Posts tagged ‘women-in-stem’

Tina Cho’s Book Celebrates Asian American Women in Science

Visit Tina Cho’s website to learn more.

To honor Asian Heritage Month, we’re featuring Asian American Women in Science: 15 Inspiring People You Should Know by Tina Cho.

About Tina Cho

Tina is an award-winning children’s lit author. She grew up right here in Iowa and became a teacher. Then she travelled to South Korea to teach in an American school. Now, she’s back in the state, working as a kindergarten teacher in Johnston Community Schools. We’re also proud to say she’s a Drake alum.

She stopped by the blog this month to talk about the book and honor Asian American Heritage Month. She’s even donated a copy to give away to some lucky winner!

Q & A

Q: What makes Asian-American Women in Science an important book? What do you want kids and/or teachers to know about it? 

A: Asian American Women in Science is important because, to my knowledge, there isn’t a collection of Asian women scientists like this out there for children. It’s important for Asian American girls, especially, to see that they can grow up to be scientists. These fifteen women make excellent STEM role models for teachers to use in the classroom. 

Q: How long did you spend researching this book?

A: Because this was a work-for-hire book, I only had a little over a month to write. I got in a groove of quickly researching and writing in order to make the deadlines.

Check out our newsletter to win a copy of this book!

Q: What was the most interesting element or person you learned about while writing the book? 

A: I was especially impressed by Alice Min Soo Chun, because, while I was writing about her, she was on the field in Haiti, helping those in the earthquake.

Q: How might teachers parents use this book in a classroom or learning situation? 

A: Teachers and parents could use this book as a collection of BIPOC biographies, as examples of those who never gave up on their dreams. The book could be used as a springboard to introduce students to Asian American women scientists, and if students wanted even further information, they could find out more about each scientist using the “Explore More” sidebars. 

Meet Tina at Storytime!

On Saturday, May 28, at 11:45 a.m., Tina will be reading another story of hers, THE OCEAN CALLS: A HAENYEO MERMAID STORY, at the CelebrASIAN Festival. The event will be at Western Gateway Park, located in downtown Des Moines. She’ll be in the Korean Village, along Locust Street between 12th & 13th Street.

More on Tina’s Books

Tina has four books out right now, including:

Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans — From a Publishers Weekly Review

“In a story at once lyrical and hard-hitting, Cho, a South Korean resident, reimagines a 2016 humanitarian mission in which she participated involving a clandestine rice delivery, via helium balloons, to hungry North Koreans…Concluding notes on the history, culture, and politics of the Korean peninsula provide context for this eye-opening, hopeful story.”

Korean Celebrations — From Cho’s website:

​This book takes young readers on an exploration of Korea’s colorful festivals and family celebrations. Kids will learn about Seollal (Lunar New Year), Dano, Chuseok (Harvest), Children’s Day, and many more. Features crafts, activities, and recipes.

My Breakfast with Jesus — From Cho’s website:

Children around the world share Jesus’ love through their different breakfasts, inspired by the iconic moment in the Bible when Jesus makes breakfast for the disciples on the beach. 

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story — From a starred Kirkus Review:

“The sea, with equal parts danger and thrill, makes an exciting training ground for a young haenyeo diver.”

Dr. Renee Horton: Scientist-Author Extraordinaire

Dr. Renee Horton’s visit celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon walk.

Author, scientist, role-model: Dr. Renee Horton is whip-smart, hardworking, good-natured, and caring. She visited Des Moines in August. In a trip hosted by the Des Moines Public Library, she stopped by Drake University for a reception in her honor. She shared her book, her experiences with NASA, and her message on STEM and kids.

Horton’s life is the inspiration behind her book series Dr. H Explores. Currently, there are two books out, From Mercury to Mars and From Jupiter to Uranus, with two more forthcoming. Readers can also get Dr. H dogtags and a Dr. H stuffed toy.

What makes this author special is that she lives what she writes. Horton specializes in Materials Science and holds degrees in engineering, math, and physics. She works full-time at NASA as the Space Launch System (SLS) Lead Metallic/Weld Engineer and has won numerous awards for her professional work and community advocacy. And while you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to write books, it sure makes book talks interesting!

After her Des Moines visit, she took to a moment to talk with us about her incredible adventure into STEM literacy.

Visit Dr. Renee Horton’s website to learn more or purchase her books and merchandise.

Q. What inspired you to write for children?

A. I believe that every child is born curious with an active imagination, and we should allow them to explore to find themselves. The books are my way to impact their lives early, to help them stay curious, and create a desire to explore in a creative way.  It’s my way of letting the kid in me have fun. 

Q. What message do you hope to share with kids through your books?

A. First, I hope to provide a positive representation of inclusion of all in STEM while helping kids learn that everyone is different. The second thing I want them to walk away with is that STEM is fun. 

Q. What writing projects are you or will you be working on next?

A. The next writing project for Dr H Explores is Trip to the Moon coming out at the beginning August. Next, Dr H finally gets to meet Pluto in the book scheduled to release in October.  For a personal writing project, I am currently working with Kay Fenton Smith on writing my memoir that will detail my pain, my growth, and my happiness in life. 

For more information or to contact Dr. Renee Horton, please visit her website: https://www.reneehortonphd.com/about.html. We love her opening quote: “When you find your intersection between your talent and your passion, you find your true happiness.” It’s clear that Horton has found that intersection, and her enthusiasm helps pave the way for others on a similar path.

Thanks to the Des Moines Public library for sharing Dr. Horton’s visit with Drake University.

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