Why I Use an AI Avatar for my STEM Content?
- Carlotta A. Berry, PhD
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
This will be the second blog post I have written about this topic but unfortunately the people who need to see it, won't read it.
My motto is #MySTEMIsForTheStreets. Simply put, this means that my mission is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) by inspiring more girls, women, Black and Brown people to pursue STEM fields by sharing robotics and STEM content online. I do this in many creative ways that involve STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) such as #EngineeringProfessorAdvice, #EngineeringQuizzes, #RobotHipHopSlamPoetry, #Engineering101, #LilyBotTutorials, #WhatDoYouKnowAbout series and more (check out my socials or YouTube channel for examples).
Let’s be real though, being camera-ready and content-prepared all the time is a lot, especially when you’re juggling the roles of engineering professor, robotics researcher, public speaker, mom, wife, and business owner. It takes energy, time, and focus—and some days, I just don’t have that extra bandwidth.
Still, because of the mission I’m on, I know I need to be on social media. That’s where the people I want to reach are, students, educators, and changemakers who need to see what’s possible. But being visible in these digital spaces also comes with a cost. Alongside the encouragement and connection, I deal with hate, harassment, and trolls who feel entitled to question my credentials, my work, or simply my presence.
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.
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. And 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 just as powerfully my target audience, then I’m going to do that. Period. The trolls don’t get to dictate how I show up in the world.
That doesn’t mean I’ll never appear on camera again. But 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.
So 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.
"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
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I can absolutely identify to this. Using an AI avatar can be a wise decision—it conserves your energy while allowing your message to shine. As an assignment writer, I've discovered that it's important to work smarter, stay visible, and reduce unneeded stress caused by online hostility.