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.
I presented at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit 2022
The Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit brings together leaders, innovators, and champions from across the state that are united by a passion to advance excellence in STEM education for all Tennesseans! I got to present in the Innovation Instructional Strategies category on my work with Art Technically creating STEM and STEAM lesson plans for K-12!
Winchester Down and Derby Fundraiser Pageant
We celebrated Mother’s Day and Derby Day with a Down and Derby Fundraiser Pageant in Winchester, Tennessee to raise money for the Miss Franklin County/Nashville/Music Row local Miss America competition.
Miss Tennessee Workshop Weekend
I had so much fun with my Miss Tennessee sister crowns at workshop weekend! I can’t wait to see everyone again in June.
Happy International Dance Day!
Happy International DanceDay! Here’s some of my toe stand practices from the studio. Dance Education is a great way for students to explore both fine arts and exercise and Art Technically offers free tap dance and Irish Dance workshops for K-12 students in Tennessee!
4 Sustainability Tips from an Ecology Student
As a Ph.D. student studying ecology, I research technologies to make agriculture more sustainable! Here are some of my favorite sustainability tips in celebration of Earth Day.
Celebrating Easter Sunday
Celebrating Easter Sunday in this sunshine yellow suit bought second-hand from ThredUP.
Look Up at the Sky Day with Shelby Farms Park
Memphis-based Miss America titleholders and Art Technically hosted a booth at Shelby Farms Park for National Look Up at the Sky Day promoting STEM education and spending more time outdoors.
Middle Tennessee Heart Gala with American Heart Association
We had so much fun at the Middle Tennessee Heart Gala last night in Nashville to support the American Heart Association!
Science Suitcase for Brighton Elementary School in Tipton County
A box of STEM books was delivered to Brighton Elementary School in Tipton County, Tennessee! Brighton Elementary is a Title 1 school (62% of students received free or reduced lunch) and a rural school with over 750 students.
Sponsor Shoutout: Heather Strickland Photography
Sponsor shoutout to Heather Strickland Photography for the as-always beautiful headshots! She was recently voted as Desoto’s best photographer for the third year in a row and she’s well worth the trek from Tennessee.
‘Doing Both’ with Miss America
This month, Miss America is celebrating Doing Both! You don’t have to choose between your interests, especially as a woman in STEM! Take it from me as a: Computer Scientist/Agricultural Sensor Engineer, Miss America titleholder, STEM and Arts education advocate, and dancer!
Read Across America Day
Happy Read Across America Day! The Science Suitcase project by Art Technically provides free ‘suitcases’ of STEM and STEAM books to Title 1 K-8 school libraries
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Dance Workshops
For St. Patrick’s Day this year, I taught Irish Dance and arts and crafts to students across Tipton County including at Brighton Elementary School and the Atoka Community Center.
Workshops for Black Families Technology Awareness Day
This year, Art Technically hosted two workshops for the 23rd annual Black Families Technology Awareness Day at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: an Astrobotany workshop and a Young Black Scientists and Engineers panel.
Valentine’s Day Cards for Seniors – Love Letters 2022
Over 2,000 Valentine’s Day cards #MadeWithCode by students went to home-bound and disadvantaged seniors for Valentine’s Day! Each card was created in a Creative Coding workshop for K-12 students held by Art Technically.
Meet Miss Franklin County in the Herald Chronicle
You can read about me being crowned Miss Franklin County and my journey to Miss Tennessee in this lifestyle article from the Herald Chronicle newspaper in Franklin County.
Collecting Comments for Tennessee’s Department of Education
As a School Funding Ambassador for Tennessee’s Department of Education, I’m collecting comments from parents, educators, and community members on Tennessee education funding.
Congrats Miss Forest Festival!
I went to finals night for the 100th Anniversary Miss America competition to support my friends Andolyn Medina (Miss District of Columbia) and Tally Bevis (Miss Tennessee).
2021 Recap
This year I graduated with a Master of Science in Lighting, competed at Miss United States and placed 2nd runner-up, started a Ph.D., promoted STEM and Arts Education across Tennessee, and more.
Scientist and Artist Barbies for Children’s Hospitals
This year for the holidays, I curated and donated 30 diverse scientist and artist themed Barbie dolls to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville and the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
Celebrating the Holiday Season with Miss Franklin County
Spreading some holiday cheer at the Cowan Christmas Parade and Market in Franklin County, Tennessee.
I went to the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition
I went to finals night for the 100th Anniversary Miss America competition to support my friends Andolyn Medina (Miss District of Columbia) and Tally Bevis (Miss Tennessee).
Rural STEM Education Focus Group
I represented Art Technically at the Rural STEM Education focus group meeting hosted by the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network last night!
Happy National STEM and STEAM Day
Happy National STEM and STEAM Day from Brighton Elementary School in Tipton County, Tennessee! We made simple circuit Jitterbugs and decorated robot sticker sheets.