Joan Melendez Misner (@yourfemaleengineer), a native of Orlando, FL., is a Mission Integration Systems Engineer at NASA for the Launch Services Program working on management of space and aeronautical flight systems for all non-crewed and scientific missions. Her missions include the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), Europa Clipper, GOES-U and Dragonfly.

In her spare time, Joan volunteers throughout the community and is fully involved with STEM Outreach Programs, including judging robotics competitions, mentoring middle/high school aged students, and participating in the "Women in Math" events. She was chosen as a "Wonder Woman" for the STEM-ing event due to her endeavor in the community. She was also chosen to be a part of the DoD's "30 under 30" promotional video which aimed at raising awareness about STEM career opportunities among college students studying in STEM.

Additionally, she creates STEM content on both Instagram and TikTok under the name “YourFemaleEngineer”.

Don't miss her takeover TODAY on Instagram!

For this challenge you will be making an air cannon from things around your house. It is an exciting game you can build with your friends during your spring break!

Once you finish making the first air cannon, try using different types of material – such as a simple version using a plastic soda bottle or a juice box.

Check out the Air Cannon Engineering Challenge! For more at-home engineering challenges visit the link here! 

Check out Tamara's Spark of STEM feature on our Instagram page!

Join us for the month of March as we learn about women, past and present, who have made an impact in STEM! Today we learn about Elizabeth Blackwell. The first woman in America to receive a medical degree, Elizabeth Blackwell championed the participation of women in the medical profession and ultimately opened her own medical college for women. Blackwell made strides in equality for women in STEM, and women as a whole, as she pressed on to accomplish her goals in the face of discrimination and obstacles put before her by college professors and her own townspeople for defying her gender role. Learn more about Elizabeth Blackwell here. 

Follow us on our social media accounts below to learn about women in STEM throughout the entire month of March!

Tuesday was International Women's Day! Thank you to all the women in STEM who have paved the way for future innovators!

Check out our YouTube channel playlist Women in STEM. Subscribe to our channel to watch other inspiring STEM videos! 

The World Science Scholars is a highly-selective program for national and international high school students who have exceptional skills in mathematics. Scholars are guided by world-renowned experts as they expand their knowledge to help solve complex challenges in multidisciplinary fields. This unparalleled opportunity allows students to explore and apply their talents to new scientific disciplines. WSS, offered at no cost to accepted Scholars, is a program of the World Science Festival. To nominate a student, apply, or learn more, visit http://bit.ly/WorldSciScholar2022 or download the overview: https://bit.ly/WSSOverview2022. Applications are due by April 30, 2022.

Join the team of more than 30 social media ambassadors! Become a part of the STEM community and help us reach more STEM enthusiasts like YOU!