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Friday, December 9, 2016

Godspeed

Hello World,
Today I am sad to have learned that John Glenn past away. I am inspired however by this article, http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/john-glenn-gave-me-the-best-career-advice-i-ever-got/ar-AAlmtK6?li=BBnb7Kz

His words of wisdom were to be guided by the question "what is the best use of me?" A true selfless pioneer who had immense impact and shows what life can be like at all ages and stages. My deepest regards for John Glenn !

Friday, December 2, 2016

Carnival of Space #486

Hello World!


I am excited to host the Space Carnival this week! The space carnival is a super cool compilation of folks who blog about space related elements and each week, they take turns hosting the Carnival to highlight various space related articles and writings! I learned about the Carnival when I met Brian Wang, a futurist and blogger of Next Big Future, which covers disruptive science and technology and a great many other fun topics.
I am also excited to share that NASA intern Jonathan Kaldani has the honor of being the first Guest Blogger for Stylish STEM! He highlights the importance of diversity in Space. 

 Diversity in Space!
For us to go further in space exploration we must we must have diversity. Diversity isn’t just limited to sex, ethnicity, and religion. One of the most important aspects in diversity is the diversity of new thought and creativity. Space rockets today are still being made the same way that they were first made many years ago. To improve and promote new ideas and innovation within the space realm we must have a diverse pool of people that come various backgrounds. These backgrounds may include educational background, interests, ethnic affiliation, beliefs, and more. Unlike on planet Earth in space there is no divisions and conflicts between countries or people due to various reasons and space gives us that opportunity to develop a new beginning of a diverse society can be that can lead the way of space exploration and innovation.  Scott Page, a professor of complex systems at the University of Michigan says “Collective knowledge productivity depends on people knowing different things and seeing things different ways. You don’t solve complex problems without diverse inputs.” Diversity is beneficial to mankind and if we all thought the same, looked the same, believed in the same things what good is that? We would not create anything new or innovative. So, we must bring diversity in every aspect of space exploration to make sci – fi dreams a reality! As NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong once said when he took his first steps on the moon “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” For us to continue making giant leaps for humankind in the space exploration is to promote diversity!

I must say I am inspired to continue the pursuit of diversity in STEM and continue this blog thanks to interns like Jonathan. You will find that diversity creates a lot of connections in new ways, thinking outside the box to enable innovation and accomplishment in Space and on Earth. For example, the connection between rockets and race cars is not as far as you might think! Check out this cool talk from Jesse Iwuji, speaking to NASA on supporting diversity in NASCAR with NASA technology https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/nascar


I think you will see that diversity in space is what leads us to the wide range of bloggers and topics featured in this version of the Space Carnival. Enjoy the ride!

 Let the Carnival Begin! 

Our first stop is Next Big Future
Step right up and learn about the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a planned space telescope for NASA's Explorers program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method. It is planned for launch in December 2017. The primary mission objective for TESS is to survey the brightest stars near the Earth for transiting exoplanets over a two-year period. The TESS project will use an array of wide-field cameras to perform an all-sky survey. With TESS, it will be possible to study the mass, size, density and orbit of a large cohort of small planets, including a sample of rocky worlds in the habitable zones of their host stars. TESS will provide prime targets for further characterization by the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as other large ground-based and space-based telescopes of the future.

What to look at with this new telescope? How about the SpaceX satellite constellation! http://www.nextbigfuture.com/2016/11/spacex-satellite-net-could-start.html
SpaceX satellite constellation is a development project underway by SpaceX to develop a low-cost, high-performance satellite bus and requisite customer ground transceivers to be used to implement a new space-based internet communication system. SpaceX has plans to also sell satellites that use the same satellite bus, satellites that might be used for scientific or exploratory purposes. Development began in 2015, initial prototype test-flight satellites are expected to be flown in 2017, and initial operation of the constellation could begin as early as 2020.

