About Us

The Mission

The mission of the Columbia Engineering Outreach Programs is to provide multiple entry points to academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, especially for traditionally underrepresented students. We aim to improve the quality and reach of STEM education at all levels.

Programs connect local K12 students and educators with the world-class STEM resources at Columbia Engineering, including on-campus and in-school STEM education and enrichment opportunities.

Staff

Emily Ford

Emily has directed Columbia Engineering Outreach Programs since 2014, to which she brings over 15 years of experience developing, managing, and evaluating programs in urban and international education. She also supports education and inspires science as the Executive Director of Sci-Inspire, a non-profit ed tech startup. Emily has an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MEd from Teachers College, an MA from Humboldt University of Berlin, and a BA from Columbia University.

AmeriCorps VISTA positions with New York Campus Compact

Vivian Yen, Curriculum Development

Vivian is a recently returned Peace Corps Volunteer (South Africa 2014-2016) and is continuing her service journey as one of the three AmeriCorps VISTAs at Columbia University focused on STEM Education outreach. She feels many of the problems she witnessed abroad exist here as well, and it feels right to be doing something about it. Vivian holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Literature and minor in Language Studies (American Sign Language) from the University of California, San Diego and is looking forward to learning about a new community and growing personally and professionally. In her free time, she likes to explore, travel, play guitar, eat, and spend time with friends. She believes wholeheartedly in altruism and hopes to become a teacher in the near future.

Riana Brown, Volunteer Cultivation

Riana recently completed a Masters degree in Social Psychology research at the Vrije University of Amsterdam after completing a year as a Fulbright scholar in the Netherlands. Originally from New Jersey, Riana attended the University of Miami for a Bachelor's in Psychology and International Studies. As part of her curriculum, Riana has researched ways to close the gender and racial gap in the STEM fields and now wants to utilize her research in an applied setting. In her free time, Riana likes to do yoga, read, listen to comedy, rock climb and she has a desire to visit every continent in the world.

Tomi Akingbola, School Partnership

Tomi recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology and Health Care Studies from the University of Southern California Los Angeles and relocated from his New Orleans home to serve in New York City. He was motivated to become a VISTA because the mission of his VISTA project aligns with his vision to uplift communities of color. Receiving his degree in a STEM subject, Tomi is passionate about providing opportunities for younger minority students. After finishing his VISTA service project, Tomi will be attending medical school with interests in pediatrics and cardiology. In his free time, Tomi likes to go to the gym, play basketball, and perform at open mic shows.