The Top STEM Influencers Inspiring a New Generation

The field of STEM may be highly competitive and seemingly the purview of naturally gifted geniuses, but this is often not the case. Often the pathway to a career in STEM begins by developing a simple curiosity about the mysteries of the universe at a young age. This spark of curiosity often manifests itself after a gentle push from a role model or public figure who is passionate about science.

Science lovers from generations past may remember public figures such as Bill Nye or Stephen Hawking as strong influences on their future careers. Today, many STEM influencers have answered the call as educators, shaping the future of science by introducing a spirit of curiosity to their audiences both online and offline. Here are some of today’s top STEM influencers inspiring a new generation.

Steve Spangler

Steve Spangler is a captivating speaker and science educator who has made waves both through his viral YouTube videos and his many television appearances, which have resulted in him winning two Heartland Emmy Awards with an additional five Emmy nominations. He is most famous for his “Diet Coke and Mentos” experiment, in which he introduced concepts such as carbonation, states of matter, and gases to audiences everywhere using everyday food products such as soda and Mentos. In 2007, Spangler was nominated for the Time 100 for his efforts in promoting science by making it fun and exciting. Today, he continues to influence audiences through his friendly, easygoing manner and his extensive presence on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.

Moohoodles

This professional Twitch streamer and aspiring astrobiologist combines her passions for space, science, and gaming to create thoroughly winsome content for viewers eager to explore Twitch’s Science & Technology category. She is equal parts an educator and an entertainer, as she has hosted discussions with NASA scientists at TwitchCon and secured prestigious collaborations with brands such as PBS’s NOVA. All the while, she keeps her content fun and approachable, while also amplifying the voices of female creators on Twitch as a member of the Twitch Women’s Guild.

Astronaut Abby

From a young age, Abigail Harrison had a dream to become part of the U.S. Space Program as the first person on Mars. While she may not have fulfilled that particular dream yet, she has still given a voice to many young aspiring astronauts who wish to explore space in the near future. In addition to her popular YouTube videos and social media presence, she is also the founder of the nonprofit organization The Mars Generation, which advocates for STEM education and seeks to get more people interested and involved in space exploration. In 2024, she was awarded the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship from the space solutions company Voyager, as she continues to work towards her dream of becoming a NASA astronaut.

Why not you?

While these inspiring individuals may be leading the charge, anyone with a passion for and knowledge of science can be the next STEM influencer to awaken a young person’s mind to the possibilities that science offers. While few aspiring STEM influencers may have a massive worldwide audience to share their ideas with, everyone has to start from somewhere.

With the right content strategy and assistance from one of the best influencer marketing agencies such as HireInfluence, one passionate individual can cultivate a loyal audience that shares their love for all things science. An aspiring STEM influencer must first identify which STEM field they wish to focus on, then develop outlines for content that both entertains and informs. With the right skillset and mindset, anyone can become an excellent STEM influencer who inspires a new generation.