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 at arttechnically.org | donall at rpi.edu | arttechnically.org

Lily K. Donaldson

lily at arttechnically.org | donall at rpi.edu | arttechnically.org

Lily holds a copy of Chasing Space and a grow light

STEM

Arts

Service

Love Letters Project 2024

Feb 15, 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

Feb 12, 2024

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

Feb 4, 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

Jan 7, 2024

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

Dec 31, 2023

2023 Year Recap

Dec 31, 2023

I’ve had a jam packed 2023, but I’m excited for what 2024 holds.

Girl’s Night in Midtown Memphis

Dec 21, 2023

Girl’s Night in Midtown Memphis at the Memphian hotel.

Trying on an Army Bomb Suit (EOD)

Dec 19, 2023

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

Dec 5, 2023

I started an internship at NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York.

A Brunette Introduction

Nov 22, 2023

I accidentally went blonde two years ago after a hair dye accident. This week I’m finally back to brunette.

A Blonde Farewell

Nov 18, 2023

Some last photoshoots with the blonde hair before something new…

I helped students talk to Astronauts on the ISS

Nov 14, 2023

Last week, Brighton Elementary School students asked questions to astronauts living on the International Space Station.

Visiting the Broad Museum in LA

Nov 5, 2023

I visited the new Keith Haring exhibit at the Broad art museum in Los Angelos with my friend Latoya Tucker.

NewsChannel13: Miss United States from RPI passes crown after whirlwind year

Oct 30, 2023

Article from WNYT NewsChannel13 about my year as Miss United States.

My Farewell as Miss United States

Oct 28, 2023

I’m so grateful for the year I’ve had and all of the wonderful Americans I’ve met in every corner of the country.

I visited all 50 states during my year as Miss United States

Oct 24, 2023

During my past year as the reigning Miss United States, I visited all 50 U.S. states! I held science storytimes at public libraries, schools, and science museums and attended parades and community events across the country! I’m so grateful for all of the people I’ve met and memories I’ve made during this journey.