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 — an Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology alumnus — has been awarded the Black Engineer of the Year Award Modern Day Technology Leader Award from Boeing.
This award is a recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions and achievements within the fields of STEM across the Boeing enterprise and industry, and are shaping the future of engineering, science and technology.
Lamkin, or DJ as he was known by many at OSU, earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2010, his master’s degree in industrial engineering and managment in 2012, another master’s degree in entrepreneurship in 2014 and his doctoral degree in learning, design and technology with a research emphasis in engineering, aviation education and digital STEM career exploration in 2023.
Lamkin’s path started with a job shadow initiative at Tinker Air Force Base and leadership roles within the National Society of Black Engineers and continued to progress by seeking out mentorship with STEM career professionals.
In 2010, Lamkin and co-founders Dr. Wayne Jones and Kelan Berry created Class Matters, an organization to create possibilities and opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM. They wanted to provide opportunities to develop, explore and excel for these students from pre-college to post-secondary college and into career STEM pathways readiness.
Lamkin currently works at Boeing as a product data management engineer predominantly on the B-52 aircraft. In this role, he maintains the software baseline ensuring that engineers can continually build programs off the existing baseline. Lamkin utilizes both of his degrees in mechanical engineering technology and industrial engineering management by communicating with all engineers on the team — including the business and quality members — to ensure that all involved parties are in the know. While troubleshooting and configuring software is his job, he works to balance his career along with his family and passion.
Lamkin has received many academic, community, and professional awards and recognitions. He states that completing annual vision boards and setting short-term goals has been a contributing factor to the success he has achieved.
The moments that stick out to Lamkin when he thinks back through his education and professional path are those of partnering with companies to create high school internships and early career experiences for minority students
Lamkin has been a significant contributor to the STEM community, said Mary Tran, STEM teaching manager for CEAT K-12 STEM.
“He wants students to know there are choices beyond what they have been conditioned to know,” Tran said. “He uses his own story to encourage the students to create their own goals and construct processes to help achieve their goals. His nonprofit organization, Class Matters, brings STEM opportunities to underrepresented students. During the weekly meetings, students have opportunities to enhance their engineering skills along with life skills. Students collaborate with their peers to develop solutions that include their personalities.
“He is an amazing human being with a heart for students.”
Dr. Jovette Dew, director of K-12 STEM programs at CEAT, remembers Lamkin as a successful student who was always helping people.
“Now, to see this translated into Class Matters is truly remarkable. Again, he is helping people reach their full potential," Dew said. "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 Oklahoma State University.”
Class Matters offers an event called STEM Like Me that provides the opportunity for several students in the Oklahoma City area to meet with professionals in the STEM community while learning more about the career opportunities and engaging in hands on activities such as drone building.
“It is such a pivotal program because it shows STEM is for everybody and it also shows students that there are engineers who look like them,” Dew said.
Lamkin is a great asset to the CEAT K-12 STEM program and has helped Dew and her team be successful with their DoD grant, she said.
“It is because of Dr. Lamkin, we get to come together as engineering alumni and help the next generation of engineers,” Dew said.
To learn more about Lamkin and the ways he is making a difference in the community, click here.