We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Joy Araneta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin Joy below.

Erin Joy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

It all started with my amazing cousin. She’s brilliant, creative, and a real diva!, but whenever science, especially chemistry, came up, her eyes would glaze over. “Boring,” she’d declare. That’s when a spark ignited in me. I knew science was incredible, filled with wonder and possibility, and it shouldn’t be off-limits to anyone.

So, I set out on a mission to change her mind. I wondered how lectures and textbooks wouldn’t work. I needed something engaging, something that spoke to her adventurous spirit. That’s when the idea for “The Adventures of Chemist Clara” hit me! Clara, a curious and courageous girl, would embark on exciting adventures, using chemistry to solve problems and unravel mysteries.

Of course, this wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, creative roadblocks, and times when I felt like giving up. But whenever I felt discouraged, I’d picture the future. A future where kids, especially girls like my cousin, wouldn’t be afraid of science, but would find joy and excitement in Clara’s adventures. The thought of igniting a passion for science in young minds filled me with such hope and determination that I couldn’t let go.

Faith and positive thinking played a big role too. Believing in myself and the power of this idea kept me going. I also tested the waters! Sharing Clara’s world with a few kids and even some chemistry professionals was a turning point. The excitement, the questions, the “I never thought chemistry could be this cool!” comments fueled my fire. Seeing their positive reactions solidified my belief that “The Adventures of Chemist Clara” could truly make a difference.

It’s been a journey, and it’s still unfolding. But with every step, I’m driven by the desire to show everyone, especially young girls, that science is an incredible adventure waiting to be explored.

Erin Joy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi everyone! I’m Erin, the creator behind “The Adventures of Chemist Clara.” My mission is to ignite a love for science, especially in young girls, by shattering stereotypes and making science fun and relatable.

A personal experience sparked my journey. My amazing cousin, brilliant and full of life, dismissed science as “boring.” That ignited a fire in me! I knew science was incredible, filled with wonder and possibility, and shouldn’t be limited by gender.

So, I created “The Adventures of Chemist Clara!” Clara is a curious and courageous girl who embarks on exciting adventures, using chemistry to solve problems and unravel mysteries. We offer a five-book series, engaging school visits, interactive online content, and even distance-learning kits – all designed to make science come alive for kids.

What sets us apart? It’s more than just science education. We build a community where kids feel welcome and encouraged to explore. Through Clara, they see a role model who shows them that science is anything but boring. It’s an adventure waiting to be discovered!

The impact we’re making fills me with immense pride. Seeing children’s eyes light up as they learn about chemistry through Clara’s adventures is incredibly rewarding. And it’s not just about books! My non-profit, Theory of Joy, brings culturally inclusive education and essential resources to underserved communities. We build water wells, provide vocational training, and foster a love of learning – all to empower future generations.

“The Adventures of Chemist Clara” is more than a series; it’s a movement. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be a scientist, an explorer, and anything else they set their minds to. Join us on this adventure and let’s unlock the magic of science together!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My journey began with a spark of inspiration ignited by my cousin. Her disinterest in science, particularly chemistry, was a wake-up call. It made me realize how important it is to make science engaging and accessible for everyone, especially young minds. I wanted to show her, and countless others, that science is not just about formulas and equations, but a thrilling adventure filled with wonder and discovery.

This experience became the driving force behind “The Adventures of Chemist Clara.” My goal is to empower the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem solvers by fostering a love for science from a young age. I believe that by making science relatable and fun, we can inspire children to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My journey wasn’t always about inspiring young minds through chemistry. I started as a nursing student, drawn to the idea of caring for others. But a pivotal moment came when I cared for a veteran struggling with severe medication side effects. Witnessing his pain firsthand ignited a spark within me. I realized I wanted to understand the science behind these medications, to find ways to improve patient outcomes.

That experience led me to switch my major to chemistry. I dove into research, fascinated by the potential of chemicals to solve real-world problems. My focus shifted to environmental chemistry, exploring how chemicals interact with our world. Graduate school was the next step, deepening my knowledge and expertise.

The thrill of discovery in the lab inspired me to share the magic of chemistry with others. I began writing books that explained complex concepts in a fun, engaging way, bringing the wonders of the outdoors into the world of chemistry. But my passion for connecting with people grew stronger. I started volunteering, and sharing chemistry experiments with communities. That’s when I realized the true impact I could make. Seeing the excitement in children’s eyes as they learned about science was incredibly rewarding. It was then that I knew I wanted to reach a wider audience and make chemistry accessible to everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://erinjoyaraneta.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatserindoin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/earaneta/
• Twitter: https://x.com/whatserindoin

Image Credits

Andrew Tran
Elaine Araneta
Erish Araneta
Steve Zylius