Today we welcome Dr. LaTasha Fraser, program manager for the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at New York University (NYU), which offers resources to middle school through graduate school students in numerous areas within STEM–engineering, math, medicine, and others.. The program works through a tiered system providing courses to strengthen introductory STEM coursework, to understand the application of STEM concepts in the real world, and an immersive introduction to medical and professional training. In her every day, Tash balances numerous responsibilities including making sure key deliverables are met for particular programs through various tasks from budgeting to achieving team goals to working directly with students. What she enjoys most is the ability to learn new things regularly and interact with students eager about STEM. “It makes me feel like I’m doing work that is truly affecting the lives of these students,” explains Tash. Apart from these highlights, there are also challenges that come with her role like being a saleswoman; she is constantly looking for new schools to partner with, realizing that every school will have different and unique needs, and advocating for support for the STEP program. The best advice Tash has for anyone who is interested in a similar career in program management is to get involved with student organizations or volunteer organizations to get a flavor of what it is like to juggle many plates and responsibilities.

Tune into this episode to hear LaTasha discuss:

• Why she feels like she is in the circus juggling plates like an acrobat
• What she loves about her job and working with students
• How program management compares to academic career paths

Reach out to LaTasha:

[email protected]

To learn more about STEP:

https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/high-school-and-middle-school-programs/high-school-programs/science-and-technology-entry-program.html

If you enjoyed this episode, also listen to:

• Ep 6: STEMLand Future of Science
• Ep17 : Mentors of Incalculable Worth - Anthology

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