Leshell Hatley, Ph.D., an associate professor of computer science at Coppin State University, was recognized as one of the 20 most influential technologists in Baltimore in 2020 by technical.ly.
In 2013, Hatley received the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award at the Women of Color STEM Conference for her dedication to providing K-12 students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Hatley has spent more than 15,000 hours teaching young people.
A love of children and technology encouraged Hatley to found Uplift, Inc. The nonprofit organization focuses on providing STEM opportunities to young people who live and attend school in the District of Columbia.
According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, less than one-third of American eighth-graders are proficient in math and science. The percentage of African-American students is 12 percent. Hatley confronts this problem head-on by using Uplift, Inc. to engage students of color in activities that teach STEM concepts.
Students experience culturally relevant, innovative, and engaging STEM activities. Field trips, internships, competitions, and demonstrations are just a small example of ways in which Uplift educates the youth.
Hatley is also responsible for educational programs that teach students about robotics, programming languages, and how to create iPhone and Android apps. One such program is Robotics in D.C., which serves 35 students at two schools. Teams from both schools competed in the 2010 VA/DC Regional FIRST Lego League Robotics Competition. One team received first place in Robot Design, while the other team won first place in Robot Performance.
As a certified K-8 teacher, she has taught computer classes to students and teachers. Hatley earned a master’s degree in Computer Science and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Howard University. She received a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Maryland. Hatley earned a Ph.D. in Learning Technology from George Mason University.
