
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.



Storytime at the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa
Big thanks to the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa for hosting a STEM Storytime with me! I read “How to Code a Sandcastle” and gave out science goodies including mini kinetic sand buckets!
Storytime at the Lordsburg-Hildago Library in New Mexico
I had the honor of visiting the Lordsburg-Hildago library in New Mexico to host a STEM storytime! I read “An Astronaut with a Song for the Stars” about Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut and former director of Johnson Space Center.
Pretty in Pink with Portrait Reflections
Some pics from my photoshoot with Christy at Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
Book Donations for Rock Port Elementary in Missouri
I dropped off some STEM book donations and personalized autograph cards for summer school students at Rock Port Elementary in Rock Port, Missouri.
STEM Storytime at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas
I had an incredible time at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas, sharing the magic of books with the bright minds of tomorrow!
Hiking Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
Such a magical landscape in Sedona, Arizona on the Devils Bridge trail!
Visiting Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey
I visited, Grounds for Sculpture, as large scale sculpture garden in New Jersey.
May Photoshoots
May photos from Hannah Clair Townsley photography in Memphis and from Overton Park.
Honorary Induction into the West Sand Lake Fire Department
I was made an honorary member by my friends at the West Sand Lake Fire Department! So thankful for all that they do to keep our community safe!
Visit to Johnathan Kayne’s Studio with the United States Queens
Project Runway star Johnathan Kayne designs the Miss United States opening number dresses every year, and I was so excited to go to his Nashville studio to pick up a few gowns and design a custom opening number dress for the competition in October!
Pat Tillman Honor Run in NYC
I visited NYC for the Pat Tillman Honor Run! The 4.2 mile race and after-party/raffle raised $20,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation which honors Pat Tillman’s legacy by awarding scholarships to outstanding military service members and veterans.
Happy April 25th from Miss United States!
I’m celebrating April 25th, the most iconic date in pageantry, by recreating looks from the Miss Congeniality movie!
Easter at the Memphis Zoo
I volunteered at a Bunny Brunch at the Memphis Zoo to celebrate Easter.
I Recorded Overhead Messages for the Memphis Airport
Keep your ears open the next time you’re in Memphis International Airport; you might hear a familiar voice!
Miss United States Tiffany Photoshoot
Miss United States Tiffany photoshoot in Memphis with Heather Strickland Photography
March Photoshoots
March photos from Heather Strickland photography in Memphis, Andy Jones in DC, and NYC!
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the West Sand Lake Fire Department and the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Judging Mock Interviews with The Riley Rules
Caught up with Mary Marsha Riley and helped judge mock interviews!
Sister Queen Saturday
Celebrating my sister queens Katie, Kyndal, and Latoya today!
American University NYC Alumni Reception
Last night, I had the pleasure of introducing the panelists for an American University alumni reception in NYC!
New Miss United States Autograph Cards!
Check out these new Miss United States autograph cards from the Code Creatives.
NYC Trip with Ms. New York
Ms. New York and I spent the weekend together in the city and saw Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway!
Valentine’s Day Cards for Meals on Wheels 2023
“Love Letters” is an Art Technically workshop that teaches students introductory coding through creating Valentine’s Day cards that are then printed and donated to senior meal delivery services. This year was the seven-year anniversary of the Love Letters project!