STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q

In this episode of  STEMulating Conversations , we sit down with Darryl Scriven , PhD author of The Black College Blueprint , for a candid and forward-looking conversation about the evolving role of HBCUs in today's challenging higher-education landscape.  If you care about the sustainability, relevance, and transformative power of Black colleges, this episode is required listening. Dr. Scriven un...

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from our very first season—Dr. Dale Wesson. Known for his insightful and candid perspectives, Dr. Wesson joins us for a thought-provoking (and perhaps a bit controversial) discussion on the coveted R-1 designation in higher education. Drawing from his recent opinion piece in Inside Higher Ed , Dr. Wesson unpacks the implications of the updated crit...

In this reflective solo episode of STEMulating Conversations , we pause for a personal check-in with a powerful reminder: time is our most valuable resource . Titled "A Note to Self" , this episode unpacks the real meaning behind work-life integration —not balance—and the necessity of aligning our actions with what truly matters. With candid honesty, we explore how to manage the many demands on ou...

In this milestone 100th episode rebroadcast, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Dr. Calvin Mackie — engineer, entrepreneur, author, and the dynamic founder and CEO of STEM Global Action , formerly known as STEM NOLA . Born out of a vision to bring hands-on STEM education to the youth of New Orleans, STEM NOLA has grown into a national movement, impacting communities across the country throu...

In this special rebroadcast of STEMulating Conversations , we revisit an inspiring dialogue with St. Mary's College of Maryland President Emerita Tuajuana Jordan. Dr. Jordan reflects on her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, student-centered leadership, and resilience in the face of challenge. She shares lessons on navigating institutional change, empowering teams, and...

In this special rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes, Dr. Q revisits a powerful and thought-provoking conversation with renowned mentoring expert, scholar, and author, Dr. Beronda Montgomery . A professor, researcher, and author of Lessons from Plants , Dr. Montgomery offers wisdom on how mentoring—like growth in nature—requires intentionality, adaptability, and nurturing environments....

This week on STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q , we're honoring a trailblazer in STEM education and outreach— Tokiwa Smith , founder of SEM Link —by rebroadcasting one of our most impactful episodes: SC80 . As Tokiwa celebrates her birthday on July 4th and the 20th anniversary of launching SEM Link, we take a moment to recognize her unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM...

In this inspiring episode of STEMulating Conversations , Dr. Q sits down with emerging leader Kenny Rolle, whose leadership journey began as a junior high basketball team manager and led him all the way to serving as Student Government Association President at Tennessee State University to coveted NFL Communication Specialists roles. Kenny reflects on the lessons he's learned from both peers and m...

In this enlightening episode of STEMulating Conversations , Dr. Q sits down with Samaad Wes Keys, PhD, a passionate advocate for education and a Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation. Samaad shares his inspiring journey—from his early days as a classroom teacher in New Jersey to now shaping national strategies that uplift Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With humor an...

In this episode of STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q, we welcome Emmy-winning storyteller and communications strategist Kathy Times. Known for her dynamic presence and powerful storytelling as a journalist, Kathy opens up about the value of hitting reset—how taking a step back can help clarify your strengths and reignite your purpose. Listeners get an authentic look at the leader behind the acc...

In this STEMulating Conversations episode,  hope dealer Mia McNeil, ESq., Tennessee State Director for AARP, joins us to unpack the truth behind the organization's mission, the power of advocacy, and why aging is everyone's issue. AARP isn't just about senior discounts—it's shaping the future of healthcare, equity, and livable communities. Mia brings energy, insight, and truth as she dispels the c...

Whether you are an educator, student, or aspiring leader, this STEMulating Conversation  with Dr. Shanna Jackson, President of Nashville State Community College will leave you inspired by the power of selfless leadership and the transformative potential of community colleges.   We explore how community colleges serve as powerful bridges to opportunity for students of all ages and generations.  Dr....

In this episode, Deanna Meador shares her inspiring journey in launching Couture Technologies, a groundbreaking company redefining how we shop for clothes online. With a mission to solve one of e-commerce's biggest challenges—fit and sizing—Deanna and her team have developed virtual try-on and 3D body modeling tools that personalize the online shopping experience. The result: happier customers, fe...

In this episode of the STEMulating Conversations, we welcome Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee.  Missy is a a purpose-driven leader with a career rooted in storytelling, strategy, and service across several industries/  She shares how her belief in the power of a healthy smile goes far beyond oral health—it's a tool for building confidence, From l...

In this episode of STEMulating Conversations , we sit down with Dr. Katherine Y. Brown , affectionately known as The CPR Lady —a title earned not just from her passion for teaching lifesaving skills, but from a life committed to reviving potential in every form. From going door to door in her community to teach CPR, to leading efforts that breathe life into careers, organizations, and people, Dr....

In this episode, MiMi Bliss, owner of Bliss Communications emphasizes the importance of public speaking as a core competency—for all professionals at any level and in all fields.  As a seasoned public speaking coach and former TV reporter, she teaches that the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and authentically is a critical skill, not a "nice-to-have" soft skill. MiMi shares practical...

In this episode of STEMulating Conversations , we chat with the incredible Dr. Sibrina Collins — a chemist by training, a science educator by passion, and a natural-born storyteller. With a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Dr. Collins started out in the lab but soon realized her heart was in inspiring the next generation of scientists through education and outreach. A renowned STEM storyteller, Dr. Col...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Terry Esper, professor of logistics at The Ohio State University and a regular contributor to NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Sirius XM. With a captivating mix of personal storytelling and professional insight, Dr. Esper walks us through his journey from the heart of Detroit to Philander Smith College (now University) a small HBCU in Arkansas to becoming a g...

In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II, President and CEO of Leadership Tennessee, for a STEMulating conversation on the critical role of relationship building in effective leadership. Alfred discusses how bringing leaders together,especially when tackling tough issues, requires trust, empathy, and connection.  A proud alumnus of Tennessee State University followed by a law...

This bonus conversation   with Keith Conerly,is a testament to strength, vulnerability and an unwavering faith in God. He   shares the heartbreaking yet heartfelt story of the sudden passing of his beloved wife of 32 years. He opens up about the loss, the grief, and the journey of navigating life without his lifelong partner. Keith reflects on the difficult questions that follow such a profound lo...

In this episode, we have a STEMulating Conversaion with  Keith Conerly, a Sr. Vice President at Compass Group USA . A chemist by training, he shares how his time at Jackson State University, an HBCU in Mississippi, and his volunteer and mentoring roles in NOBCChE shaped his leadership principles. Keith reflects on the invaluable lessons he learned during his college years—lessons that continue to...

Season 6 of STEMulating Conversations with Dr. Q

A parent recently asked me to give his sons advice and words of encouragement for the beginning of their college career.  What I shared with them inspired this episode's message.  Do Your Best Get Some Rest Leave the Nest

What does it mean to be a "cheerchemist"?  Are you a cheerleader?  Are you a chemist?  The answer to both question is YES.  This week's guest, Natalie LaFranzo, PhD, has used her talents for inspiring others since her college days of cheering sports events at Bradley Univesrity.  She began to transfer her skill of cheering into championing after receiveing her PhD and became more active in the Ame...

Representative Rev. Harold M. Love, Jr., PhD is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University (TSU), the only public Historically Black College or University in Tennessee.  In this episode we discuss his experiences attending an HBCU and the impact that it had on his personal and professional paths.  In a full circle moment of giving back to his alma mater and continuing the legacy of his father,...