Marketing and Communications
I am a national STEM and Arts education advocate, former Miss United States, and keynote speaker. I’m passionate about making science, arts, and education accessible to all through creative, multimedia storytelling. I have vast experience in both traditional and social media, web design and website management, and multimedia design.
Media Relations
I began my career as a journalist (including as an Assistant News Editor at the Fredericksburg Free Press née the Fredericksburg Today). I have an extensive background in traditional media, with experience spanning print publications, broadcast news, and multimedia news platforms.
Work Example: NASA In-Flight STEM Downlinks
Through Art Technically, I’ve hosted two In-Flight STEM Downlinks with NASA which are large-scale STEM education programs that culminate in an event where students live Q&A with astronauts onboard the International Space Station. As part of my event planning for the programs, I was the press lead on both the Brighton Elementary School Downlink with ISS Expedition 70 and the Richmond Hill High School Downlink with ISS Expedition 72. I distributed press releases, collaborated with local and national media outlets, and engaged with state and federal government stakeholders.
BES In-Flight STEM Downlink – ISS 70
- “Tennessee Students Selected for Q&A Session with International Space Station Astronauts” – TN Department of Education Article
- “Reaching for the stars: Brighton students to video chat with astronauts orbiting Earth” – Fox 13 Memphis Article
- “Out Of This World: TN students have Q&A session with astronauts” – WREG Memphis Video Segment
- “Tipton County elementary school to chat with astronauts living in space” – State Gazette Article
RHHS In-Flight STEM Downlink – ISS 72
- “Queens students speak with NASA astronauts on ISS” – Fox 5 New York Video Segment
- “US (NY): School students to quiz astronauts on CEA” – HortiDaily Article
- “Colegiales de Nueva York conversaron con dos mujeres astronautas desde el espacio” – EFE News distributed to InfoBae, Hola News, ABC.es
- 90.7 WFUV (Live Radio Segments)
- Queens Chronicle, upcoming (print)
Work Example: Miss United States
As Miss United States 2022, I spent most of my year-long reign doing my own press work, coordinating with traditional media across the United States including press releases and interviews for video, audio, and print sources. During my year, I went to all 50 states visiting children at schools, museums, nonprofits, children’s hospitals, and community events to promote STEM and Arts education.
- “Gratitude for Arts and Science Educators” – U.S. Department of Education article
- “Memphis 20 < 30 – The Class of 2023” – The Memphis Flyer article
- “Miss United States visits Meals on Wheels in Bennington” – News 10 Albany
- Example Press Release by me
- “Representing New York, Mid-South native named Miss United States 2022” – ABC 24 Memphis article
- “RPI graduate student named Miss United States” – News 10 Albany
- “Tennessee Native Lily Donaldson Crowned Miss United States” – Clarksville Online
- “Shelby County native crowned Miss United States” – Action News 5 Memphis
Work Example: Art Technically
As Art Technically’s director, one of my duties is managing media relations for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit and acting as a spokesperson.
- “Creating Color-Changing Slime” – Action News 5 Memphis interview/video segment
- “Art Technically Wins a $4,000 STEM Action Grant” – Memphis Parent article
- “Art Technically lleva educación STEM y artística a estudiantes de todo Tennessee” – Buenas Nuevas article
Design and Brand Management
Multimedia Document Design – Work Examples
I design flyers, white papers, slide decks, digital graphics, and other materials with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator); Canva; and Apple Pages.
- Art Technically’s Astrobotany Teacher Toolkit (slide-decks and classroom materials)
- Art Technically’s Future Forward 2025 white paper
- Art Technically’s Love Letters (Creative Coding) handout
Website Design
I have over 8 years of experience in website design with HTML/CSS/JavaScript and Content Management Systems (CMS), especially WordPress. I hold a B.S. in Computer Science from American University.
- The entire Art Technically website
- Art Technically’s Cloudy with a Chance of Science digital learning modules
- This portfolio website (explore around)
- Chasity Blackburn – Real Estate website
- Deciphering Changing Probabilities of Extreme Climate Events in Climate Models and Measurements with NASA CCRI (digital research paper)
Social Media
With over 50,000 followers and 105 million video views across Instagram and TikTok, I have a native understanding of what resonates with diverse digital audiences and how to craft compelling, platform-optimized content that drives engagement, builds community, and amplifies brand messaging.
Public Speaking
I’m a confident speaker with experience tailoring messages to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds, from kindergartners in rural New Mexico to NASA scientists in New York City. I’m especially passionate about translating complex ideas in science, technology, and higher education into compelling, accessible messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
Selected Keynotes and Presentations
- “Astrobotany – Growing Plants in Space” and “Cloudy with a Chance of Science: Studying Extreme Weather with NASA Resources” | Presenter
February 2025 | Space Exploration Educators Conference | Houston, Texas
NASA’s Space Exploration Educators Conference brings together formal and informal educators from across the country to connect and learn about NASA and Space Science education resources. I taught two professional development sessions for educators on astrobotany and meteorology. - “STEAM Power – Interdisciplinary Thinking in Action” | Keynote/Workshop
November 2024 | Federal Innovators Salon | Washington, DC
The Federal Innovators Salon is a think tank that brings together federal government stakeholders to drive inter-agency innovation. I spoke about the power of interdisciplinary thinking to drive innovation and enhance problem-solving. Participants learned about the advantages of cross-disciplinary thinking and reflected on the diverse skills and perspectives that make them (and their teams) multifaceted. - “Pathways in STEM and STEAM” | Speaker
October 2024 | Newport News STEM Exploration Community Event | Newport News, VA
I was one of two featured speakers at the 3rd annual Newport News STEM Exploration Community Event; I talked to students and families about pathways to STEM and STEAM careers. - “The Importance of STEM Education on National Competitiveness” | Keynote
May 2024 | AI Expo for National Competitiveness/Ash Carter Exchange | Washington, DC
I delivered a keynote at the AI Expo discussing the importance of K-12 STEM Education for maintaining and developing the American STEM workforce. - “Creating Color Changing Slime” | News Segment
I visited with Bluff City on Action News 5 to promote STEM education and Art Technically. Watch the video segment here. - “Live at 9: Miss United States on National STEM Day” | News Interview
I interviewed about STEM Education on National STEM Day. Watch the video interview here.