Joi'a Austin (ASMS Class of 2007), founder of Full STEAM Ahead recently partnered with fellow ASMS alumni, Dr. Dominique Askew Shamburger (ASMS Class of 2003) and Dr. Brooke Robinson Benton (ASMS Class of 2005), to collaborate in the Brown Girls Wear White Coats Medical and Dental CoLAB. The program is an immersive STEM experience designed to introduce young girls to careers in medicine and dentistry through authentic, hands-on learning as part of Full STEAM Ahead's Brown Girls Wear White Coats Lab series.
As ASMS graduates, Austin, Shamburger, and Benton have each taken different paths in STEM, yet share the same commitment to serving their communities and inspiring the next generation.
During the CoLAB, participants stepped into the roles of physicians and dentists by learning to assess vital signs, investigate cavities, examine tooth anatomy, use authentic medical equipment, and engage directly with practicing professionals who look like them.
Through Full STEAM Ahead, their mission is to increase access to high-quality STEM and literacy experiences for children across Alabama, particularly those from underserved communities. Whether through engineering challenges, environmental science, cosmetic chemistry, medical exploration, or family literacy programs, they are striving to make STEM engaging, relevant, and accessible while helping young people envision themselves as future innovators and leaders.
This collaboration was especially meaningful because it demonstrated the ripple effect of the Alabama School of Math and Science. Three alumni, representing education, medicine, and dentistry, came together not only as professionals but as mentors committed to investing in the next generation.
"Thank you for the role ASMS has played in shaping each of our journeys. We are proud to represent the school while working to inspire the scientists, engineers, and educators of tomorrow." -- Austin
Learn more about Full STEAM Ahead by clicking below!
