My name is Professor Tabelech “T.K. the Chemist” Shipp and I hold a Master of Life Science with dual concentrations in biology and chemistry from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. As an educator with 30 years of combined teaching and educational experience, I have a passion for science education, which has allowed me to expand my resume by teaching and empowering youth from pre-K through high school students as well as on the collegiate level that STEM education is doable, one test tube experiment at a time! 

I began my STEM Outreach Organization, the MYGEMS (Multicultural Youth Gaining Empowerment through Motivation and Success with Science) Science Center in 2001 when I witnessed all too often the lack of scientific appreciation with my high school students.  I have taught High School Chemistry, Physical Science & Earth and Environmental Science.  I’ve also taught summer Middle School Science Camps and on the Collegiate level, I’ve taught General Chemistry, Biology and Anatomy and Physiology. 

I am a two-time award winner of The Excellence in Teaching Award as a Chemistry Professor (2013, 2017) and the recipient of The STEM Success Summit “Scientist of the Year” award because of my extraordinary achievements in the scientific community as well as a commitment to outreach, encouraging diversity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and giving back to the community.  

Lastly, I have written and developed science curriculums for teachers and other educational organizations. I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Science Teachers Association, the North Carolina Science Teachers Association and The Society for College Science Teachers.