ABOUT KANTIS SIMMONS
Helping Schools and Students Thrive in the STEM & AI Era
Iām Kantis Simmonsāa former NASA Scientist, nationally recognized AI in Education strategist, and STEM keynote Speaker.
I'm committed to helping schools, educators, and students win in a rapidly changing, AI-powered world.
Education is at a crossroads.
And the stakes have never been higher.
Why This Work Matters to Me
Do these numbers sound familiar?
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Over 7,000 students drop out of school every day
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More than 1.3 million students fail to graduate each year
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Only 1 in 3 college freshmen graduate and land a job in their field
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Just 16% of U.S. high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in science careers
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Only 33% of STEM teachers have a STEM degree
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The U.S. ranks 25th in math and 17th in science globally
These statistics donāt just concern meāthey drive me.
Because I know whatās possible when students, educators, and schools are equipped with the right tools, mindset, and strategy.
More Than Motivation, It's About Preparation
I donāt believe inspiration alone is enough.
As an AI in Education Speaker and STEM Success Strategist, my work goes beyond motivation.
I help students, educators, and leaders prepare for whatās nextāwith clarity instead of fear.
My approach helps students:
š” Learn STEM
by providing the tools and study skills needed to excel in science, technology, engineering, and math.
ā¤ļø Love STEM
So much that they chase careers in science, engineering, tech, and medicine ā often on full scholarships.
š Live STEM
by making a positive impact on the world through careers and jobs that bring happiness and fulfillment.
Why Iām Personally Committed to This Work
My passion for education is deeply personal.
Iāve spent over 25 years as a student, and while that may sound like a long time, those years shaped everything I do today.
Despite earning advanced degrees and working in high-level scientific environments, I didnāt always believe in myself. I grew up struggling with self-doubt, fueled in part by a birth defect that impacted my confidence.
Like many students I work with today, I often heard a voice in my head saying:
āI canāt.ā
āI wonāt.ā
āIāll never be good enough.ā
What changed my life wasnāt just intelligenceāit was exposure to the right mentors, strategies, and ways of thinking. Once I learned how to replace limiting beliefs with practical success frameworks, everything shifted.
That transformation became my mission.
Kantis Simmons:
FromĀ Research Scientist to Renowned Education Speaker
I was born to two loving parents who ignited the fire for excellence in me at 6 months, by placing me in school..."
YES! I have been in school for 25 years! It sounds like a long time...I know! However, those academic years were crucial in my educational and professional successes and the reason for my passion for inspiring others.
Academic & Professional Milestones
As a student, Kantis Simmons earned:
- A BS Degree in Chemistry from Norfolk State University (Norfolk, VA)
- A MS Degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)
- A MS Degree in Textile and Fiber Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
Likewise, as a cool nerd, I was fortunate to work as a Research Scientist for esteemed organizations such as Mobil Chemical Company, NASA Langley Research Center, and CIBA Vision (now Alcon).
My Personal Triumph Over Self-Doubt
Well, Here's My Story...
As an inspirational motivational speaker focused on Academic Success, Teacher Burnout prevention, and STEM Education, I've spent over a decade speaking at school assembly programs, educational conferences, and teacher training seminars across the globe.
With over 25+ years of being a student, I have gained first-hand insight into what it takes to not only inspire students and educators but also fuel them with the momentum necessary for success.
Also, I have had my own struggle with self-doubt.
As illustrious as my accomplishments, I did not always think that I could. I struggled as many do with a low self-esteem and bouts of self-doubt.
You seeā¦ I grew up with "stinking thinking" because of a birth defect that made me feel insecure and often, I thought, āI canātā¦ I wonātā¦ and Iāll never!ā
This thinking kept me fearful and doubtful about my academics and my future career.
However, after hearing (and understanding) a few words from family, mentors, books and educators; learning strategies for life success and personal achievement, Iāve turned my mess into my message and you can too!
SEE SPEAKING PROGRAMS
The Core of My Message: Engaging, Exciting, Empowering
At the heart of everything I teach is this belief:
Education should be engaging, practical, human-centered, and future-ready.
When I step on stage, my goal is to move audiences from passive listeners to active participants in their own success.
Using humor, storytelling, science, and strategy, I help audiences:
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Build confidence in the AI era
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Strengthen critical thinking and human intelligence
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Connect learning to real opportunity
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Develop sustainable habits for success
These are the same principles that helped me:
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Earn three advanced degrees
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Secure over $317,000 in scholarships and fellowships
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Help innovate products used around the world
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Perform as Head Drum Major for the Olympic Games
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Work as a scientist at NASA
Letās Build Whatās Next, Together?
AI isnāt the enemy.
Unprepared systems are.
My work helps schools and organizations move forward with confidence, strategy, and purpose.
If youāre looking for a speaker who brings:
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Real STEM credibility
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Practical AI clarity
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Student motivation
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Educator empowerment
Iād love to work with you.
Book me for your next event
FREEĀ PDF REPORT
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