Justin J. Shaifer
Linkedin Top Voice in Technology, Science TV Show Host & STEM Educator
Growing up in a single-parent home on the south side of Chicago, Justin Shaifer spent his days goofing off…
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Full Bio
Growing up in a single-parent home on the south side of Chicago, Justin Shaifer spent his days goofing off, acting up and excelling as the class clown. Although secretly fascinated with science, he never had the opportunity to express that excitement—it just wasn’t cool. That was until his mom made him sign a contract at 14 years old promising he would figure out a way to pay for college.
While searching for scholarships, Shaifer quickly realized there were pools of money around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Education. And he made good on that contract. Shaifer earned scholarships from NASA and NOAA that covered 100% of his tuition and room and board at Hampton University. He graduated with a degree in marine and environmental science, earning the department’s highest GPA while also serving as student body president.
Today, Shaifer is so much more than cool. An entrepreneur, speaker, top voice in technology and STEM advocate, he travels the country as the role model he never had, making STEM dope, he says. Inspired to pay his success forward, Shaifer co-founded the STEM Success Summit, a large-scale conference for diverse STEM students that secured sponsorships from Best Buy and General Motors. He also co-founded Beyond: A gamified platform that helps diverse students learn tech skills while earning prizes from their favorite brands. Shaifer has hosted science TV shows with WGBH, the Travel Channel and Al Roker Entertainment.
Known as “Mr. Fascinate,” Shaifer has made it his life’s work to bring his passion for STEM disciplines to the next generation, especially kids who are typically underrepresented in elite science-based careers. From his viral TEDx talk, “How to Speak Generation Z,” to his body of curriculum development work, Shaifer is a leading figure in STEM education and diversity. His energy never fails to get audiences interested in hearing what he has to say.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
The Importance of Diversity in STEM
The Future of Technology
How to Lead Generation Z
Videos
Who is Mr. Fascinate - Justin Shaifer
Why STEM? | Justin J. Shaifer | STEM Keynote Speaker Demo
Books
News
Testimonials
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