Episode 2 – Why is This Even Important? Part 1: I Can’t Fake Humble…

Hosts: Dr. Kyla McMullen and Dr. Jeremy Waisome

NCWIT Contributor: Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder

Guest: Dr. Stacie LeSure

Description: True support for underrepresented science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing students in higher education is rare. To combat issues of access, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Stacie LeSure created Engineers 4 Equity. In this episode, we encourage you not to fake humble and take control of your personal story.

Dr. Stacie LeSure earned a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Utah State University where her doctoral research applied Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality frameworks to critically examine effective intervention strategies to reduce the negative consequences of Stereotype Threat. She also has a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Spelman College. Dr. LeSure obtained the status of ABD (All But Defense) in Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University.

 She is the founder and Executive Director of Engineers for Equity- a mission-driven organization focused on fostering equity and inclusion in engineering. Dr. LeSure also serves as Program Director and Senior Researcher at the Howard University Science, Engineering and Mathematics Center (HUSEM). At HUSEM she manages various research projects focused on the academic perceptions and persistence of students in STEM, particularly those students who are traditionally under-represented in STEM careers.

Prior to joining Howard, she served as a Research Fellow at the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and a Post-doctoral researcher at the American Society for Engineering Education. Dr. LeSure worked as an engineer for over a decade before switching gears and devoting her time and talents to focus on pertinent issues including STEM education, equity and inclusion initiatives in education and the STEM workforce, and corporate development and training.  She is also the founder and Executive Director of Engineers for Equity- a mission-driven organization focused on fostering equity and inclusion in engineering.