TC’s Christopher Emdin, associate professor of Science Education, was named a “Champion of Change” at a ceremony at the White House Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. Emdin is one of 10 educators and others who received the award for creating opportunities and broadening diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions. The Champions were honored for using unconventional approaches to enhance student exposure to STEM subjects.

Emdin uses Hip Hop concepts and rap to teach science to middle- and high-school students throughout New York City. In 2012, Emdin and the Hip Hop artist GZA created the Science GENIUS program in which teams of high school students wrote rap songs incorporating science concepts and entered them in a citywide competition. The songs were judged by a panel of scientists and rap artists for the accuracy of their science content as well as their artistry. He is repeating the contest with an expanded version this year.

Emdin received his award from alumnus David Johns (MA ’06, sociology and education policy) who heads the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans,  launched in 2012 by President Obama to help support African American students. Champions of Change was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses, and organizations that empower and inspire members of their communities. 

Published Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014