Our Team
Shelia Pugh Bishop is a veteran Research Biochemist and STEM Educator, former Tulane University School of Medicine Medical Research Specialist and laboratory research educator to undergraduate and graduate students, and Science Entrepreneur ready to pour back into the community that raised her. Bishop's undeniable passion to learn and impact biomedical research guided her through many tough discussions about public health and regulatory science, and fueled her 16-year career in Scientific Investigation, including:
Clinical Microbiology Research Tech in Viral and Rickettsial Diseases with the U.S. Navy
Regulatory Hepatotoxicology Research Fellow in Dietary Supplements with the Food and Drug Administration
Biotechnology Associate Research Scientist in R&D with a Private Applied Biomedical Science Entity
Product Engineer, Consultant, and STEM Educator with STEM Heads
She's a published Researcher who recalls "As a young, black girl growing up in New Orleans East, I loved science and discovery. I also enjoyed drawing and creative writing! But, we didn't have a place to go for STEM recreation! If I'd had a fun place to go for fun science exploration or a mentor to hold my hand and guide me to a career in Science, I could have better strategized a successful career path earlier on in my professional journey. And there are many minorities echoing those sentiments. So, I want STEM Heads to be that hand for my community to hold. STEM Heads is growing into a community of mentors to help young people along their journey."
As recent as 2019, statistics show that this story of underrepresentation in essential science fields is geared to repeat itself for young men and women of color. Bishop founded STEM Heads to address this recurring problem for the sake of our youth growing up in New Orleans East and in hopes of reversing the deterioration of our community.
Just as Kimberly Bryant of Black Girls Code "used the skills she had gained as an engineer to spot an issue in the world that she wanted to solve and then harnessed an ever growing community and movement to solve it," Bishop seeks to use the skills she has gained as a Research Biochemist, Engineer, and Youth Coach to change the trajectory of the people with whom she shares a community. She believes our future depends on us, so we must:
Inspire minority involvement in STEM fields
Empower the community of New Orleans East that has been struggling to self-resuscitate
Nurture accountability for community
Nurture the future of Science
& Nurture self-accountability
Laboratory Management
LAB MANAGER, STEM Heads
Community STATS:
Drone Flight Specialist
Most Passionate Educator
Visual Artist and Song Writer
From Baton Rouge, LA
Track and Field Conditioning Coach
Mr. Deidrick Vallet is well versed in management and team building in corporate America as well as at home. He is the parent of two college-age daughters, is highly invested in his daughters' future, and is committed to providing them with a means to attain success. He extends the same level of commitment to the young people in our community.
Initial Board
BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads
Community STATS:
STEM Head
Georgetown University Alumna
From Eastside Washington, D.C.
Gym Geek
Dr. Angela Holmes, a trained Neuroscientist, enjoys her role as Diversity and Disparities Program Officer (Health Science Administrator) at The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) . She:
is an Agile and flexible business consultant with more than 10 years of experience supporting the education, government, and healthcare industries
has strong project and programmatic management skills with expertise in the study of human behavior and science administration
is a strategic and analytical thinker with a proven track record of designing, developing and implementing programs
has exceptional internal and external relationship building skills to effectively communicate across diverse sets of stakeholders, and
is a passionate collaborator who offers creative solutions and is able to adapt to changing environments and be a positive influence on organization culture
BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads
Community STATS:
Ben Franklin HS Parent
Former Lake Forest Charter Parent
Georgetown University Alumna
From Brooklyn, NY
Christian Entrepreneur
Dr. Yacara Jackson is a long-time physician, caregiver, and entrepreneur. She is the mother of a middle-schooler who loves STEM, playing music, and learning new things. Dr. Jackson encourages her daughter to pursue her interests in STEAM, and supports activities that help luminate her path to success. As a mother, she desires a bright future for her daughter and girls like her.
BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads
Community STATS:
Xavier University of Louisiana Alumnus
Tulane University Greenwave
Environmental Science Policy & Public Health Guru
Christian Minister from New Orleans
Charles Allen Jr. is the Community Engagement Director for the Gulf Coast at the National Audubon Society where the entire focus of his work on diversity, equity and inclusion by enhancing Audubon’s reach to underrepresented communities in the Gulf Coast region. He is also a devoted member and church minister in the Lower 9th ward community of New Orleans.
BOARD DIRECTOR, STEM Heads
Community STATS:
University of New Orleans Privateer
Mechanical Engineer
Logistics Guru from New Orleans
Jarenée, a mechanical engineering student at the University of New Orleans, is a dynamic and accomplished individual making remarkable strides in her field. She serves as a Production Coordinator with Boeing on the NASA Space Launch System program, where her expertise and dedication contribute to advancing space exploration. Additionally, Jarenée is a devoted member of the STEM Heads board, further showcasing her commitment to inspiring and empowering future innovators. Balancing her academic excellence with leadership and professional impact, she is a shining example of the next generation of engineering leaders.
NEXT: STEM EVENTS