Real Stem Stories

Who powers the science that powers our world? It’s not just the kind of scientists you see in popular media; it’s all of us! The individuals featured in this exhibit and in the videos below come from a variety of backgrounds and pathways, but have at least one thing in common: They are all STEM professionals who contribute to widening participation, diversity, and inclusion in STEM!  

Until March 25, 2023, you can explore these science stories during your next visit in the lobby of our museum as a part of Science is All of Us. Whether it is in person or right here on this page, we hope you’ll see a bit more of yourself in the science all around us.

Alex Diaz working the lab

Alexandra Rios Diaz

Research Associate in Gene Therapeutic Research at Bio-Techne

“I gravitated more towards chemistry when I was in college and would procrastinate on all my other work by doing chemistry. That’s when I knew.”

Mathew Hoffman

Director of Enterprise Data and Integrations at Andersen Corporation

“Just because you’re not good at one aspect doesn't mean that that’s going to preclude you from still chasing your dream in that field.”

Mat Hoffman posing in front of two computer monitors.
Jayshree Seth in the lab

Jayshree Seth

Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M

“Science drives you to the answers, but humanities prompt you to ask the right questions.”

Phil Ayeni

Advanced Research Associate - Antibody Data Operations at Bio-Techne

“It’s important for myself and other people that look like me, that we have a platform to go on, to speak and just say, ‘There’s a different way.’”

Phil Ayeni working in the lab
June Sayers working in the field

June Sayers

M.S. Candidate: Earth and Environmental Sciences - Hydrogeology at the University of Minnesota; Kawe Gidaa-naanaagadawendaamin Manoomin (First We Must Consider Manoomin/Psin)

“Native scientists bring a holistic view of solving problems.”

Sun Tun

Geology Major, Biology Minor at Macalester College

“Don’t run away from the challenges. Don’t be scared just because there’s nobody else that looks like you. Keep showing up.”

Sun Tan holding a excavation tool in the field.
Headshot of Dr. Ameenuddin

Nusheen Ameenuddin, M.D., M.P.H.

Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Mayo Clinic

“We’re role modeling even when we don’t think we’re role modeling. It’s a privilege and it’s a tremendous responsibility.”

James Hill, M.D.

Community Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic

“Black males in medicine are quite unique. If I didn’t have a cousin who had done it before, I probably wouldn’t have done it at all.”

Dr. James Hill in a lab coat and bowtie.

César Honorio-Arroyo

Job Captain at BWBR

“One of the big challenges of what I do, being an immigrant, is that you have to prove yourself all the time.”