Shelita Augustus Youth Activation Coordinator Shelita R. Augustus is the Youth Activation Coordinator for the Flight Crew at STEM Next Opportunity Fund. In this role, Shelita empowers young STEM advocates to amplify their voices online, guiding them in crafting digital stories and engaging effectively across various platforms. Her expertise in social media and digital engagement strategies ensures the Flight Crew maximizes their reach and impact as they share their passion for STEM. This commitment to empowering the next generation in STEM is a natural extension of her dedication to broaden participation for all students. A trailblazer from the outset, Shelita was the first National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-sponsored recipient of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science Employer (GEM) Fellowship. Her early career also included acceptance into the Pathways Engineering Trainee program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where she spearheaded the development of the Biospecimen & Tissue Sharing & Collection Program (BTSC), a pivotal initiative designed to enhance collaboration and research in human spaceflight. From a science background, Shelita’s work garnered support from institutions such as the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA. Bringing over a decade of impactful experience in STEM K–12 and higher education outreach, including involvement with supporting non-profit organizations like the Institute for Broadening Participation, Shelita currently serves NOBCChE (National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers) as the Administrative Coordinator for NOBCChE’s Collaborative, a coalition of universities to build and sustain undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral STEM pipelines, and as Co-chair for NOBCChE’s National Planning Committee’s Advancing Science Conference Grant. She also contributes to the National Alliance Leading the Acceleration of STEM (NALA STEM) as Chief Operating Officer and Research Chair. Currently a visiting scholar at the University of Houston, Shelita works toward progressing research in youth STEM identity development while serving as an editorial assistant for the Journal of American STEM Education, demonstrating her commitment to improving our nation’s STEM workforce and innovation. Residing in Virginia with her family, Shelita enjoys hiking and reading, and her goal is to travel abroad to one new country each year. Shelita holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Norfolk State University and an M.S. in Applied Science from The College of William & Mary.