Robots are all around us as you will see, DARPA is not working on safe spaces but safe operation of robotics in space http://www.nextbigfuture.com/2016/11/darpa-not-working-on-safe-spaces-but.html

Next in the Carnival ladies and gentlemen, step right up to discover Planetaria's blog that follows the Cassini spacecraft as it prepares for incredible ‘Ring-Grazing Orbits’ at Saturn

Complete your space carnival with the exciting Universe Today! Where you will discover the joy of leptons. What are leptons? Find out at http://www.universetoday.com/46935/leptons/

Leptons not your thing? How about an artificial meteor shower? I know I would love to have one in my backyard. http://www.universetoday.com/132120/japanese-company-plans-artificial-meteor-shower/

Perhaps you cannot see because you went to outer space and now your vision is blurry, as a vision scientist, I am glad to see the mystery of this ailment has been solved! Check it out at

Last in our stop is the incredible sinking tower, hurry! Before it sinks away from view

I hope you've enjoyed this week's Space Carnival and the diversity of bloggers, news, and perspectives. There is a great big universe out there, and everyone can create their unique Space in it!
:)

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The Singularity

Hello World!
I do not know if you have heard of the Singularity, it is a book, concept, and university. It explores the moment that technology becomes conscious and rocks all of all humanity, more or less. 
For more on that check out the links at the bottom of this post! The reason I am talking about The Singularity is a recent STEM activity.  

I was fortunate to attend Singularity University Global Summit recently and it was amazing! I will have many future blog posts from this experience but a few highlights include:

Meeting incredible and diverse women in tech, seeing my field represented in many forms, interacting with the future first hand through roving robots, virtual reality, and stepping into a painting. 


Meeting and listening to Silicon Valley pioneers, connecting with fellow bloggers, seeing first hand the solutions to societal challenges that tech, innovative thinking, and hard work can usher in, and knowing that We all have the potential to positively impact a billion people. 


And I must say, the silent disco, food, and famous DJ were pretty fun too! I cannot imagine a more glamorous and brainy career.


 I will expand on all of the above and more in future posts! I encourage you to check out Singularity and attend an event yourself!
:)

The singularity concept 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity

http://spectrum.ieee.org/static/singularity

The book https://www.amazon.com/Singularity-Near-Humans-Transcend-Biology/dp/0143037889

The University 
http://singularityu.org
mission is "to educate, inspire and empower leaders to apply exponential technologies to address humanity's grand challenges."


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Putting your best face forward

Hello World!
I came across this link today and had to share. 

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/this-experiment-proves-how-important-makeup-is-for-making-impressions-220410999.html

Unfortunately it shows the saying that "perception is reality" a little more true than not. This blogger uploaded herself with and without makeup and assessed responses 

As you can see factors that have nothing to do with makeup such as intelligence, kindness, competence and more were all rated higher in the made up version of herself.



In a world where we are encouraged to "be yourself", it is challenging to be natural when that self may be negatively judged. While we are all subject to judging people, I'd like to think that a person who truly wants to connect will take time to know what is behind the surface, makeup or not. I admit I enjoy makeup from the art and science side and now I may even try a little harder on my outward self presentation in a setting where first impressions are crucial. Ultimately I think you should do what makes you most comfortable, sans make up or a fully made up face forward. There is no substitute for a warm smile, genuine care, and witty conversation, these, I believe are what make for the best impression.
:)



Slug Fest

 Hello World!
I went hiking the other day and came across a pair of banana slugs, did you know these creatures eat a particular type of forest nutrient that helps the forest stay healthy? That's just bananas slug! Ok bad jokes aside, here is more about them (and a cool website!)

http://www.arkinspace.com/2012/11/the-banana-slug-natures-giant-recycler.html


:)

Where the night life never ends at PSO J318.5-22


Hello World!
How cool is this poster?


What you don't see is that it discusses the concept of rogue planets. PSO J318.5-22, the planet stylized in this art, was discovered Oct 2013. If you ever felt like you are just free floating through time and space, you are not alone! You can learn more about rogue planets here 

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2014/03/13/a-guide-to-lonely-planets-in-the-galaxy/

And for more on J318.5-22 here

http://cfht.hawaii.edu/en/news/LonelyPlanet/

http://www.science20.com/news_articles/planet_pso_j318522_a_giant_bag_of_hot_dust_and_molten_rain-158875

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/10/um-where-did-this-little-orphan-planet-come-from/280457/

http://www.sci-news.com/astronomy/science-free-floating-exoplanet-01450.html

Pretty exciting STEM! 

:)

Intellectual Courage

Hello World!
So the other day I was a judge for a good idea competition with Project Athena. It was really exciting to hear impactful ideas ranging from STEM literacy education to harnessing social media for improved employee hiring. There was a diversity of people, ways of being, and ideas, with the winning idea being the pitch for supporting diversity in NASCAR .


