Shon Essex is a STEM Education Associate II with Southern Research’s STEM Education Outreach team, where he develops and delivers hands-on STEM learning experiences for K–12 students and educators across Alabama. His work includes designing laboratory-based field trips, summer academies, professional development workshops for teachers, and statewide outreach initiatives that inspire students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Shon is passionate about making STEM accessible through engaging, real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to biomedical research and emerging technologies. He enjoys mentoring students, supporting educators, and creating programs that spark curiosity and encourage the next generation of STEM professionals. Prior to joining Southern Research, Shon earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Medicine from Miles College and a Master of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout his academic career, he participated in several leadership and STEM outreach initiatives, including the Diversity Recruitment and Enrichment for Admission into Medicine (DREAM) Program at the University of South Alabama, serving as President of the Science Club at Miles College, and working with the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence Program to promote diversity in STEM.