“My father was my greatest inspiration when it came to science and STEM outreach…When my father unexpectedly passed in 2013, I made it my mission to impact at least half of the lives he did. I started dedicating my outreach and volunteer hours to STEM, in order to continue my father’s legacy and follow my passions.”
For Magan Lewis, advancing science in education is more than a just volunteer role. Inspired by her father’s international impact in fostering excitement and understanding of science, Lewis has set out to reach as many students as she can through her volunteerism and mentoring. Lewis works as a Research Operations Lead for Corteva in the Agriscience Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, in Algona, Iowa where she participates in community outreach, science fairs, and the Chemical Educational Foundation’s You Be The Chemist program. She helped forge new ground in supporting the establishment of the South and North Dakota You Be The Chemist programs in 2018.
Lewis’s pioneering spirit to teaching science and engaging students has earned her the recognition of You Be The Chemist Community Champion. Lewis is the You Be The Chemist Challenge Organizer for both North and South Dakota, serves as a judge and reader for multiple science fairs, and leads classroom seminars—just to name a few of her many involvements.
One of Lewis’s most memorable moments highlights her impact on students. During the 2018 South Dakota’s You Be The Chemist Challenge, Lewis shared, “I had 10 students speak up and offer me a job to be their science teacher. They thought I presented science in a fun and engaging way. That was cool and rewarding!” She has also been the go-to reference for community members looking to improve school science curriculums, and has helped two states collaborate on STEM activities and challenges.
The daughter of a music teacher and a science teacher, Lewis “has always had a passion for science and exploring the unknown.” As children, she and her brother even conducted their own science experiments! By the time she was a senior in high school, Lewis had competed in multiple North Dakota state and regional science fairs in addition to International Science and Engineering Fairs. Her interest in chemistry led her to her position at Dow, experimenting with corn and soybean breeding strategies and utilizing science to help feed the world.
For Lewis, “the level of creativity and always being on the cutting edge of research and technology is a huge driver” of her passion for chemistry. She is equally as driven to share her inspiration with students as she continues to expand the breath of her mentorship. This is a You Be The Chemist Community Champion who can’t be stopped!
