Alumnus Lamkin recognized for contributions to STEM community

Monday, February 26, 2024

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu

Dr. Darron Lamkin, or DJ as he is known by many at Oklahoma State University, has made significant strides in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics community.

This has led to him being one of four from The Boeing OKC to be selected for a prestigious national Black Engineer of the Year Award, Modern Day Technology Leader Award and the NASA Educator of the Year Award.    

These honors celebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions in STEM fields, influencing aviation and aerospace industry, and the broader community.

Lamkin’s venture is a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. He began his academic career at OSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2010. His love for learning led him to obtain a master’s degree in industrial engineering and management in 2012, followed by another master’s in entrepreneurship in 2014. 

He culminated his educational endeavors with a doctoral degree in learning, design and technology, focusing on engineering and aviation education and digital STEM career exploration in 2023.

Early inspirations and mentorship

Mentorship played an influential role in Lamkin’s career path.

Through actively seeking guidance, starting with a job shadow initiative at Tinker Air Force Base and then later in leadership roles within the National Society of Black Engineers, the trajectory of his career was drastically changed.

In 2010, alongside Dr. Wayne Jones and Kelan Berry, Lamkin co-founded Class Matters, an ideal way for Lamkin to now become the mentor. This organization was born out of a shared vision to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM, guiding students from pre-college through post-secondary education and into STEM careers.

“Since inception, Class Matters has conducted STEM engagement with 1,769 under-represented youth from Title 1 middle and high schools without after-school STEM programs. Considering that, 1 out of 7 participants have been transitioning into STEM college students or working STEM professionals annually since 2010,” Lamkin said.

“Approximately 14.3% of the 1,769 participants have pursued STEM careers at companies like Google, Dell, The Boeing Company, Paycom, Tinker Air Force Base, and John Deere, just to name a few companies. Such data could be useful for forecasting future trends, designing targeted educational programs, or addressing the demand for STEM professionals in the workforce.”

Professional achievements

Currently, Lamkin is a product data management engineer at Boeing, focusing on the B-52 aircraft. 
He maintains the software baseline, ensuring engineers can continuously build upon existing programs.

Lamkin’s dual degrees in mechanical engineering technology and industrial engineering management are crucial in his daily interactions with engineers, business and quality teams. He excels in troubleshooting and configuring software while balancing his career, family and passion to provide STEM opportunities for students.

Lamkin’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous academic, community and professional awards.

“I attribute my success to community partners, university and community colleges collaboration, and Kirkpatrick and OG&E foundation donations, along with shared visions with parents and guardians, which have helped guide my decisions along the way,” Lamkin said.

Mentoring the next generation

Mary Tran, STEM teaching manager for CEAT K-12 STEM, praises Lamkin for his dedication to empowering students.

“He wants students to know there are choices beyond what they have been conditioned to know,” she said. 
His nonprofit, Class Matters, offers weekly meetings where students can enhance their engineering and life skills through collaboration and problem-solving.

“He uses his own story to encourage the students to create their own goals and construct processes to help achieve their goals. He is an amazing human being with a heart for students,” Tran said.

Dr. Jovette Dew, director of K-12 STEM programs at CEAT, recalls Lamkin’s helpful nature during his student days.

“Now, to see this translated into Class Matters is truly remarkable,” Dew said. “Again, he is helping people reach their full potential. He is kind and giving. He knows how to reach a community of learners that we may not have had access to. He is a great alum who also draws other alums to give back to OSU.”

One of Class Matters’ notable initiatives is the “STEM Like Me” event, which provides students in the OKC area with opportunities to meet STEM professionals, learn about career paths and engage in hands-on activities like drone building.

Dew emphasizes the program’s impact: “It shows STEM is for everybody and that there are engineers who look like them.”
A lasting legacy

Lamkin’s contributions to the CEAT K-12 STEM program have been an asset to their success with a Department of Defense grant. 
 From a curious student to an influential leader in STEM, Lamkin exemplifies the power of education, mentorship and community involvement.

“It is because of Dr. Lamkin that we get to come together as engineering alumni and help the next generation of engineers,” Dew said. 

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Photos: Laske Images Photography

Story by: Desa James | IMPACT Magazine