An accomplished STEM educator and researcher with nearly a decade of experience in the life sciences, aquaponics, laboratory operations, and sustainable agriculture, Sharif S. Beyah has been an adjunct professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University since 2024, teaching undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology I and II. In addition, he serves as a part-time adjunct professor of environmental science and biology at Lincoln University—teaching mid-level to entry-level courses in subjects ranging from HIV/AIDS to environmental science—and previously excelled as a STEM/hydroponics farm manager at Imhotep Institute Charter High School from 2021 to 2024.

In this capacity, he managed a $150,000 hydroponics farm, led sustainability projects, and taught students learning future-ready skills by engaging them in the sciences, breaking down STEM concepts into understandable parts, creating hands-on STEM projects, and explaining the scientific disciplines behind them. As a testament to his dedication and passion for making an impact on students’ lives, he was recognized with the STEM Star Award in 2023.

Mr. Beyah gravitated toward his profession from a young age, largely due to his upbringing, particularly the influence of his father and grandfather. Instead of allowing him to watch TV, his father would encourage him to recite timetables. Although he disliked it at first, this practice helped build his discipline and allowed him to teach others as well. He eventually discovered a strong connection between biotechnology and environmental science, inspiring him to pursue hands-on projects and science experiments. Through hard work and perseverance, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and renewable energy, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in nanobiotechnology and nanofabrication, from the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. He later bolstered his credentials by attaining a master’s degree in biotechnology from the institution.

As an African American with a public school background and experience in the scientific field, Mr. Beyah recognized the need for better representation and education within his community—and wanted children to know they were capable of pursuing careers in science and engineering. His passion led him to focus on teaching, as he believes that children in his community, which has historically had low science literacy, deserve access to scientific knowledge. A lab technician for LensCrafters for many years, he became active as a STEM outreach teacher at Steelton Highspire Elementary School, a substitute teacher at Abel Personnel, an aquaponics research assistant at his alma mater, and a science teacher for the Salvation Army between 2019 and 2021.

Having co-authored a paper published in 2021 that analyzed the risk-benefit ratio of green tea catechins and their potential anti-infective and antineoplastic properties, Mr. Beyan’s extensive research laid the groundwork for pursuing a PhD in integrative and functional nutrition at Saybrook University. Looking ahead, he aims to leverage his current skills and knowledge, combined with his future PhD, to elevate his work in nutrition to the next level. He aims to address real problems in nutrition, amplify his impact, both within his community, and globally, with an ultimate goal to create initiatives that help people receive the nutrition they need so they can be more productive and lead fulfilling lives—all while continuing to teach at the collegiate level.