Rep. Regina Lewis-Ward Serves as Keynote Speaker at Clayton State University’s 21st Annual STEM Student Awards Ceremony

ATLANTA - State Representative Regina Lewis-Ward (D-McDonough) recently served as the keynote speaker and industry partner for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) 21st Annual Student Awards Ceremony at Clayton State University. The event brought together faculty, parents, students and community leaders to recognize outstanding academic achievement in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, technology and science.

"We are living in an era where solving problems with speed is celebrated," Rep. Lewis-Ward stated in her remarks. "But, the real question is not just how fast you can think-it's how well you can think."

The ceremony was coordinated by Dr. Ebrahim Khosravi, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in conjunction with the university's 5th Annual STEM Symposium. This year's theme, "Think Fast, Think Deep: STEM Insights for a Changing World," featured presentations, abstracts and panel discussions, exploring critical issues and innovations across STEM disciplines.

In her remarks, Rep. Lewis-Ward highlighted real-world examples where rapid decision-making is essential, such as identifying and blocking suspicious cybersecurity activity in real time. She emphasized, that at the same time, some decisions require careful, deliberate thought.

"There are moments that demand we slow down because the consequences are too great to rush," added Rep. Lewis-Ward, pointing to complex policy decisions such as proposed changes to SNAP benefits and their impact on communities.

Rep. Lewis-Ward also encouraged students to embrace both approaches, stating that success in STEM careers will depend on their ability to integrate fast, innovative thinking with deep, critical analysis.

"Your future in STEM will not be defined by choosing one over the other," said Rep. Lewis-Ward. "It will be defined by your ability to do both-thinking fast when needed and thinking deep when it matters most."

Rep. Lewis-Ward states that the annual awards ceremony continues to highlight the academic excellence and promise of Clayton State students, while reinforcing the importance of STEM education in preparing the next generation of leaders for a rapidly changing world.

Representative Regina Lewis-Ward represents the citizens of 115, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Banks & Banking, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications and Interstate Cooperation committees.

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