"I was introduced to NCWIT by a colleague 6 years ago. I became a participant of the then K-12 Member Huddle and then a K-12 Alliance Member. I’ve used the resources and research provided by NCWIT in the implementation of programs in the USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center. Being selected by my esteemed colleagues at NCWIT as their first DoD STEM Ambassador in this prestigious cohort of STEM educators is a true honor."
Director of the Viterbi School of Engineering K-12 STEM Center at the University of Southern California
We are delighted to introduce Dr. Darin Gray, a distinguished leader in K-12 STEM education, as the inaugural DoD STEM Ambassador hosted by NCWIT. Ambassadors are carefully chosen by the Department of Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), and the program recognizes outstanding educators who are committed to working with students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM (and/or are military connected) while promoting STEM learning nationwide. Each school year, the DoD STEM Ambassadors work together to create and curate remote learning and digital materials to be shared with educators, like lesson plans, learning activities, and creative engagement approaches. In this role, Darin plans to focus on making artificial intelligence (AI) accessible and culturally responsive.
It is a pleasure to unite a long-time NCWIT K-12 Alliance member at an NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance member institution with NCWIT Investment Partner organization, DoD STEM. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively toward the mission of improving access and inclusion in STEM and computing education. Learn more about the 2023-2024 Ambassadors and Dr. Darin Gray below.
Find a full directory of DoD STEM Ambassadors and partner organizations online, and follow DoD STEM and NCWIT on social media for updates.
Darin is an alumnus of USC. He’s earned:
He also holds teaching credentials in math and science.
After graduating from USC, Darin worked for the Hughes Aircraft Company’s Advanced Circuit Technology Lab, where he designed analog to digital converters for the Radar Systems Group. After leaving Hughes, Darin spent 25 years working for the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Division of Adult and Career Education as a mathematics instructor and as a coordinator for an alternative high school. He has also been at USC Viterbi for over 25 years (20 of which while simultaneously working for LAUSD) and prior to being the Director, he was the STEM Coordinator responsible for program support, curricula development and teacher professional development.
In addition, Darin is a retired Master sergeant in the California State Guard, where he assisted with IT and cybersecurity for state systems and provided training for service members.
As director, Darin:
He also teaches an introduction to engineering course and a cybersecurity seminar at USC.
Darin recently received:
He has also been honored with:
He has also presented at several conferences and symposiums, including:
Please join us in celebrating DoD STEM Ambassador Dr. Darin Gray’s selection for the 2023-2024 school year, and look for updates on his goals for AI in NCWIT newsletters and on social media in the coming months.
