Get to Know Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist Dr. Carlotta Berry

Did you know that many of the jobs that will be available to today’s elementary-aged children don’t currently exist? The critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills provided in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based education can help lay the groundwork for future success in our ever-changing world. Yet, at the same time, studies have shown that girls lose confidence in STEM-related subjects after the age of 6.

To help bridge the gap between these two contradictory facts, and in support of our vision that all children are inspired and empowered to realize their potential in the world, we have partnered with the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation to help inspire the next generation of female scientists through the Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist Program. Every year, we’ll recruit one or two STEM professionals who have demonstrated experience in STEM outreach and connecting girls to STEM. We’re excited that Dr. Carlotta Berry will serve as the 2024 Visiting Scientist!

Meet Dr. Carlotta Berry

Dr. Carlotta A. Berry is a professor and endowed department chair at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She's also an author, researcher, mentor, role model, prolific speaker, and a STEM trailblazer.

Dr. Berry is an accomplished electrical engineer specializing in controls and robotics. She advocates for the demystification of STEM through innovative strategies, including robot hip-hop slam poetry.

We asked Dr. Berry a few questions to help you get to know her better.

Why are you excited about being a Visiting Scientist at The Children’s Museum?

I always love to share robotics with people of all ages because I have found that everyone gets excited about a robot. A robot is so multidisciplinary and multifaceted that I can find a way to connect with people no matter where their interests lie whether in science, technology, engineering, math or art. Being able to do what I love on a larger scale is like a dream come true. The things I would do as a visiting scientist at the Children’s Museum would allow me to not only inspire but grow the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.

Dr. Berry holding a robot.

Why are you passionate about teaching STEM to children and families?

I feel that education and STEM opens the doors for so many opportunities no matter who you are. If we can increase access to and inclusion in STEM, we can create the thought leaders of tomorrow who will create better, less biased and more accessible solutions to world problems. I will change the face of STEM to make the demographics of a more global and diverse society.  I aspire to let young people see themselves in STEM so that they realize that with their innovation and creativity they can achieve their dreams.

What is your STEM area of expertise?

I am an electrical engineer with a focus on controls and robotics so that along with engineering education are what I’m most passionate about. I love that I have the ability to connect people to STEM with my robotics and engineering knowledge.

Why is it important to support girls and women in STEM?

I am a proponent of the fact that you can be what you can’t see but it is so much easier when you can see what you want to be. Because representation matters, it is so important to introduce girls to Black and Brown engineers and scientists who look like them, reflect their values, and who will support and mentor them into their journey in STEM. They will be part of the future diverse and multidisciplinary teams that will create better solutions to the world’s problems by contributing their unique perspective.

Dr. Berry talks with a family during STEM workshop.

Opportunities to learn from Dr. Berry

We believe that Dr. Berry embodies the spirit of the Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist Program and are excited to have her as our 2024 Visiting Scientist! Check our online calendar for specific days and times that her workshops will be available.

Dr. Berry is also scheduled to participate in public programming on Engineers Day and STEM Exploration Day. As always, programs and activities on these themed days are included with your membership or museum admission.