Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc.
Empowering students and early-career scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to help close achievement gaps and foster lasting success.
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We provide innovative, individualized and group training for the academic and career advancement of all persons, especially those from groups that are historically underrepresented in the STEM fields.
What types of activities do we do?
STEM Literacy
We aim to promote STEM literacy for nonscientists and scientists alike through activities like science trivia contests, hands-on science demonstrations, STEM news reports, and more.
Personalized STEM Academic and Career Support
We offer a variety of personalized services to facilitate academic mastery of STEM subject matter at all levels, STEM graduate/professional school advancement, as well as professional development for persons pursuing STEM careers.
STEM Group Services
We are available to serve groups of all sizes through STEM workshops, seminars, science fairs, conferences, panel discussions, and more. We tailor our services to your group needs.
Explore our interactive STEM resources from anywhere
We can serve your STEM needs anywhere you might need us, and you can also utilize our services remotely.
Recent News
Join us for our next virtual seminar in the Ripen the MeriSTEM virtual seminar series!
✨Science headlines can be shocking, exciting, and sometimes completely misleading. In this interactive RTM virtual seminar, Dr. Chenere Ramsey will show you how to separate real STEM news from false claims, including those made by questionable “expert” social media influencers. You will also learn how to detect red flags before believing or sharing a headline. We will take a look at some recent controversial science and health claims and figure out if they are real or "fake news". This session is appropriate for all ages and is designed to help everyone become smarter consumers of STEM news.
Join us Thursday, June 25, from 6:00–7:00 PM EST. Register by Wednesday, June 24 to be entered into a drawing to win a Visa gift card. 🚀🔬
Click here for more information and to register. See you there!
✨ 🚀 RTM went to Phoenix for one of the biggest student STEM events in the world!
Dr. Chenere Ramsey, Founder and Executive Director of Ripen the MeriSTEM, served as a Grand Awards Judge at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, helping select winners in the Cellular and Molecular Biology category. The competition was fierce, the student researchers were brilliant, and the future of science was on full display. 🧬✨
Read more about RTM’s experience at Regeneron ISEF and the phenomenal young scientists who competed.
🔬✨ Two schools, one exciting STEM-filled day!
RTM visited Vienna Elementary and Sandy Hill Elementary for Career Day, where students explored neuroscience, anatomy, and chemistry through hands-on discoveries. 🧠🧪 Click to read how young scientists got inspired!
Breaking the Mold in STEM: RTM's Return to Chesapeake College in May!
✨ RTM returned to Chesapeake College on May 7 for “Breaking the Mold in STEM,” an interactive presentation led by Dr. Chenere Ramsey and hosted through the invitation of Dr. LaSella Hall. Students explored diverse STEM role models, community college pathways, research opportunities, and practical ways to use STEM thinking in everyday life. The session reminded students that STEM is not about fitting into one mold—it is about curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and persistence.
Read more about RTM’s visit to Chesapeake College and the message behind “Breaking the Mold in STEM.” 🚀🔬
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. inspires local US ARMY ROTC cadets!
✨ RTM Founder and Executive Director Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey recently visited the UMBC campus to speak with upper-level Johns Hopkins University and UMBC ROTC cadets about career pathways in STEM and medicine. Click to read more about this inspiring conversation with future leaders! 🚀🔬
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. Hosts a STEM Family Fun Night at a Local Elementary School!
RTM recently facilitated a STEM Family Fun Night at Sandy Hill Elementary School, featuring 14 hands-on STEM tinker stations and an exciting racecar challenge! Click to read about the event and watch our short video recap with photos and highlights from the evening!
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. at the Prince George's Area Science Fair!
RTM Founder and Executive Director Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey recently served as a category judge at the Prince George’s Area Science Fair, supporting and recognizing student research in key areas of science. This opportunity reflects RTM’s commitment to encouraging STEM learning and celebrating the next generation of innovators. Click HERE to read more.
Watch our Brain Awareness Week Live Q/A Session Video!
