3 Questions with Dr. Natoshia Anderson
What Are The Challenges Confronting African American Women As They Seek A Successful STEM Career?
@Toshia11
Dr. Michael Robinson, host for 3 Questions interviewed Dr. Natoshia Anderson Director of STEM Initiatives Georgia Piedmont Technical College regarding African American women and STEM careers.
Dr. Natoshia Anderson, Director of STEM Initiatives at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, has a genuine love of teaching and learning and is fully vested in the advancement of STEM Education. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. She went on earn an MBA with a specialization in Marketing in 2006 and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. Her dissertation is entitled, “An Analysis of African American Gifted Girls’ Achievements in Mathematics and Science Classes.” She worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer for eight years before entering the world of education.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, she was charged with designing HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire alarm systems for business, educational, and military installations all throughout the Southeastern states. She has also worked with outreach organizations (SWE and ASME) and clubs to increase awareness of STEM and specifically engineering opportunities for minority youth. She left the engineering profession in 2004 to become a full-time High School Mathematics Teachers. She served as the Team Lead for the Freshman Academy, while being a 1st year teacher. She also worked to achieve the gifted certification, while teaching the advanced students over the next two year. While teaching high school math, she started Homework Help for Parents. This Saturday program assisted parents in being able to help their student(s) in mathematics at home. The program gave parents simple tips and refreshers on simple mathematic techniques and procedures.
In May of 2013, Dr. Natoshia Anderson began serving as Georgia Piedmont’s Director of STEM Initiatives. Prior to her appointment, she served as GPTC’s Drafting Technology Instructor. Since joining GPTC in 2006, Dr. Anderson is credited with strengthening the advisory committee of the Drafting Technology Department, increasing internship opportunities for students within that program, and for working diligently to ensure all software and equipment in GPTC’s drafting technology labs consistently meet industry standards. As STEM Director, Dr. Natoshia has written several grants to provide scholarships for students pursuing STEM majors at GPTC and to be able to offer innovative programming for minority and female students in STEM majors. She works with the Department of Education in STEM Certification for schools across the state, and has been instrumental in the development of professional development materials for teachers. Last year GPTC held its first ever STEM Expo. This event hosted over 300 hundred students and 20 STEM Vendors. The goal of this event was to highlight and showcase STEM to DeKalb County students. This year’s event was held in September and had over 400 students in attendance.
Dr. Natoshia Anderson, Director of STEM Initiatives at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, has a genuine love of teaching and learning and is fully vested in the advancement of STEM Education. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University. She went on earn an MBA with a specialization in Marketing in 2006 and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. Her dissertation is entitled, “An Analysis of African American Gifted Girls’ Achievements in Mathematics and Science Classes.” She worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer for eight years before entering the world of education.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, she was charged with designing HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire alarm systems for business, educational, and military installations all throughout the Southeastern states. She has also worked with outreach organizations (SWE and ASME) and clubs to increase awareness of STEM and specifically engineering opportunities for minority youth. She left the engineering profession in 2004 to become a full-time High School Mathematics Teachers. She served as the Team Lead for the Freshman Academy, while being a 1st year teacher. She also worked to achieve the gifted certification, while teaching the advanced students over the next two year. While teaching high school math, she started Homework Help for Parents. This Saturday program assisted parents in being able to help their student(s) in mathematics at home. The program gave parents simple tips and refreshers on simple mathematic techniques and procedures.
In May of 2013, Dr. Natoshia Anderson began serving as Georgia Piedmont’s Director of STEM Initiatives. Prior to her appointment, she served as GPTC’s Drafting Technology Instructor. Since joining GPTC in 2006, Dr. Anderson is credited with strengthening the advisory committee of the Drafting Technology Department, increasing internship opportunities for students within that program, and for working diligently to ensure all software and equipment in GPTC’s drafting technology labs consistently meet industry standards. As STEM Director, Dr. Natoshia has written several grants to provide scholarships for students pursuing STEM majors at GPTC and to be able to offer innovative programming for minority and female students in STEM majors. She works with the Department of Education in STEM Certification for schools across the state, and has been instrumental in the development of professional development materials for teachers. Last year GPTC held its first ever STEM Expo. This event hosted over 300 hundred students and 20 STEM Vendors. The goal of this event was to highlight and showcase STEM to DeKalb County students. This year’s event was held in September and had over 400 students in attendance.