Lily K. Donaldson
I’m an advocate for STEM and Arts Education working to bridge educational gaps, especially among disadvantaged K-12 students. I’m also a driven and multidisciplinary Ph.D. student researching software and sensor systems for agricultural technology to create more resilient, equitable, and innovative food systems. As a technologist and educator that’s worked with people from all walks of life (from kindergartners in rural New Mexico to NASA scientists in New York City), I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower people from highly diverse backgrounds in science and technology, and beyond.
Lily K. Donaldson
I’m an advocate for STEM and Arts Education working to bridge educational gaps, especially among disadvantaged K-12 students. I’m also a driven and multidisciplinary Ph.D. student researching software and sensor systems for agricultural technology to create more resilient, equitable, and innovative food systems. As a technologist and educator that’s worked with people from all walks of life (from kindergartners in rural New Mexico to NASA scientists in New York City), I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower people from highly diverse backgrounds in science and technology, and beyond.
NASA Climate Change Research Initiative Program Wrap-up and HQ Presentations
This past year has been so amazing, and I’m so proud of all of my teammates and all of the community outreach work my teacher partner (Sangmin Pak) and I have done together.
DC Photoshoot with Andy Jones at the National Gallery of Art
Some photos with Andy Jones at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Macy’s Fashion Show
A fashion show to support America’s largest mentorship program!
I gave a Keynote at the AI Expo in Washington, DC
I gave a keynote at the AI Expo in Washington, DC this week on the importance of STEM education on national competitiveness.
Earth Day at NASA HQ and Dept. of Education
I guided members of the public through NASA HQ’s Earth Day activities and stopped by the Education Department to see my friend Andy Jones and discuss some upcoming partnerships.
2024 Total Eclipse Workshops with NASA and Art Technically
I spoke to over 1,200 students this week about the upcoming solar eclipse! I am so grateful that my research assistantship at NASA also supports community STEM engagement events like these.
NASA Internship Team
I got to meet up in person with my NASA Climate Change Research Initiative internship team at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City.
Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024
I walked with my friends at the West Sand Lake Fire Department in the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade again this year!
Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy
Luna Luna in Los Angeles: the world’s first art amusement park
Spring Breaking in Los Angeles
Spring breaking in Los Angeles with my friend Latoya Tucker.
I passed my PhD Candidacy Exam!
Some news from the lab – I passed my PhD candidacy exam last week! This is the last step to complete before the dissertation phase of the degree.
Letters to a PreScientist (STEM Pen Pals)
Letters to a PreScientist is an organization that pairs scientists up with middle schoolers through a pen pal program to broaden students awareness of STEM career paths.
Love Letters Project 2024
1,000 of these ‘Love Letters’ coded by students during STEAM workshops over the past year went to seniors in Rensselaer County, New York yesterday!
NASA Space Exploration Educators Conference
The Space Exploration Educators Conference is an amazing opportunity for educators to expand their knowledge of space science curriculum through teacher workshops, keynotes with NASA experts and astronauts, tours of NASA facilities, and networking with other educators.
Black Families Technology Awareness Day 2024
This was the 3rd year I’ve taught an Art Technically Astrobotany workshop at BFTAD. Students in the astrobotany workshop learned about plant, food, and space science and toured the plant lab and smart conference room at RPI’s Center for Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications (LESA)
American University Magazine Feature
Every year, I have a lab coat that I let all of my students sign. This year, I happened to also be Miss United States and brought it with me during my travels across the U.S. as I was promoting STEM education.
2023 STEM Lab Coat and Year Recap
Every year, I have a lab coat that I let all of my students sign. This year, I happened to also be Miss United States and brought it with me during my travels across the U.S. as I was promoting STEM education.
2023 Year Recap
I’ve had a jam packed 2023, but I’m excited for what 2024 holds.
Girl’s Night in Midtown Memphis
Girl’s Night in Midtown Memphis at the Memphian hotel.
Trying on an Army Bomb Suit (EOD)
bring your sister to work day…i don’t know how she does anything in this, it weighs 80 pounds and feels like having a bucket over your head
I started an internship at NASA
I started an internship at NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York.
A Brunette Introduction
I accidentally went blonde two years ago after a hair dye accident. This week I’m finally back to brunette.
A Blonde Farewell
Some last photoshoots with the blonde hair before something new…
I helped students talk to Astronauts on the ISS
Last week, Brighton Elementary School students asked questions to astronauts living on the International Space Station.