TI well-represented at U.S. STEM summit

07/13

Actress Mayim Bialik talks with middle and high school students while representing TI at the U.S. News STEM Solutions National Conference in Austin, Texas.

"If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be?"

That was one of the questions that TI Education Technology brand ambassador, Big Bang Theory actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik received from middle and high school students while representing TI at the U.S. News STEM Solutions National Conference at the Austin Convention Center this week.

"I'd be a stand mixer," the petite geeky icon replied without missing a beat. "It comes in cool, retro colors, and it's groovy and so am I. It hasn't changed much since it was invented, but it does all kinds of things and goes up and down. It's cool, so that's what I'd be."

Bialik and TI joined about 2,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) leaders and visionaries in business, education and government. Together, conference attendees shared ideas and solutions to solve the challenge of filling the gap for a competitive STEM workforce by preparing today's students to excel in math and science. TI, a lead sponsor of the conference, was well-represented with speakers and an exhibition space that demonstrated the company's strong support for STEM education through philanthropy, community partnerships and business. The Ed Tech business showcased TI products and demonstrated how math and science technology and strong professional development for educators and classroom activities can help increase student achievement in these subjects and preparing them to pursue higher education and careers in STEM fields.

Melendy Lovett, president of TI's Education Technology group, hosted a panel discussion about helping school districts choose the right technology to further student STEM skills.

Bialik, who plays the loveably geeky neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on the hit TV comedy "The Big Bang Theory" and is known for her childhood acting role as "Blossom," delivered keynote remarks and presented the much-anticipated U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools for STEM rankings at the first general session.

Later that morning, Bialik taught an interactive science lesson with TI-Nspire™ CX technology at the TI booth to visiting Texas Gear Up students. The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) project is a six-year federal initiative designed to increase early college awareness and readiness in traditionally underrepresented groups. She also spent time that afternoon meeting with students and answering their questions.

In addition to Bialik's appearances, Samantha Dwinell, director of Human Resources at TI, joined a panel discussion on developing STEM talent in the high-tech sector. The panel defined and discussed programs to create and ensure a STEM-capable workforce. Melendy Lovett, president of TI's Education Technology group, also kicked off a panel discussion on helping school districts choose the right technology to further student STEM skills. Also, Trisha Cunningham, TI's Chief Citizenship officer, introduced the panel, "Lessons from the Specialized STEM High Schools."

"We are excited to be such a big part of the U.S. News STEM Solutions National Conference this year and bring not only Mayim, but the depth of knowledge Texas Instruments as a whole has in helping students reach their highest potential in STEM," Melendy said.

For Bialik, it was all in a day's work representing TI and helping inspire both women and men to have positive views of STEM.

She was asked, "How did you choose an area of STEM to go into? Was it for the work or the learning?" She responded: "It was for the learning. I fell in love with neurons."

Another audience member asked: "Have you ever touched a human brain?" "Yes."

"Do you incorporate your scientific work into your acting?" "Yes. Once you have STEM knowledge, it never leaves you. You're never wasting knowledge when you see the world as a scientist."

Bialik told the students that she took a break from being a scientist to return to acting so she could spend more time with her two children.

When asked if there's any part of her career that she doesn't like, Bialik said, "I don't like watching myself on TV. But, I'm grateful for the opportunity."