TSIN Welcomes Misty Brown as STEM Relationship Manager

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Misty Brown, former teacher with the L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville, TN, as the Network's STEM Relationship Manager. In this position, Brown will work with several of the Network’s initiatives including the Statewide Design Challenge, STEM School Designation, and the TN STEM Innovation Summit, while managing communications and partnership development. Brown brings out of the box thinking that will allow her to provide creative influences across STEM initiatives and programs.

Misty began her career in education as a high school English and Theatre teacher at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, TN, before she transitioned to the L&N STEM Academy where she wore many hats. While continuing to teach English, Misty also added AP Psychology, AP Research, and STEM 1 to her plate. Eventually, Misty became the Magnet Facilitator in a role that required student recruitment, marketing of the school, mentorship, and outreach. This role would last for 7 years and ultimately lead her to the Network.

“Joining the world of STEM changed my views on education. It made me look at problem-solving and literacy in a new light,” reflects Brown. “I no longer see education in silos of disciplines but instead as a wholistic experience. We face problems every day and we must use every tool we have to work through them – so why do we teach in a way that has students compartmentalizing their thoughts. The experiences I have had working with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network have been meaningful and solidified the value and power of quality STEM education. I am delighted to join a team that believes in a mission of education for all and STEM for all. I look forward to the opportunities that will come as I take on the role of STEM Relationship Manager.”

Brown has participated in numerous TSIN programs from project work to the Innovative Leaders Institute. She has also led a school through the Tennessee STEM School Designation process, becoming the first high school in Knoxville to receive the designation. Having experienced many of the initiatives as a user, Brown is prepared to empathize with the educator experience for the programs that she now manages.

With a passion for aesthetics and meaningful experiences, Misty approaches initiatives looking for the heart of the information and how to convey that core in an appealing manner. Her understanding of the design process means that she begins her creative process with empathy. She can’t wait to reinvigorate what TSIN has already been doing to expand STEM education broadly.

When not running the communications for TSIN, Brown can be found chasing twin, 8-year-old boys, reading, or gardening. She might also be sitting on her front porch with her husband enjoying good music and good food. We know that Misty will offer an innovative perspective and is an energetic addition to the TSIN team.