We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Mary Payton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Mary, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
When I talk to people and they tell me that they or their child is interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), I always ask what area. More than 50% of them cannot provide specific areas, either they state all of STEM or they tell me that their child attended a camp some time ago. Communication is key to understanding any subject and there are so many parts to STEM and STEM careers. I started communicating STEM through broadcasting and publications because knowledge is power. Through the All About STEM Radio show I have the opportunity to interview people in all walks of the STEM arena, sharing their stories helps others to understand specific career fields. With STEM Adventures with Dr. Mary, I have published children’s books and worked with STEM education within the U.S. and abroad.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) was not a career path communicated to women of color during the 60s. We were told to go to school, work hard, get a degree and find a job. For my mother this was not good enough for her children. She introduced us to opportunities that we would not have considered by telling us about women such as Creola Katherine Johnson and Bettye Washington Greene. Because of my sisters insistence our mother allowed us to attend a technical high school that was not in our area so we had to take two city buses to get there. My brothers focused on engineering, my sister was business and I had my sites on science.
While attending the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in the 70s majoring in Physical Education (now considered Kinesiology) and Biology my focus was the human body and how it worked. At UTA I met professors and researchers that guided me in the communication of science through writing, but the writing was in support of their projects not mine. Upon graduation with my first degree I could not find a job as a science teacher. So I looked for opportunities outside of the classroom.
Entering the military and becoming a U.S. Army Chemical Officer was where I first felt like I had a seat at the table when it came to STEM. During my military career, I served in an array of leadership positions. These positions allowed me to communicate on a level I had never been able to. Serving as the head of operations for the Chemical Defense Training Facility, the director of Radiation Training for the Department of Defense and development of publications for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological instruction allowed me to share my expertise with others. I thank my leaders for that opportunity, but this did not come without push back at times. I did have to make my skills and abilities known on several occasions.
At the closing of my military service, I returned to Texas with my two sons and began teaching science in the local public school. Where I became department chair for biology and chemistry departments. Seeing there was still a great divide in students’ knowledge of STEM opportunities for students of color. I was asked by Dr. Jane More, to become an instructor with her universities Texas Pre-engineering Program (TexPREP) teaching physics, engineering, and robotics courses. Through my teaching and instruction I gained a lot of respect for my students while guiding them through the presentation of their work and seeking out avenues in support of their life’s path.
After teaching in Texas, I was recruited to teach biology and chemistry at a school in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While there I was able to observe STEM in the Middle East during my travels. By visiting countries such as Africa, Sri Lanka and Oman, I could see STEM at work outside of America.
Upon my return to Texas, I was encouraged by my friends and family to start a radio broadcast related to STEM. Thanks to Sylvia Sammi StJohn-Martinez, the All About STEM Radio show began. With Texas being at the forefront of technological advancements I had no problems obtaining and meeting outstanding guests. After only a few months, I started having a number of guests from throughout the United States. My guests range from six-year-old science fair winners to engineers that have worked on all of the Apollo space missions. The All About STEM Radio show was my first step into STEM communication.
In 2017, I was again recruited internationally to teach and serve as an interim administrator of an academy in South Korea. I accepted the short appointment with the ability to broadcast the All About STEM Radio Show from there. While in South Korea I began conducting international interviews with STEM professionals from India, Vietnam, Ecuador, England, the UAE, China, and Tanzania. In addition, I continued to interview great STEM guests from the U.S. and South Korea. It was because of All About STEM Radio South Korea I received an internet broadcasting award for distant show of the year.
My journey into STEM communication continued when I was also encouraged by Dr. Lynda Mubarak, to write my first children’s books titled, Taylor’s STEM Adventures Hawaii and later Taylor’s STEM Adventures Texas. This series focused on how my sons were able to accompany me in my military career. It shows how they were able to see STEM in each move. Through this I started STEM Adventures with Dr. Mary and work with early childhood professionals in teaching STEM to students as early as K-4. Along with this educating students on how to communicate from a STEM perspective. Leaving my last instructional position in Uvita Costa Rica working with K-12, I see the importance of STEM communication for all ages.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of STEM communication for me is opening people to opportunities that they did not know existed. I have not made this journey alone and I am happy to be a place where others can see their potential for advancement. Learning at an early age people will provide you with what they see in you, but it’s up to you to take what you want or need from their expectation. Working within the STEM community has open doors for me and others that were not always visible. Not that they were hidden from us, just that we did not know about them. Interviewing people from a variety of STEM backgrounds you get to know what is available. For example in an interview with a dear friend who worked on all the Apollo missions I was able to see how far we have come. This was just as important as interviewing a young researcher getting his doctorate from UC Berkeley in adult STEM cell research. Both of these were people of color and we would not have known the careers like these existed without speaking with them.
I am continuously rewarded by students I have taught or trained. Being among the teachers or instructors that students ask for advice or letters of recommendations continues to be an inspiration. Having parents telling me the impact I have made on their lives is so heartwarming. Watching students receive early selection into Lvy League institutions or obtaining degrees in biochemistry, mechanical engineering, or epidemiology, lets me know I am an asset to them.
The All About STEM Radio show has served as a platform to connect many STEM professionals. I am so proud to see STEM organizations come together and share information concerning careers, mentorships, education, leadership and entrepreneurship. I have been part of conferences and workshops conducted by people that have premiered on the broadcast. With the support of the show the STEM community is no longer a whisper it is a shout.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The goal that is continuing to drive me in this journey is the fact that knowledge is power. I have been a part of the STEM community since 1974 and I have retired several times. But seeing the changes and progression in society keeps me moving forward. Through my broadcast the All About STEM Radio show, I will for as long as I can work to connect the STEM community. With the use of STEM Adventures with Dr. Mary, I will continue working with early childhood education showing teachers and students the keys to communication through the world around them. It is never too early or too late to see life from a STEM perspective.
I am 65 years old and I continue to learn every day from people older and much younger than me in life. I possess a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate degree. In May of 2025 I will receive my Associates Degree after 49 years in Radio, Television and Film. Thank you to all my instructors, fellow students, friends, and family for your help and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stemadv.com/
- Instagram: drmarypayton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutstemradio
Image Credits
Aaron Payton