On Friday March 20th at 12:30 PM EST, RTM went LIVE on our Facebook page with Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey, our Founder & Executive Director and neuroscientist, answering real questions posed in advance by the public.
Questions probed into how the brain works and what helps keep it healthy. Click to read more about the seminar and to watch the video recording of this session on our YouTube channel!
Celebrating Women's History Month at Chesapeake College!
RTM Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey, recently served as a guest speaker at Chesapeake College at the campus in Wye Mills, MD at the invitation of Dr. LaSella Hall, Director of Student Access and Belonging. Her interactive talk on Women of Color in STEM engaged students in learning about groundbreaking scientists, examining STEM doctorate data, and discussing stereotypes about who can be a scientist.
Click here to read the full story.
Science Fair Spotlight: RTM at Anne Arundel County Regional Science Fair!
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, RTM Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey proudly served as a judge at the Anne Arundel County Regional Science and Engineering Expo in the categories of Biomedical and Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering. From innovative student research to future ISEF-bound competitors, the day was full of STEM excellence—click to read more about RTM’s role in supporting these young scientists!
Science Fair Spotlight: RTM at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School!
RTM Founder & Executive Director Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey served as a judge for 5th–8th grade projects at the Imagine Andrews Public Charter School Science Fair on February 11, 2026. Click to read more and see how RTM is showing up for our community.
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. at the 2026 DC/MD Regional Science Bowl!
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. (RTM) is pleased to share that Executive Director Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey volunteered as a Rules Judge for the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl 2026 DC/MD Regional Competition, representing RTM during this exciting STEM event.
The event, held at Montgomery College on 24 January 2026, also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with high school and community college students who are exploring STEM disciplines and looking for ways to grow their skills and confidence.
Find out more about this event here!
Let Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. Plan Your Next Birthday Party!
Turn your child’s next birthday into a hands-on STEM adventure with Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. We bring the fun (and the supplies) with kid-friendly experiments—think fizzing chemistry, build-and-test challenges, and “mystery CSI science” that keeps kids engaged while they learn cool STEM concepts! Book a date for an unforgettable celebration.
For more information and/or to book your party date, please Contact Us today!
Ripen the MeriSTEM at Morgan State University!
On October 20–21, 2025, Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. had the exciting opportunity to lead our interactive workshop, “Best Practices of Mastering Undergraduate STEM Courses,” at Morgan State University!
Over two dynamic days, we worked with two groups of talented students to explore what it really takes to succeed in challenging STEM courses. Through case studies, role playing, group challenges, and lively discussions, participants identified common academic roadblocks and learned practical, research-backed strategies to overcome them.
The energy in the room was inspiring, and new student connections were made that will continue beyond the event. We’re thrilled to have had the chance to collaborate with such motivated future scientists and engineers!
Are you interested in bringing this kind of high-impact, hands-on STEM workshop to your school, college, or organization?
Contact us to host a session and help your students unlock their full potential in STEM!
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. Hosts its First STEM night in Cambridge, MD!
We successfully launched "Eats & Experiments", a free community STEM night that mixed hands-on science with good food and great energy. The inaugural event featured tinker stations where participants explored real-world concepts across sensory neuroscience, biology, human anatomy, chemistry, and physics—all designed to spark curiosity and confidence.
Attendees rotated through interactive stations, asking questions, testing ideas, and comparing observations with peers.
Check back soon for the announcement of our next "Eat & Experiments" event!
To read more about this initiative, click HERE.
Watch a Video Recording of the Virtual Workshop "Identifying A Graduate Degree Program"!
In this fast-paced, 60-minute interactive virtual workshop, Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey, Founder and Executive Director for Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc., breaks down how to compare graduate programs beyond their rankings—funding, mentoring, culture, time-to-degree, research fit, outcomes for alumni, and more!
You may request a downloadable grad-school decision checklist to assist in choosing a program that fits your goals—and budget.
Who should watch: Curious students (all disciplines welcome)
Watch a video recording of the workshop session: HERE
Request downloadable workshop materials: HERE
• Hosted by: Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. in partnership with Morgan State University Office of Undergraduate Research