A nationally televised audience got an up-close look at something the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) has known for years: Dasia Taylor is a rock star.
Taylor, a junior majoring in global health studies, appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday morning. Near the end of her five-minute segment, she wowed host Michael Strahan with an experiment called “Liquid Worms,” an activity featured in her creation, the NERD STEM Box: Ooey Gooey Science Edition.
The experiment uses sodium alginate (a thickening powder derived from seaweed), water, and calcium chloride (salt). When combined, they form “worms” through a process called spherification.
“When building NERD STEM Box, I wanted to create real science connected to real life—and give kids a chance to experience science class right at their kitchen table,” Taylor said.
Before the live demonstration, Good Morning America aired a video segment highlighting Taylor’s entrepreneurial journey.
“Dasia Taylor is a scientist, inventor, and STEM advocate,” the program announced. “At just 17 years old, she began researching for a project that would take the science community by storm.”
That project was a revolutionary method for treating wounds in developing countries. As a high school junior, Taylor invented surgical stitches that change color when detecting infection, using a natural dye extracted from beets.
“I started winning science fairs and eventually took the project to one of the most prestigious science competitions for high schoolers—where I placed very high,” Taylor recalled. “That project came from my desire to bridge equity in science.”
Her success propelled her into entrepreneurship. At the University of Iowa, she has become a regular in Iowa JPEC programs, participating in the undergraduate startup incubator and the startup incubator summer track. On Aug. 7, Taylor and NERD STEM Box won first place and $3,500 at Iowa JPEC's Startup Incubator Summer Track Demo Day.
Since launching one year ago, NERD STEM Box has reached more than 800 kids—and counting.
“I never imagined myself being an entrepreneur this early,” Taylor said. “Through NERD STEM Box, I want kids everywhere to know that their ideas matter and they belong in this space.”
Taylor added that projects like NERD STEM Box are critical as schools continue to face budget constraints.
“It’s up to households and community partners to bridge the gap between what schools can do and the broader world,” she said. “I’m trying to do my part with NERD STEM Box.”
And before her segment wrapped, Taylor made sure Strahan—a Texas Southern football All-American—knew exactly where her allegiance lies:
“Go Hawks,” she said with a smile. “Go Hawks.”
Watch Dasia on GMA HERE | Click HERE for the NERD STEM Box website