Meet May Lu
“Finally got to see what a not-so-little version of myself looks like up close! In real life I am fairly short/petite, and often get nicknames like "little May" or "baby May" among my close friends! “
May Lu has graduated with a Masters of Teaching in 2017, and a Bachelor of Life Sciences, in 2015. She currently works as a Product Development Math/Sci K-12, Nelson Education, and is a Board Director, at Create Science Inc. In her spare time, May likes to run (distance), CrossFit, crochet, and baking cookies.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I didn't love STEM as a student (I didn't enjoy being a student all that much), but did well in school because I thought that was the "right thing to do", and "where I should be putting all my efforts towards". I grew up in a family where expectations were different for me, as a female. I also did not excel in school, like my sibling did, and so I never felt that I was somebody who was "smart enough" for science or math. I loved being creative and working with kids, so from a young age, I always thought a profession I would do would involve nurturing and caring for others.
In 2009, I was hired by the Ontario Science Centre as a camp counsellor. There, I met some amazing friends (who I am still friends with today), mentors, and influences that showed me how to love science, be a leader, and I spent the next 10 years growing and maturing through my work at the Ontario Science Centre. I really grew a love for science and although I never saw myself as a "science person", really learned about making science learning accessible for all. It became a true passion of mine, and something I carried as a teacher in my classroom. I learned a lot about myself through this time and grew confidence in myself that I was in fact a "science person" and a strong science communicator. I was a science secondary teacher for five years, before I transitioned to managing the development of Math/Sci resources for anything in the Canada K-12 Market. With my experience in education, science communication and working in the classroom, I was asked to be a board member to a company called Create Science, a not-for-profit organization that looks at making technology, science, and creative learning accessible to all. Our goal is to curate accessible resources, community events, and digital initiatives that inspire engagement and critical thought informed by science and technology.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
Impact. My personal mission and goals in my work is to have a far reach and impact on making science learning accessible to all. In my current role, I have the reach and control to work with schools, communities, students, parents, teachers, etc. on curating resources that are accessible and support learning for all learners. I never felt that I was a "science person", and I really think one of the most powerful things is being in this role, having impact on what happens in science education, touching millions of students lives, but also being a leader who for a very long time, didn't know my own identity. I often was told I was "too Canadian" to be Chinese, but that I was also "too Chinese" to be Canadian.
I've had parents and students thank me and commend me for giving them a space to be themselves and to express their identity through learning science. One of the most touching moments I have had with a past parent has been there expression for how grateful they am that I am in my role, as it shows their child what it is like to grow up in an immigrant family, but still be a leader in education for science and math. CRRP (Culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy) is a true passion of mine and ingraining it in science resources so that all students can learn is a reward that is priceless to me. I love what I do, I love thinking about inspiring youth to be better
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Be yourself, be genuine, honest, and lead with integrity. Your passion and everything else you bring will show on its own. I was interviewed by the Teaching Tomorrow Podcast, and something the host wrote about me, really stuck with me: "I so loved May’s infectious energy, disarming positivity, and perspective on life."