Uchenna Emenaha Miles, PhD’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Uchenna Emenaha Miles, PhD and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Uchenna , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In the first 90 minutes of my day I usually write for about an hour then head out for a workout

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a proud Houston native who has always been fascinated by how science connects to people’s everyday lives—not just in the lab, but in our communities, our classrooms, and even in our identities. That curiosity eventually became my life’s work. Today, I wear a few different hats: I’m a professor, researcher, author, and consultant, and through my company Science X Society LLC, I explore one big idea that science is social.

I started Science X Society because I saw how often students and even teachers felt disconnected from science. It wasn’t a lack of curiosity; it was that the stories and cultures that shape who they are were missing from the lesson. My work is about bridging that gap: helping educators teach science in ways that honor identity, culture, and community while building belonging and critical thinking.

Right now, I’m especially excited about two projects that bring this mission to life. The first is my upcoming book, Teaching Sociocultural Issues in the Science Classroom: Standards-Based Lessons on Human Diversity, which helps teachers make sense of complex topics like race and culture through scientific lenses. The second is Mindset Reset, a workbook and online course focused on science-based practices for transforming how we show up, build belonging, and lead with equity.

At the heart of it all, my work reminds educators that teaching science isn’t just about what we know—it’s about who we are and how we use that knowledge to create a more just and inclusive world.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory I have of feeling powerful was in middle school, when I stumbled upon Nikki Giovanni’s poem Ego-Tripping. The rhythm, the confidence, the sheer power of that poem made me feel seen in a way I hadn’t before. It was bold. It was beautiful. It was powerful.

That moment changed me. I started writing my own poems soon after, simple reflections at first, full of pride, curiosity, and the experiences happening around me. I wrote about what I saw, what I felt, and what I was learning about who I was becoming. Poetry became a mirror, a space where I could explore life and language on my own terms.

Years later, I had the incredible honor of meeting Nikki Giovanni, not once, but twice, and she signed two of her books.

I don’t write poetry as often now, but during the pandemic, I felt called to put pen to paper again. I wrote Still Waiting for a Cure, a poem capturing the dual pandemics we were facing—viral and racial—and the ongoing search for healing and justice https://share.google/4NEsszuXJpjKUUc57.

For me, that memory and every poem that’s follows is a reminder that power often begins quietly: in a library, with a book, and a moment of realization that your words, your truth, can shape the world.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of being seen.

For a long time, I loved creating writing, teaching, designing lessons but always behind the scenes. I had this quiet dream of building online resources, of teaching on platforms like YouTube, but I kept telling myself I wasn’t ready. I convinced myself I needed better equipment, a perfect plan, the right timing. But really, it was fear. Fear of imperfection, fear of vulnerability, fear of being misunderstood.

As an educator and researcher, I’ve always encouraged others to take risks and learn through iteration, but applying that to myself was harder. Creating something public; where people can see your face, hear your voice, and interpret your ideas requires a kind of courage that doesn’t come from confidence, but from purpose.

That’s why I’m so proud of this next chapter. I’m finally taking the leap and building online resources through my Science x Society platform starting with my new eBook and digital course, Mindset Reset: Science-Based Practices to Build Belonging and Lead with Equity. I’ll be using my own voice and story to teach, connect, and empower educators around the world.

I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is show up imperfectly, but authentically, and trust that your voice will evolve along the way.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m committed to no matter how long it takes; is that we have to keep having real, honest conversations about race, culture, and identity.

I know these topics can make people uncomfortable, but silence doesn’t solve anything; it only keeps old problems alive. Through my work as a professor, researcher, and founder of Science x Society, I help educators explore how science connects to who we are—our stories, our identities, and our communities. When we look at social issues with curiosity and evidence, we build empathy instead of division.

Some people think talking about race makes things worse. I’ve seen the opposite. When we talk openly and listen deeply, we create classrooms and communities where everyone feels seen and valued. Real change doesn’t happen by avoiding discomfort it happens by learning through it. And that’s a belief I’ll hold onto, no matter how long it takes.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my titles, and everything I own, what would remain is my deep belief in connection; in the power of community and the beauty of diverse perspectives.

I teach a course called Perspectives on Science and Mathematics, and one of my favorite parts of that class is watching future teachers realize that the same idea or experience can look completely different depending on the social and cultural context. It’s a reminder that truth is often layered, and understanding grows when we’re willing to see through someone else’s lens.

At my core, I’m a motivator. I find joy in helping people see the brilliance in themselves and in others. So even without the titles or the accolades, I’d still be doing what I’ve always done, building bridges between people and ideas, reminding others that empathy and curiosity are how we move the world forward.

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