Dr. Leslie Gruis takes us on a whirlwind tour through the fascinating world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, especially as it pertains to middle school girls. With over 30 years of experience at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Dr. Grus has dedicated her life to not just understanding complex mathematics but also to demystifying it for the younger generation. She shares insights into the unique challenges girls face in STEM fields, particularly during those tumultuous middle school years when social dynamics shift and interests can wane.

With a mission to inspire and mentor, Dr. Grus emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and building confidence in young girls, showing them that they can indeed excel in mathematics and technology. Her anecdotes about robotics competitions and engaging activities highlight how fun and impactful learning can be when it's hands-on, proving that education isn't just about textbooks—it's about igniting passion and curiosity!

Born a patriot, Dr. Leslie Gruis spent 30 years as a mathematician and intelligence officer at the National Security Agency, where she helped develop technology solutions that balanced national security with civil rights. She later served at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Intelligence Council. Now retired, she writes and speaks on privacy, surveillance, and democracy—making complex topics accessible for everyday Americans. Dr. Gruis is the author of Privacy: Past, Present, and Future; The Privacy Pirates, and a forthcoming third book and she mentors K–12 STEM students, with a special focus on middle school girls.

Find Dr. Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-gruis-b8060b141/

Dr. Leslie's Website

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