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.
Our Students are Q&A’ing with Astronauts in Space
Richmond Hill High School in Queens, NY is uplinking to the International Space Station! As part of NASA’s In Flight Educational Downlink program, students at RHHS participated in STEM and STEAM workshops (including Art Technically’s Astrobotany workshop shown here) to prepare questions for astronauts.
New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show
I went to the New York Botanical Garden’s Spring 2025 Orchid Show with my friend JoBelle!
I spoke at American University’s New Eagles Day
I was the alumni keynote speaker at American University’s New Eagles Day 2025.
I taught PD at the Space Exploration Educators Conference at Space Center Houston
My former NASA educator partner and I presented educator sessions on Astrobotany and Sangmin’s NASA unit plan ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Science’ on studying extreme weather from space during the 2025 Space Exploration Educators Conference at Space Center Houston.
Teaching Workshops for Black Families Technology Awareness Day 2025
I taught workshops on Creative Coding and Astrobotany to K-12 students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Black Families Technology Awareness Day 2025.
Presenting at the American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting
My NASA CCRI (Climate Change Research Initiative) teammate, Sangmin Pak, and I presented a poster at #AGU24 (American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting) in #WashingtonDC on “Advancing Digital Literacy in K-12 with Art Technically: Cloudy with a Chance of Science”!
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
I did the 10K race at the 2024 St. Jude Memphis Marathon weekend as part of Team Alyssa and Dude Rocks!
October/November 2024 Travels
Some travels to DC for a Federal Innovators workshop, LEGOLAND New York, St. Augustine for Thanksgiving, and Orlando to celebrate my 25th birthday with my twin sister.
Halloween and Election Day!
Some Halloween festivities (including with Big Brothers Big Sisters) and the November election day!
Coastal Virginia Community STEM Exploration Day
Coding Valentines Day cards and speaking to students about STEAM careers at the Coastal Virginia Community STEM Exploration Day!
Visiting Los Angeles – The Huntington + Catalina Island + Volunteering with Baby2Baby
I visited my friends in Los Angeles to volunteer with Baby2Baby which provides in-kind donations to mothers in need. We also visited the Huntington Gardens and Catalina Island!
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.
I Dyed My Hair (again)
I dyed my hair purple with Adrian’s help while I was on business in Brooklyn…purple courtesy of Lime Crime Genie.
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.