Dr. Tamara Goyea
A little about me…
I am from a family of educators whose family lineage traces back to a family of sharecroppers of Rosser, Texas. Summer family reunions, held in Rosser on the very land my family tended as sharecroppers, instilled, and reinforced the importance of education. As African-Americans, my family saw education as an important step towards achieving knowledge, prosperity, and self-confidence. I was raised by strong independent women who vigorously pursued education to become teachers, engineers, accountants, and community organizers. My family history and role models of women inspired and motivated me to work diligently towards academic success and a career in my interests of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I strived to not only to excel in STEM, but to also serve as a role model to African-American girls interested in STEM.
My journey in STEM began with obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics with cum laude designation from Dillard University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). Dillard not only nurtured the importance of education and African-American history instilled in me by my family, but also exposed me to many STEM opportunities. This includes participation in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program and Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) Program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Both programs sought to diversify STEM fields and encourage historically underrepresented populations to pursue graduate degrees in STEM. As a participant in these programs, I explored and conducted research in mathematics applied to various disciplines, including engineering, environmental sciences, and atmospheric sciences. It was through these programs I was encouraged to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Mathematics. My journey included challenges and obstacles that I had to overcome. In addition to family loss and prejudices encountered as an African-American woman in STEM, I became a victim to Hurricane Katrina while pursuing my doctoral studies at Tulane University. Hurricane Katrina brought unforeseen sadness, despair, and loss. Evacuating New Orleans with a single suitcase resulted in complete displacement and destruction of everything owned. I had to persevere to finish my Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at the University of Maryland, College Park.
After graduating, I joined the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. At APL, I work to develop data-driven analytic solutions to solve critical problems for various programs.
My most proud accomplishment was my leadership role with the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) COVID-19 Global Dashboard and the JHU Coronavirus Resource Center effort, which resulted in numerous acknowledgements, recognition, and an enormous impact. The JHU COVID-19 Global Dashboard and the JHU Coronavirus Resource Center informed pandemic response efforts globally and domestically and was a key resource for public health decision-makers. I was able to leverage and utilize my data science acumen and leadership skills to lead a team in developing and operationalizing an automated infrastructure for the continuous generation and quality assurance of public health data for the COVID-10 pandemic.
My most proud accomplishment in my personal life is the family I have with my husband and three beautiful children – 2 strong and driven girls and 1 joyous and loving boy. My family bring motivation, inspiration, happiness, and strength. They are truly a blessing. Being able to observe and witness my children experience and explore life teaches me amazing things that enriches my life and bolsters my personal growth.
Some words of wisdom or inspiration is to ALWAYS pursue your goals and aspirations, despite obstacles, disruptions, and doubts. While in pursuit, be open to learning and receiving guidance, advice, and direction. Be willing and generous to share your lessons to grow and inspire others.”