting your own work out there and see how it feels to be on the receiving end of public scrutiny.

Until then—mind your mission and the business that pays you. I’ll be over here minding mine.

Embracing AI in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we approach education. It serves as a powerful tool that can enhance learning experiences. By integrating AI into STEM education, we can provide personalized learning paths for students. This technology can adapt to individual needs, making learning more engaging and effective.

AI also opens doors for innovative teaching methods. For instance, educators can use AI-driven platforms to analyze student performance and tailor their instruction accordingly. This ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

The Future of STEM

The future of STEM is bright, especially with the integration of AI. As we continue to innovate, we must ensure that everyone has access to these opportunities. Diversity in STEM is crucial for fostering creativity and solving complex problems. By inspiring more girls, women, and underrepresented groups to enter these fields, we can create a more equitable future.

In conclusion, my journey in STEM is about more than just personal achievement. It’s about paving the way for others. I invite you to join me in this mission. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.

"I'm still doing the work. I'm still walking in purpose. I'm just doing it on my terms."

— Dr. Carlotta Berry, NoireSTEMinist®

Follow & Connect

📱 Instagram: @noiresteminist

🎓 LinkedIn: Dr. Carlotta Berry

🎥 YouTube: Carlotta Berry Channel

🎞 Lecture: Bias in AI and Robotics

⛅ BlueSky: @drcaberry

🌐 Website: www.noiresteminist.com

📚 Romance Books: www.carlottaardell.com

📒 Children’s Books: www.noiresteminist.com/childrensbooks

Learn More

📕 Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning Textbook, Carlotta A Berry, Brandeis Hill Marshall

📓 Mobile Robotics for Multidisciplinary Study, Carlotta A. Berry

📔 Sex, Race, & Robots, Ayanna Howard

📖 Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble

📗 Unmasking AI, Joy Buolamwini

📘 Race After Technology, Ruha Benjamin

📒 Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity Brandeis Hill Marshall

#NoireSTEMinist #RoboticsForTheStreets #MySTEMIsForTheStreets #BlackInEngineering #BlackInRobotics #RepresentationMatters #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIIsTheNewCalculator #WomenInTech #EngineeringProfessorAdvice #AIAvatar