I was born in Atlanta, Ga to married African -American parents in 1950. Both of my parents were High school graduates. My mother worked in an Insurance Company and my father, a Tuskegee Airman, struggled to gain substantial employment despite having finished television school and having completed combat duties in both the Army Aircorp and the Navy. The issues of the segregated South and the disire for better opportunities led my parents to come to Detroit.  Our famity settled in Mt. Clemens, Mi where my formative years took place. I attended both public and parochial schools. Due to determined parents, I was very motivated to excell in academics and athletics. In 1967, I was awarded a Scholarly athlete award by  a local Newspaper. I did well in science fairs and athetics receiving many awards. My academic interests developed such that I obtained a chemistry degree from Arizona State University, which led to my promotion from technician status to engineer at Motorola's Semiconductor Products Division. My Process engineering career continued via various companies for nearly 20 years which provided me the opportunity to be involved with the fabrication of microscopic semiconductor devices such as diodes and various types of transistors (N-type, P-type, Cmos, etc) as well as flat-panel displays later in my career. I made a transition to educational pursuits and began a second career.  I obtained a Master's degree in the teaching of mathematics.  I viewed mathematics as a gateway to science and engineering opportunites.  I continued in education and after 20 years in Detroit Public Schools I retired.  Along the way, I obtained a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a cognate in mathematics education. I have been active with U of M as an intermittent lecturer and field instructor.  Much of my work has been working with students who desire to make the transition from industry to education while obtaining a Master's degree. My experience as a science/math teacher in urban school as well as in high tech industry, has uniquely prepared me to assist in the development of middle and high school teachers who will help urban youngsters become more prepared and motivated to enter fields of engineering and applied sciences. I also hold a faculty position with Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan, as an adjunct associate professor with the College of Education. I have actively held this position since 2012.