In our 1-Year Anniversary issue, Maynard Okereke, the scientist and entertainer behind Hip Hop Science, opens up about the character he built as a comedy bit that turned into a movement, why he refused to choose between being a scientist and an artist, and what it means to bring hip-hop energy to STEM classrooms and space conferences alike.

"I wanted to challenge the notion that we have to choose between being a scientist or an artist," Maynard tells STEM Crew. "Growing up, I felt pressured to pick one path. By merging hip hop with science education, I'm showing that a career in science can be just as exciting and impactful as being an entertainer."

On what started it all: "I developed a character called 'Hip Hop MD' for what was initially meant to be a sketch comedy bit. This character embodied who I truly was: a science nerd who loved music and entertainment. What started as a comedy skit evolved into an educational platform when I realized people were actually learning from my content."

Maynard is the kind of scientist who makes you want to bring your whole self to the table, and this conversation captures exactly why.