Jesse Iwuji a winner both on and off the race track, won for intellectual courage. You can learn more about him, his cars, outreach and more here:

http://mobile.jesseiwujiracing.com

I am glad we met and he said he'd be happy to be interviewed for this blog! What questions do you have? I would love to incorporate them into the future interview. 

In the meantime he serves as a great inspiration that you can accomplish personal and professional dreams. Have the courage to stand up and share your ideas- you just may be the next winner!

:)


Perfect Timing

Hello World!
Well I know it has been forever and I apologize. I think I have this tendency to wait until the settings are perfect to sit down and write but the thing is- the perfect time and place is right now. If I waited for something that may not even exist (perfection) I may miss out on the present, which is pretty great. So without further ado, I will start my blogs again. Hope you are well and this finds an audience. 
:)

Monday, March 14, 2016

Happy Pi Day!

Hello World!
Hope you enjoy some lovely Pi today!
For more on Pi check out
http://www.piday.org
And for Pi fashion check out
http://mashable.com/2016/03/13/pi-day-fashion/#jT8JJR5eOiqP

:)

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Happy International Women's Day!

Hello World!
Never forget how awesome you are!


Google initiated the #OneDayIWill campaign to share what women around want to achieve. From the personal to the global- achieving your dreams is possible! I remember when I thought, one day I will start a STEM/diversity/style blog and then one day I did! If it helps just one person, I am happy. Maybe it will help millions someday, on women's day and every day, I am reminded that no dream is too big and no pursuit to small!

Happy international women's day!!

:)

Friday, February 19, 2016

The brows have it

Hello World!
I hope you are doing well. It is often said that the eyes are the windows to ones soul but science seems to say otherwise!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/whats-hot/science-says-this-is-your-most-important-facial-feature/ar-BBpHOcL?li=BBnb7Kz

I think this shows that whatever your interest, there is a STEM for you!

:)


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Success in the Silicon Valley

Hello World!
I saw this great article and wanted to share it with you. 


https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/groundbreaking-business-leaders-silicon-valley-190329310.html

It celebrates success, offers great advice, and highlights achievements that everyone, no matter their background, can benefit from. For example, I just used  Task Rabbit and found it very easy, helpful, and cost effective for some help I needed. I will be using it again for sure! 

Based on some of the article comments I read, there is still fear and misunderstanding with regard to diversity. I think Archbishop Desmond Tutu had it right when he stated, "to be pro Black is not to be Anti White". To be pro women, LGBT, or any other category typically in the margins does not mean you hate all others, I believe it means that by focusing on those who haven't had the same level of rights or opportunities you work to make that happen. 

All people benefit when dignity and worth become the norm for all, not just a select few.

 I leave with a quote I liked from the article, a great reminder that difference can be celebrated not just tolerated! 


:)


Thursday, January 28, 2016

The best person for a job


Hello World! 
I hope you are having a nice day. I am traveling and read this great article I had to share with you. It talked about women in sports, not as athletes but as coaches, managers, and other roles not previously held by women. It is exciting that the world is opening up and realizing women have talents and perspectives to offer, seen in the quote below.



The article from the airplane magazine also spoke of being open, following your passion, and knowing that one day- it will be normal for all people to go after all careers and it won't be the big deal it currently is right now (see the paragraph I photographed below). 


Until that day, I will continue to share stories, promote women and diversity, and advocate for inclusion and celebration of hard earned accomplishments. I feel in some small way, the success of any women is the success of all women, and I am grateful to be a part of it!


Here is wishing you success however you define it!

:)


Monday, January 18, 2016

Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day

Hello World!
It is important to recognize that much progress has been made toward equality and much progress still needs to be made. We will not prosper if we exclude others. We must do our part to help people who are not like ourselves, to peacefully advocate for inclusion, to rethink the table at which we sit and look around at the people sitting there. No one is excluded from these responsibilities. They are challenging but exciting. It is my experience that in connecting with our commonalities we can explore and celebrate our differences and diversity. These differences matter because they are sparks for creativity, innovation, and the flames of our future. I am grateful for Martin Luther King Jr and everything he did for humanity. I will leave you with his words and hope you celebrated not with a day off but with a day of service to others.



:)


Friday, January 15, 2016

Quotes to brighten your day

Hello World!
Here is a link to a lovely set of uplifting quotes

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/20-inspirational-quotes-to-brighten-your-day/ss-AAaDYIi?fullscreen=true#image=1

Enjoy! 
 
:)