Photo by Jessica Turner.
A middle-school science teacher at The Hockaday School is included in an upcoming exhibit at the Smithsonian.
Jennifer Stimpson was one of 120 If/Then STEM Ambassadors in 2019, and a 3D-printed, orange statue was made in her likeness.
The exhibit was on display at NorthPark Center last year, and now it’s headed to Washington, D.C.
Statues will be up March 5-27 on and around the National Mall. The statue of Stimpson will be displayed at the National Museum of Natural History.
Simpson used to be a forensic chemist at the Drug Enforcement Administration. She has taught a girls’ leadership class in Uganda, received an inspiration award from Michael Jordan and worked in Congress as a STEM policy fellow.
Here’s her personal statement from the exhibit:
“As an African American female chemist, I have been on an unforgettable journey of learning, listening and leading. Growing up with parents who were pharmacists, my life’s path was set at a very young age with science ever present in my everyday life. My father was my first science mentor. He taught me how to ‘pay it forward’ by demonstrating a personal and professional life of community service. He owned a compounding pharmacy where I spent summers working with him. Blending practice and expertise of chemistry and environmental science, his lessons taught me how to impart scientific knowledge to help others learn and think about their health and safety. Through his example, I came to understand the responsibility bestowed upon professional scientists in their community. I would dream that one day perhaps my science perspective could change the world.”
Lyda Hill Philanthropies is behind the exhibit. The nonprofit was founded by Lyda Hill, a Hockaday alumna.
