Why Computer Science is Essential Education for Today’s Students
November 30, 2022
Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M, is a prolific person of STEAM, well known for her innovative ideas. From diaper fasteners to composites in golf clubs, Jayshree has over 80 patents to her name. She values interdisciplinary thinking to further elevate innovative ideas. In her exciting career at 3M, Jayshree has the opportunity to talk about the role science plays in our lives each day. She demonstrates that STEAM skills do not just improve the world around you – they can bolster your real-world capabilities and allow your potential to soar to new heights.
Jayshree is the proud parent of a FIRST® alum, dedicated to science in her professional and personal life. While he was a FIRST participant, she used to cheer on her son’s FIRST® Robotics Competition Team 3206, “Royal T-Wrecks.” Now she has authored three books, is a contributing writer to FastCompany, and is in a 4-part docuseries called, “Not the Science Type.”
3M manufactures and distributes household adhesives and cleaners, building materials, and so much more. They are dedicated to using collaboration and innovation to improve lives. A long-standing partner of FIRST, 3M provides team funding, mentorship, employee volunteer support, assistance for the #GetAnywhere campaign, as well as mission critical product donations for FIRST® LEGO® League and FIRST® Robotics Competition.
FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current role(s) at 3M?
Jayshree: I am the Chief Science Advocate for 3M and in this role I advocate for science and the need for STEM-based innovation. I write and speak about the role science plays in our daily lives and the importance of a positive public perception of STEM fields. I also share my own experience in driving science-based, scalable, sustainable innovation and the environment required to facilitate that.
I am a Corporate Scientist as well and this role is about understanding market trends and the competitive landscape to develop innovative technologies and sustainable products that can help solve customer problems. I get to collaborate with my peers and ideate, invent, patent, experiment, develop, and scale ideas to bring innovation to life.
FIRST Staff: You have 80 patents to your name! How do you come up with your ideas?
Jayshree: Inspiration for ideas are everywhere! It can come from examining current product offerings and their shortcomings and finding improvement opportunities. Ideas can also come from observing customers and end-users, how they use specific products, and their articulated and unarticulated needs. Studying market trends or emerging technology can also give ideas regarding what may become important in the future and the technological building blocks that may be needed.
I also get ideas from simply observing natural phenomenon and biological principles in nature. Sometimes ideas come serendipitously – but chance always favors a prepared mind as they say. And I do try to prepare. I read, reflect, listen, and learn, and that makes for a fertile ground for ideas.
FIRST Staff: Can you tell us about your favorite patents you have worked on in your career?
Jayshree: I can’t really pick favorites! I have worked on fasteners that keep diapers on wiggly babies, composites that are used to make golf clubs and sporting equipment, as well as on cosmetics and skincare products. I have designed tapes that go into planes, trains, and automobiles, as well as adhesives for phones and mobile devices. I have worked on organic materials, inorganic materials, biobased materials, and more.
Each patent and project have provided unique learning opportunities, and it makes it difficult to have favorites. Ultimately, my favorite things are the people I worked with and the problems we solved together.
FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work/life?
Jayshree: STEAM skills are central to virtually everything I do. Whether it is generating and validating ideas, planning and conducting experiments, analyzing and summarizing data, visualizing and designing prototypes, or communicating and collaborating with my peers and stakeholders, STEAM skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are key. The same skills are also important for communicating, engaging, and inspiring all audiences in my role as an advocate.
FIRST Staff: What do you think are some common misconceptions you may have had about what it takes to be good in STEAM fields?
Jayshree: I often say that to a casual observer it may seem that it is all about innate talent, keen intellect, sense of curiosity, or a hunger for knowledge. However, after many decades in the field and encountering successes as well as failure along the way, I know the importance of persistence, determination and resilience. It is critical to have a can-do attitude when taking on tough problems. Also important in pursuit of scientific endeavors are creative thinking, communication skills, and your ability to collaborate with others. Above all it is important to have a deep understanding of how work happens and to have hands-on experience to provide the contextual understanding necessary to solve problems effectively.
If talent, intellect, curiosity and knowledge can propel one along the STEAM path – I now know it is really the tenacity, initiative, creativity, and know-how that fuel the diligent effort needed. In essence, what really helps define success in any field, especially science, is not just talent, but also tenacity. Not just intellect, but also initiative. Not just curiosity, but also creativity. Not just knowledge, but know-how.
FIRST Staff: What continues to drive your passion for the work you’re doing?
Jayshree: I love solving problems, I enjoy helping people, and I have always wanted to improve lives. That constitutes a lot of how I frame what I do. I also see in my role as an advocate that we need all the creativity and differences of thought and lived experiences we can muster to solve the problems that are ahead of us. This is why I am very passionate about the idea of increasing access to everyone in STEAM fields to drive much-needed innovation. I am motivated by the impact our advocacy platform, as well as the impact my books are having. All proceeds from The Heart of Science Trilogy go to a scholarship for women administered by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). To date, five scholars have been supported from the sales proceeds, and it inspires me to do more.
FIRST Staff: What kind of “Person of STEAM” inspires you?
Jayshree: I am inspired by interdisciplinary thinkers who show how collaboration across boundaries can solve complex problems and push humanity forward. This may be anyone who combines seemingly different attributes, fields, thinking, disciplines, and functions, or bridge the gap blending creative vision and scientific precision to learn something profound or create something truly transformative.
These individuals and their innovative thinking at the intersection of open-minded ideas and confluence of fields are an inspiration for me.
FIRST Staff: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Jayshree: If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, or to any young person, it would be inspired by the principles often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci: “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses – especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else."
These principles emphasize the importance of curiosity, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking.
FIRST Staff: What message do you want to share for students who are participating in FIRST today?
Jayshree: I wish you all the best. You are incredibly lucky to have this experience. Enjoy the journey. With FIRST you are getting the opportunity to develop your skills, nurture your talent, build your expertise, and cultivate your mindset. Skills, Talent, Experience, Mindset – that is what I call the real STEM. Add the right Attitude, now that’s a STEAM engine that can do anything!
Hear more about Jayshree Seth and her accomplishments in her interview with Jay Flores, host of “It’s Not Magic, it’s Science!”, here.
Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.