Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of creativity and fun with Friends & Family STEAM Sneaker Art Day! I’m so excited to host this hands-on workshop where students AND their adults can unleash their artistic side together! 🎨✨
📅 Date: Saturday, November 9th, 2024
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: YMCA TechRev Building, York, PA – 301 W Market St, York, PA, 17401
👨👩👧 Who Can Join: Ages 6+ (Kids who can paint!) & an adult companion
Food Provided (Because art and science need snacks!)
We’ll be designing custom canvas sneaker art that YOU create with your family! 👟🎨 And the best part? Your sneaker art will be featured in the Ky the Chemist Art Exhibit at Creative York this December! 🎉
ONLY 50 family spots available—RSVP is a MUST! Don’t miss this chance to make amazing memories with your family while exploring STEAM and sneaker culture. 🚀👨👩👧👦
How to RSVP:
🔗 Click the link to join the fun! Limited spots available, so don’t wait! ⏳
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For me, grad school is where things got real. Undergrad laid the foundation for understanding core chemistry concepts while grad school forced me to expand and mature my understanding of these concepts and their applications in real time. Beyond academics, navigating time, money, resources, relationships, and expectations is what really made going to grad school a whole new ballgame.
Here are eight essential things I wish I knew going in.
Jakyra Simpson, also known as ‘Ky the Chemist,’ teaches students about chemistry through sneaker culture.
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When I was an undergraduate, I struggled in my chemistry classes because the pedagogical approach failed to engage me. Course materials were not inclusive and, as a Black woman of Filipino descent, I felt that they did not represent me or my culture. I rarely saw images of Black chemists in my textbooks, and classes did not incorporate the stories of scientists like Elmo Brady, the first Black American to earn a doctorate in chemistry. In addition, because few of my peers or professors were Black, I often felt as if I did not belong in these classrooms—making it that much harder for me to succeed.
Don’t let that humbleness fool you. Simpson knows her stuff, especially on a scientific level. In fact, she’s on a mission to glorify sneakers in a way that few sneakerheads dare to with STEAM SneakerheadzTM, her Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education business that teaches chemistry and art through hip-hop culture.
Jakyra Simpson (M.S. ’23), ACS Bridge Fellow and alumna of the Yu Group, was featured in the American Chemical Society Graduate & Postdoctoral Chemist Magazine. The article is entitled, “Unboxing the ‘Sole’ of Chemistry: Jakyra Simpson Teaches Chemistry through Hip-Hop and Sneaker Culture”. Congratulations, Jakyra!
Science Communications Posts
When you look at the statistics of the amount of underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized students pursuing Chemistry degrees. As it’s been said, “The Math ain’t Mathin’,” and there is, therefore, a need to incorporate new teaching styles (pedagogies) that are inclusive and culturally relevant…
Achieving full inclusion for people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics – STEAM – has become a global matter. People with disabilities in STEAM are underrepresented in postsecondary academic environments and the job market. The police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25th, 2020, was in many ways a catalyst for the global recognition of the need for greater inclusivity. Since then, universities, departments, and individual faculty members have become increasingly committed to improving diversity, inclusivity, and equity (DEI) in academia…
Proceed with caution as there are some movie spoilers here for those who haven’t already seen the Wakanda Forever: Black Panther movie. If you have seen the movie or even read the Marvel comics, then you should be familiar with the powerful element, Vibranium. Vibranium is an element that possesses astonishing chemical and physical properties. So, let’s take a moment to discuss what the big deal is about elements. In the world, everything is made of matter. Matter can be broken down into tiny puzzle pieces called atoms, which make up building blocks called elements. Elements are any pure substance that cannot be decomposed into smaller components by a regular chemical process. Elements are the fundamental materials of which all matter is composed…
When it comes to Art and Chemistry, we typically see these two subjects as lying on opposite ends of a spectrum. Chemistry is typically associated with someone in a lab coat, mixing up some chemicals in the hopes of not blowing anything up. In contrast, art is often viewed as a form of expression crafted in some type of studio, using creative juices to design a masterpiece. But there is, in fact, a notable overlap between these two subjects. Specific chemical reactions have been involved historically in the creation of paints, dyes, clays, and metals used for artwork. More recently, it has also played a role in forgery detection and authentication….
