BY: JADE LEONARD
fas•ci•nate
/fasə nāt/
verb
draw irresistibly the attention and interest of (someone)
Justin is the Science influence you wish you had growing up. Today, he is a notable keynote speaker and public figure in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) community. He developed a character, relatable to kids who not only look like him but from the same environment he grew up in, to inspire and advocate for careers in STEM. It’s no secret that Black people are under-represented in STEM, accounting for only 11% of the field. In this issue, Justin speaks on work ethic, reaching the youth early to increase their representation and success in the future but, also explains how previous generations can learn from Gen Z. After all, the children are our future-- “teach them well and let them lead the way”. So, without any further delay, I present to you Justin Shaifer "Mr. Fascinate".
The UpNext: Who is Justin Shaifer and what does a typical day look like for you?
Justin Shaifer: "I am a Science TV Show Host, keynote speaker, and overall champion for STEM careers. Pre-covid, I'd travel 2-3 times a week speaking to large groups of students, educators, and corporate executives about the importance of STEM, Diversity, and how to engage Generation Z students in STEM careers. I also ran a few programs across the NYC area that prepared high school-aged students for STEM careers. Some months were dedicated to the production of TV shows such as Escape Lab, which was produced by WGBH in Boston.
Post-COVID, my schedule has changed entirely. I now provide virtual keynotes and engagements, have continued to build my brand online with fun educational science videos, and have begun a career as a voice-over artist for science and tech products."
The UpNext: What encouraged you to attend a Historically Black College & University (HBCU)?
Justin: "I initially decided to attend an HBCU because of a scholarship. At the time, I had no idea about the power and inspiration that exists at HBCUs. I became very inspired by the students at Hampton University, who inadvertently taught me that I could get anything I want as long as I applied myself."
The UpNext: How did it feel to get mentioned in the same sentence as Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson?
Justin: "I am humbled by the mention. I studied these two very intently as I was building out my own brand. However, I want to begin separating myself from being categorized so squarely with the Bill Nyes and Neil deGrasse Tysons of the world. There are a few new-school approaches that I'd like to explore that may lead to comparisons to completely different on-screen talent."
The UpNext: How did Mr. Fascinate and his “Hood Science” come to fruition?
Justin: "Both of these ideas were born from a strong desire to create an impact and a lack of resources. My first experience trying to make educational science videos was actually a part of a job application at a well-known TV network. After several follow-ups, they often ignored me."
The UpNext: How did you gain your confidence in public speaking?
Justin: "Repetition Repetition Repetition! Like most of the world, I hated and was terrified of public speaking. It wasn't until I began challenging myself repeatedly that I began to see noticeable results. Other helpful approaches might be viewing TED talks or attending a local toastmasters event. I tell anyone who wants to improve their speaking skills: "Attack discomfort until you lack discomfort."
The UpNext: How do you separate the contradictions between science and spiritual faith?
Justin: "As a science educator and general popularizer of science, I generally steer clear from advising people on matters concerning faith or its connection to science. In my opinion, some scientists can develop a condescending approach towards very spiritual or religious individuals, dismissing their beliefs while trying to impose their own.
As someone who is trying to make science more palatable to people of ALL backgrounds, regardless of spirituality, religion, or faith. It is imperative that I do NOT try to tell people what to believe. Rather, my goal is to expose the masses to the wonders of science, teach them about the scientific method, and ideally inspire them to explore their own curiosity."
The UpNext: Why do you think young people should take interest in STEM?
Justin: "This generation's future viability in the workforce will depend on whether or not they have STEM skills. As AI [Artificial Intelligence], machine learning, and automation continue to dominate multiple industries, the most in-demand and high-paying careers often are related to the ability to program and operate 21st-century hardware and software.
I ultimately see STEM as an empowerment tool, where communities who have necessary skillsets have the freedom to start whatever they like, work for whom they please, and fund any initiative they believe in."
The UpNext: What're a few takeaways from your Ted Talk, “How to speak to Generation Z”?
Justin: "A few main takeaways from my talk: Gen Z has a louder voice and is more effective at being heard than any previous generation, it would behoove us all to listen to them."
The UpNext: How did COVID-19 impact your career and speaking engagements?
Justin: "COVID-19 devastated my career. April and May of 2020 were set to be the most lucrative months of my entire life, I also was in the process of pitching a non-profit project, the Magic Cool Bus. Almost all of my engagements from that time were canceled or postponed. But like any entrepreneur, I quickly realized that I had to pivot. I started building new webinars, became better at animations, and built a lucrative voiceover business. I am now back to performing regular speaking engagements and am poised to have a very impactful 2021."
The UpNext: So how do you juggle it all? And what do you like to do when you're not speaking and jet-setting the globe?
Justin: "I often hear people speak about work-life balance. For me, I am highly fulfilled by the work I do, and often don't view it as work. I am mostly just having fun every day! When I'm not speaking or working on a science show. I like to read, workout, and post-COVID I've been playing a lot of computer games."
The UpNext: What advice do you have for students pursuing education and careers in S.T.E.M?
Justin: "Start learning now! If there's a STEM skill you want to start on, i.e lab research or coding, there are so many free resources out there to help people learn! These days, recruiters in STEM fields expect you to have taken some initiative and started building your own projects. If you have a device and an internet connection, you are more than capable of embarking on this journey."
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