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.
Franklin County Science Suitcases
“Science Suitcases” provides Title 1 and rural K-12 schools with ‘suitcases’ of STEM-themed books and educational materials to help students explore unique and interesting STEM topics while practicing their literacy skills. These two math-themed Science Suitcases went to the Franklin County Public Library and Clark Memorial School in Winchester, Tennessee.
Miss Tennessee Workshop Talent Clip
An Irish Dance clip from Miss Tennessee workshop weekend in April 2022.
Science Suitcase for Red Bank Elementary School
These free STEM and STEAM books are on their way to Red Bank Elementary School in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
Top Gun: Maverick Photoshoot with Andy Jones
Some aviation photos by Andy Jones to celebrate the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.
Science Suitcase for Smith Springs Elementary School
These free STEM and STEAM books are on their way to Smith Springs Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee!
Science Suitcase for Toone Elementary School
These free STEM and STEAM books are on their way to Toone Elementary School in Hardeman County, Tennessee!
Science Suitcase for Fall Branch Elementary School
These free STEM and STEAM books are on their way to Fall Branch Elementary School in Washington County, Tennessee!
‘I Am Scientist’ Workshop with Toone Elementary
The ‘I Am Scientist’ workshop allows students to imagine themselves as scientists through mixed media art projects with Polaroid instant photos of themselves.
Miss Tennessee Competition Order | 2022
I’m contestant 34 for the Miss Tennessee competition next month! That means I’ll compete in personal interview on June 22; social impact pitch, onstage question, and red carpet on June 23rd; talent on June 24th; and finals on June 25th!
2021-2022 Student Signed Lab Coat
As I travel to K-12 schools throughout the school year, I bring a lab coat which I let students sign and try on! Here are students at Toone Elementary trying on my 2021-2022 lab coat
Creative Coding Lesson at North Coffee Elementary
Art Technically Creative Coding lesson at North Coffee Elementary in Manchester, Tennessee!
Mad Hatter Tea Party Fundraiser for Art Technically
We raised a total of $500 for Art Technically, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes STEM, STEAM, and Arts education across Tennessee.
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