Check out Jakyra Simpson’s aka Ky the Chemist American Chemical Society “Proud to Be a Chemist” campaign, she shares where her interest in chemistry started and why she’s proud to be a chemist.
Previous Events
YMCA STEAM Summer Camp
Grateful beyond words to all the summer camps and programs that invited me, Ky the Chemist, to host STEAM Sneaker workshops for their students! Mixing science with sneaker culture, we created some real magic this summer. 🔬👟 Like a true master of the craft, we turned up the heat and brought the chemistry of hip-hop to life. Thank you for making this summer unforgettable! 🙌🏾🧪🎤
Bloomington Monroe County Library
🎉👟 Wow, what a STEAM-powered blast we had in Bloomington, Indiana! 🚀 A huge shoutout to everyone who joined us for the sneaker art workshop 🎨👟 Thank you, Bloomington, for showing up and showing out with such amazing energy and creativity. 🙌 And a HUGE thanks to the @americanchemicalsociety Southern Indiana Chapter👩🔬💡 Redefining what a scientist looks like was not only inspiring but downright FUN! 💥 Seeing the youth dive into the world of science and art, breaking stereotypes one lace at a time, was simply incredible. 🌟
Juneteenth
Our culture, our people, our community is original, authentic, and organic. Grateful to serve in the space inspiring the next generation of scientists one workshop at a time 👟🧪🥼💡! Thank you to everyone that helped make this happen! Keystone Kidspace American Chemical Society harley Davidson @layersofblackhistory
Ribbon Cutting
🎉 We’re beyond blessed and grateful to God and to all our friends, family, and community for making our STEAM Sneakerheadz ribbon-cutting ceremony a success! 🙌🏽✨ Our mission is simple: to make science accessible, engaging, and relatable to students from every background through the lens of hip-hop culture, experiential learning, and hands-on activities. 👟🔬 This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for exciting announcements and workshops coming your way. Let’s continue this journey together—where creativity meets chemistry and everyone’s potential shines!
Kicking it off with Keystone Merge Entrepreneurship Group, | 18+ | Thursday June 6th, 2024 @5 -6 PM The Grotto, York, PA
Keystone Merge Entrepreneurship Group, | 18+ | Thursday June 6th, 2024 @5 -6 PM The Grotto, York, PA I’m excited to be part of the Keystone Merge event! Join me as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship. I'll be highlighting my business journey and sharing insights. Let's inspire and support each other in our ventures!
TEDx Community Viewing Party | All ages | Wednesday June 19th @6:30-7:30 PM Appell Center, York, PA
TEDx Community Viewing Party | All ages | Wednesday June 19th @6:30-7:30 PM Appell Center, York, PA It's TEDx time! Join me and the community for an inspiring viewing party where we'll watch thought-provoking TED talks together. Let's ignite conversations, share ideas, and empower each other. Admission is free, so mark your calendars!
Jakyra returns to Indiana University of PA and hosts STEAM sneaker art workshop
Are you interested in sneakers? Have you considered the science behind them? Come join Jakyra Simpson '18 aka Ky the Chemist as she teaches how she used her culture to teach chemistry using hip hop and sneaker culture. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about sneaker science and make their own mini sneaker keychain to have as a keepsake.
Juneteenth Community Celebration Saturday June 22nd, 2024 | All ages | Keystone Kidspace, 10 E Hamilton Ave, York, PA |
Juneteenth Community Celebration Saturday June 22nd, 2024 | All ages | Keystone Kidspace, 10 E Hamilton Ave, York, PA | Let's celebrate freedom and unity at the Juneteenth community event! Join us for a day filled with music, food, and cultural festivities. Together, let's honor the past and embrace the future. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends for a memorable day! I will be hosting a STEAM Sneaker art workshop at Noon, arrive on time doors will be closing at 12:15 PM
Penn State Mont Alto: Lions Tank Contest March 2024
An inspiring evening on Tuesday at LION Tank 2024!
