ASTA Conference 2025

Shon Essex joined Southern Research's STEM Education Outreach team in fall of 2022 as a STEM Education Associate. He is responsible for developing creative ways to assist and engage school districts throughout Alabama to enhance the state's STEM activities, as well as develop and implement STEM learning experiences for K-12 students and educators. In his role, Shon works closely with students to provide a more personal approach to highlighting careers in STEM. Prior to Southern Research, Shon received his undergraduate degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine from Miles College and a Master of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout his college career, Shon participated in numerous organizations such as the Diversity Recruitment and Enrichment for Admission into Medicine Program at the University of South Alabama, was President of the Science Club at Miles College, and discussed the importance of diversity in STEM opportunities with the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence Program. With his passion for using his personal experiences to motivate and encourage students, particularly in underrepresented communities, Shon plans to enhance his outreach abilities in his role as STEM Education Associate.