Our expertise, your dreams
Our team of highly qualified consultants provide resources and services to address the needs of graduate students and professionals. Whether it's coaching, assisting with applications, editing your dissertation, providing interview preparation, or partnering with organizations - we provide each client the tools necessary to develop and implement a plan for success while maintaining their unique style.
Our Team
Drs. Tamika Payne and Keisha John have known each other all their lives. While they both chose to study STEM, their chosen paths were very different. During their journeys, they found that their individual experiences and unique styles complemented each other’s in surprising ways. This made them eager to merge their talents and start STEM Advance, an intersection of their expertise.
Keisha John, PhD
Co-Founder
A graduate from The Watson School of Biological Sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Keisha has held multiple positions in graduate school administration.
Tamika Payne, PhD
Co-Founder
A Duke University graduate, Tamika currently works as a consultant and a subject matter expert in the private and public sectors.
SERVICES
At STEM Advance, we envision a world where individuals have equitable access to opportunities for success. Towards this end, we work with our clients to strengthen their hard- and soft-skills while teaming with organizations and institutions to systematically develop strategies that promote inclusiveness and diversity.
CONSULTING & Advising
We offer advising for every step of your STEM journey, from choosing a graduate school program through career coaching.
Document Editing
Our editors are not only skilled proofreaders but also knowledgeable published editors with a passion for words. They will improve the clarity and readability of your work, paying special attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and style.
Speaker & Panelist Services
We offer speaker services by phenomenal, experienced orators who offer an unique blend of facts, wit, and honesty while being relatable and inspiring.
Writing Wednesdays
Written numbers vs. numerals.
-Write out numbers smaller than 10 and numerals for numbers 10 and above.
-When you have both large and small numbers, use numerals for all.
-Use numerals for units of measure, decimals, and percentages, even those below 10.
Use parentheses to enclose information that is descriptive but not necessary to the sentence. Use brackets for extra information already in parentheses. The sentence must still make sense if you delete the words inside the parentheses
Tim (a scientist [a microbiologist]) will attend the conference - CORRECT
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1. What makes STEM Advance the best choice for me?**
The truth is that we may not be the best choice for your needs. That is why we offer free 30 minute consultations to learn a bit about our clients. We use this time to evaluate if we will be able to provide you with the best service to advance you towards your academic and professional goals.
**Q2. What are your rates?**
Rates depend on service(s) requested. For our **editing services** we charge $40/hour (divided into 15 minute increments). This means we only charge you for the time it takes to strengthen your document which saves you money compared to other editing services. Our editors keep a detailed time-log which is made available regularly or upon request. Our **advising services** are offered as packages or à la carte options. Coaching packages range from $99-1000. à la carte coaching is $40/hour (charged at 15 minute increments).
**Q3. Do you only work with clients within a certain geographical area?**
While we are physically based in the Atlanta and Washington DC areas, we offer all of our services nationally. We offer our advising sessions via the telephone, Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Hangout if we are unable to travel to your location.