Dr. Nehemiah J. Mabry, P.E., is an engineer, educator, and CEO based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With advanced degrees in Mathematics and Civil/Structural Engineering, his career spans roles as a NASA Researcher, Bridge Design Engineer, and Professor. Dr. Mabry is also the CEO and Founder of STEMedia, an edtech and digital media company for young professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) community. He can be reached at nehemiah@stemedia.com.
STRUCTURE: “Being good at math” is often cited by engineers as the reason they went into engineering. Being a really good engineer takes more than that. What brought you into engineering? Would you tell us about the intangibles such as inspiration, mentorship, role models and personal drive that played a role in your success and that of your students?
Mabry: I believe it takes creative curiosity, a penchant for problem-solving, and dedicated drive; the math and science skills come when you have those. During my junior year of high school, my father encouraged me to explore engineering, which led me to an invaluable NASA internship. This experience solidified my passion, culminating in a BS, MS, and a PhD in engineering (though there were TONS of ups and downs along the way).
Both of my parents have been inspirational cornerstones of support in my journey, championing my academic goals and lending their insight where they could. Furthermore, mentors like my former engineering boss, David Simpson of WGI, and my NASA advisor, Dr. Curtis Banks, have been invaluable in shaping my trajectory.
STRUCTURE: There is a raging debate as to whether kids can discover and pursue a STEM career starting late in high school or in college, or whether it has to start much earlier than that. As an educator, what are your thoughts on the subject?
Mabry: It’s never too early or late to discover and pursue STEM, in my opinion. Though I had related interests early on, I didn’t really discover and decide to pursue an engineering career until late in high school. Some people might get introduced as toddlers, while I know some who are making career pivots into tech in their 40s and 50s. There’s always room to try your hand at STEM, so my thoughts are always, “Go for it!”
STRUCTURE: STEM professionals aren’t always known as the best writers and communicators. But obviously you wouldn’t be where you are today if you weren’t great at it. How do we fix that?
Mabry: To be honest, I was a very reluctant speaker, and especially a reluctant writer growing up. I couldn’t stand it. However, it was my mother who frequently placed me in situations where effective communication was necessary to get what I wanted. College and grad school also crystallized the importance of these skills, particularly as I stepped into leadership roles. I’ve since come to view effective communication as an indispensable tool in my STEM toolbox, aiding in my pursuits. Now, I strive to learn from every proficient communicator I encounter. I absorb what stands out, incorporate it into my style, and hone it until I master the particular skill myself. Put yourself in positions to exercise that muscle and you will get better.
STRUCTURE: Would you tell us a little about your professional engineering career before STEMedia?
Mabry: I am still a practicing professional engineer, however before committing full-time to STEMedia, I spent the bulk of my hours as a bridge design engineer and inspector in North and South Carolina. In the design role, I was responsible for conceptualizing and refining bridge structures, doing everything from load analysis to material selection, and utilizing CAD drawings for design details, while making sure we complied with all relevant standards. As an inspector, I assessed existing bridges to ensure their safety and determined their rating. This involved visually checking for any signs of wear or damage, using specialized tools for in-depth evaluations, and teaming up with preservation and maintenance professionals for any required repairs or strengthening.
STRUCTURE: Many engineers decide at some point in their careers to start their own engineering business. But not many have taken the path you chose. Would you tell us what inspired you and what unexpected obstacles you encountered and overcame?
Mabry: I am inspired by inspiring. It may sound like a play on words, but the positive responses to my speeches, videos, and executed projects are what fuel my motivation. While facing challenges like limited financial resources, numerous rejections, and even personal self-doubt, the WINs and the genuine impact made in others’ lives outweigh them.
I have passion for entrepreneurship in both technical and the creative arenas, so I don’t rule out starting an engineering firm in my future. Regardless, I cherish the process of transforming ideas into reality in a manner that uplifts people.
STRUCTURE: Would you tell our readers about your firm STEMedia?
Mabry: STEMedia is a media company and education platform dedicated to transforming STEM education and professional development. With a track record spanning over a decade, we are passionately committed to bridging gaps, promoting diversity, and fostering inclusivity in the STEM fields. I encourage anyone reading to visit www.stemedia.com to learn more about our impactful mission and initiatives.
STRUCTURE: What is STEMedia working on today that really excites you?
Mabry: Currently, STEMedia is actively producing a series of digital TV shows and advanced engineering courses tailored for our platform. What truly excites me is our growing partnerships with like-minded companies and organizations that share our mission to elevate and empower.
STRUCTURE: Would you describe for our readers the effort (time and people) that goes into producing say a 30-minute educational program? How do you market and sell educational programs? Is it different from selling engineering services?
Mabry: Producing a 30-minute educational program involves extensive pre-production work, including research, scriptwriting, and storyboarding. The actual production requires coordination among camera crews and talent, while post-production focuses on editing, sound, and graphics. This endeavor, spanning weeks to months, demands a collaborative effort from a dedicated team, just like on engineering projects.
While the subject matter knowledge is also similar, marketing educational programs differs from selling engineering services in that we target educational institutions in STEM, but engineering practice emphasizes business-to-business relationships and technical professionals in the industry.
STRUCTURE: What do you think STEM will look like in another 15 to 20 years?
Mabry: In the future, I think much of STEM education and practice will occur in high-tech simulated environments. Technology will provide us the chance to learn in more realistic scenarios. Additionally, advances will allow us to experience this across different platforms and from various sources.
STRUCTURE: What do you hope to be doing in another 15 years?
Mabry: I hope to be the creator of that educational content and experiences for the next generation!
STRUCTURE: What impact do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on STEM education and the professional engineering community?
Mabry: AI will enable these environments to become more personalized and responsive to individual needs and idiosyncrasies. For example, if someone’s current teacher or supervisor isn’t ideal, there will be countless other options to curate learning experiences and even contribute to business projects far beyond their locale.
STRUCTURE: Let’s assume all future STEM students will read your interview in STRUCTURE. What would you like to tell them? The floor is yours.
Mabry: The World is waiting on you. There is a unique blend of talent, passion, and purpose that lies within you, and your STEM career is one opportunity to bring that to life. The ideas and innovations that you now and will one day work on have the potential to change someone else’s world for the better.
When things get tough, and you can’t seem to figure it all out, STAY WITH IT. You may not know it now, but if you keep giving it your best, then one day it will all come together. I believe that.
STRUCTURE: Outside of engineering, what do you like to do?
Mabry: I truly cherish the moments with my wife and our three girls. It brings me great joy to plan and host events that nurture their personal, academic and spiritual growth, as well as benefit our community. Crafting creative content that inspires will always be a passion of mine; whether it’s how I pay the bills or not. And for some occasional downtime, I enjoy playing my bass guitar. ■