We witnessed five incredible pitches, both on stage and via Zoom. Huge congrats to Jakyra Simpson, founder of STEAM Sneakerheads, for claiming the first-place title
Jakyra "Ky the Chemist" Simpson TEDxMorehouse March 2024
Check out my talk "Utilizing Chemistry to Customize the Heat on Your Feet
Ky the Chemist joins Mentorship York 2024 cohort
Each year up to 12 highly-qualified professionals are selected annually. The ideal candidates are those who have articulated professional and civic accomplishments, goals, and are looking to step up to significant community impact. This program accelerates successful leaders to step up to significant community impact through servant leadership and connections.
STEAM Sneakerheadz hosts "Mini" STEAM sneaker art workshop
On December 16th, 2023, Ky the Chemist and STEAM Sneakerheadz hosted a "Mini" STEAM sneaker art workshop that taught students about the chemistry of sneakers and participants created their own mini-sneaker art.
STEAM Sneakerheadz voted as #1 Finalist in BLOOM Small Business Grant Pitch Contest
The 2023 BLOOM Grant Program for Women-owned Businesses was hosted for small businesses owned and operated by women in the County of York for projects that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. During a 1-minute pitch contest participants were voted on.
Ky the Chemist article available in American Association of College and Universities Fall edition
For the Fall 2023 edition of the AAC&U magazine. Jakyra Simpson aka Ky the Chemist had an advice article "Beats, Beakers, and Sneakers: How hip-hop culture can get students excited about chemistry" was published.
Jakyra Simpson, Ky the Chemist, M.C. hosts a chemistry seminar for York College
Ky the Chemist hosts the departmental chemistry seminar for York College on November 3rd, 2023. Her research titled" Teaching Chemistry using hip-hop and sneaker culture" was of high interest to the students, staff, and faculty.
Ky the Chemist featured in American Chemical Society magazine
Ky the Chemist was featured the ACS Chemist Grad & Postdoc Magazine. The article titled "Unboxing the ‘Sole’ of Chemistry: Jakyra Simpson Teaches Chemistry through Hip-Hop and Sneaker Culture". This article highlights how Simpson took her love of chemistry, passion for sneakers, and call to serve the community to create a new way of exposing young students to chemistry.
Ky the Chemist sits on Entrepreneurship panel for Youth Empowerment Summit (YES)
Ky the Chemist was one of the featured panelist for the York County Libraries Youth Empowerment Summit (YES). This is an annual special event for York County Students in grades 9-12.
Ky the Chemist partners with YWCA York Quantum Opportunity Program 2023
Ky the Chemist collaborates with the YWCA York Quantum Opportunity Program to host several STEAM Sneaker art workshops. QOP is an after school program open to all students in grades 8-12 and provides one-on-one and group mentoring and focuses on three areas: academic achievement, community service and personal growth
Ky the Chemist meets NOBCChE President Dr. Renã Robinson, PhD 2023
At the NOBCChE 50th conference anniversary black-tie gala event, Ky got meet Dr. Renã Robinson, PhD, the current president of NOBCChE. This event was a monumental milestone, and highlights scientists who have contributed to current and future success of NOBCChE
Ky the Chemist meets Dr. Andre Issacs, PhD in New Orleans 2023
While attending the 50th anniversary National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) conference Ky got to meet one of her idols, Dr. Andre Issacs, PhD
The Chemistry of Shoe Game: Using Sneaker Culture to Teach Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics (STEAM) eBook Release 2023
Ky released her free Open-Education Resource "The Chemistry of Shoe Game this book contains an introduction to sneaker culture and highlighting it as a method for teaching STEAM education within both formal and informal learning environments
Ky the Chemist announced as IU Connect Challenge winner 2023
The Walter Center for Career Achievement Connect Challenge is a pitch competition where students present their innovative ideas in front of a panel of judges. Her idea to create educational activities that use hip-hop and sneaker culture to teach materials chemistry was the foundation for STEAM Sneakerheadz
Bro2Go Inc. Announced Tivo Lee Scholarship recipients 2022
Jakyra Simpson aka Ky the Chmeist was announced as one of the 2022 Tivo Lee Scholarship recipients to help her with pursuing her graduate studies at Indiana University of Bloomington.