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.
Predictive Policing Module
An example of Average Kerneling and Heat Mapping for use with Predictive Policing. Coded in p5.js.
Women’s Basketball Home Opener
Photos from American University’s Women’s Basketball team’s home opener against Tulsa.
Geometric and Arithmetic Sequences and Series
These are arithmetic and geometric sequence and series modules written for CSC 350: Intro to Discrete Structures. They are written in P5.js.
Support CMN and Win a Yeti Cooler!
Donate to Children’s Miracle Network to earn a raffle ticket towards winning a limited edition Yeti Tundra High Country cooler!
Anatomy Fashion Show in Benefit of CMN
I had so much fun with Phi Delta Epsilon at their Anatomy Fashion Show for Children’s Miracle Network yesterday!
Interview with AWOL Magazine’s Not Your Average Podcast
Listen to Episode 1 of Not Your Average Podcast to hear about my AU Meme Stickers campaign, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Miss America program, STEAM and CS at AU, and more!
Cheerleading Big-Little Week 2018
Big Little week ended last night with the big reveal! We are so excited to induct Rachel into our Venti family.
AU Stickers Fundraising Goal Met!
I’m super excited to announce that the AU Sticker Project has surpassed it’s $200 goal! As of writing, the Sticker Project has raised a total of $277.86 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
AU Stickers for Children’s Miracle Network
I’m selling American University inspired stickers in benefit of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals! Put them on your laptop, phone, water bottles, notebooks, folders, and anything else your heart desires. All stickers are between $1.50 and $3.50 depending on the size.
Summer 2018
A recap of Summer 2018 as the fall semester approaches…
Miss DC 2018
I am so grateful to have been able to participate in 2018’s Miss District of Columbia competition. This Miss DC was the last one before the premiere of Miss America 2.0.. It was truly an end of an era, and I can’t wait to see what the new Miss America Organization has in store for us next season!
Let’s Talk #GirlsinSTEM
I had so much fun with these girls yesterday! One of the things that struck me most from our talks was how many said their favorite subject was science or math.
Physics 200 18th Annual Conference
Students in PHYS 200 presented their research from all semester on a light, sound, or electronics physics subject of their choice. I presented research from my paper, “Surprise! It’s not Pink.” on lighting design and color mixing with gel filters.
AU Cheer Tryouts
Starting off another fantastic season in Bender, most of last year’s team (and some newcomers) assembled in the infamous Bender Arena™ at 3 PM today. It’s been an incredibly long time since we’ve been here, 3 weeks to be exact, and we are excited to start off another year of cheer!
The Unhealthy Truth: An AU Honors Presentation
The Unhealthy Truth: An AU Honors Presentation 26 APRIL, 2018 Academics Honors Program The AU Honors 2021 cohort ended their honors inquiry this semester, "Food for Thought", with science poster and film presentations of their research on American University Dining. I...
AU Cheer Tryouts are Coming Up!
AU Cheer Tryouts are Coming Up! 16 APRIL, 2018 Cheerleading Interested in AU Spirit? Tryouts for Cheerleading will be April 29th 4-7 PM in Bender Arena! It's tons of fun, as you can tell from my constant posting about it... Feel free to message me or another...
Cherry Blossom Festival
Pictures from our venture to the Cherry Blossom Festival and March for Science in downtown Washington, DC.
Cheer Banquet
It’s been an amazing season and I’m extremely proud of all we’ve overcome and accomplished. Thanks so much to my coach and my teammates for Rookie of the Year and the hilarious superlatives. I’ll miss you seniors, and I’ll see the rest of you at tryouts in two weeks!
Nationals Score Results and Beach Pics
The scores are out and we placed 7th. We’ve had an amazing time, learned so much, and accomplished our goal of hitting a clean routine. Next year though, we’re coming back with a vengeance, so watch out Daytona! Until then, we can finally say the words “beach” and “ocean” without our coach giving us ‘the look.’
Miss America Serves Day
Miss America Serves Day Happy Miss America Serves Day! Unfortunately, I can’t be with my Miss DC sisters because I’m at NCA College Cheerleading Nationals, but good luck to them as they perform at Children's National, Fisher House, and the Washington DC VA Medical...
NCA College Cheerleading Nationals Day 2 (Finals)
NCA Cheerleading Finals have arrived! In case you were wondering, we killed it and accomplished our biggest goal of hitting a clean routine. No matter what the scores come out to be, I’m proud to be an American University cheerleader today.
NCA College Cheerleading Nationals Day 1 (Prelims)
On Wednesday, we had our official practice at the Ocean Center here in Daytona Beach and had a team dinner that night. Thursday, we competed in D1 Intermediate preliminaries in the Bandshell. We got our scores, and we made it to finals tomorrow! I’m so proud of these ladies and all we’ve accomplished. Watch out Daytona, we’re coming back better than ever tomorrow for finals. #TheWorkIsWorthIt
AU Spirit Friends and Family Nationals Send-Off
Please join the American University Dance & Cheer teams in their send-off performance before they travel to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete at College Nationals!
AU Women’s Basketball Team AKA Patriot League CHAMPS!
I’m incredibly proud of American University women’s athletics this year, especially our Patriot League Champion women’s basketball team. Support them during the first round of NCAA at UCLA today on ESPN2 2:45PM central. Good luck to our girls and AU spirit 😉as they play and cheer in Los Angeles!