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 am Miss Franklin County 2022
So excited to announce that I was crowned Miss Franklin County last night! I’m on my way to Miss Tennessee and Miss America!
Science Book Donations for Tennessee Schools 2021
“Science Suitcases” provides K-12 schools with ‘suitcases’ of STEM-themed books, games, and educational materials.
I dressed up as a Moth for Halloween at the Lighting Lab I work at
I dressed up as a moth for Halloween at the lighting lab I work at.
Tennessee STEAM Festival 2021
Happy Fifth Annual Tennessee STEAM Festival! I had so much fun at the Memphis Museum of Science and History at the Pink Palace teaching the Art Technically Love Letters coding workshop.
Miss United States 2021
Miss United States 2021 10OCTOBER, 2021Modeling Miss United States Volunteer WorkLily represented Tennessee in the Miss United States 2021 pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada in October 2021 and placed 2nd runner-up.
22nd Birthday at the Keith Haring Exhibit in Cooperstown
Thanks to my friend Kate for letting me drag her to the Keith Haring exhibit at the Fenimore. As many of you know, I’m obsessed with Keith Haring, so getting to take some polaroids with his work was an amazing birthday present.
Miss Memphis United States 2021
Lily represented Memphis in the Miss Tennessee United States 2021 competition, a preliminary to Miss United States.
Summer in DC Photos with Andy Jones
Rooftop summertime photography in Washington, DC with Andrew Jones.
Astrobotany Workshop at Atoka Space Camp
I had so much fun with Atoka Parks and Rec’s Space Camp this past week! We worked through Art Technically‘s astrobotany workshop learning about growing plants in space!
An In-Person Graduation from American University
I went back to American University one year after graduation for an in-person graduation ceremony.
Starting a PhD Program
I was admitted into the Ph.D. program in Built Ecologies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and will start in August as a Ph.D. student at the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems and Applications.
I graduated (again)!
Another year, another pandemic graduation… I graduated with a Master of Science in Lighting from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this month!
The 21st Century Greenhouse
Use the web tool below to see the different components of a 21st-century greenhouse, including advanced sensors, a data analytics dashboard, LED grow lights, and how the greenhouse fits into the community. Read the full whitepaper at the button at the bottom of the web tool.
Circle, circle, dot, dot, I got my second Covid shot!
Very excited that COVID-19 vaccines are out! Here’s to a return to some form of normalcy…
Forest Photography with Andrew Jones in Maryland
Springtime forest photography with Andrew Jones in Maryland to celebrate Earth Day 2021.
I made an LED Ice Cream Cone Display
What do compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and soft serve have in common? Their iconic swirls! This project combines these iconic swirls together to create a light-up, color-changing ice cream cone.
Vegan Easter Treats
Grass bunny Oreo truffles, Blueberry muffin tops, Chocolate covered strawberries, and Mud pudding with strawberry carrots!
Miss Tennessee USA 2021
Lily represented Shelby County at the Miss Tennessee USA 2021 pageant in April.
Vegan Banana Cream Pie for Pi Day
Make this vegan Banana Cream Pie with a graham cracker pi design for Pi Day!
Miss Shelby County USA 2021
Lily represented Shelby County at the Miss Tennessee USA 2021 pageant in March.
I made an LED Light-Up Gown for the Holidays
I made a gown that lights up for the Holidays using LED fairy string lights!
First Semester of my M.S. in Lighting Program at RPI
I’m one semester into my Master of Science in Lighting program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dynamic Bridge Design for Troy, NY
Bridge lighting design for the Hoosick street bridge in Troy, New York. This web tool allows you to turn on and off layers of light in the design and calculate the estimated cost using chosen layers.
I Spy – Bourne Identity Photoshoot with Andy Jones
Some spy-esque and Jason Bourne inspired photos by Andrew Jones in Washington, DC.