Helping People Grow, Succeed, and Advance in STEM
About Ripen the MeriSTEM
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. (RTM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides hands-on STEM learning, academic support, career development, and community engagement for learners from childhood through the early stages of their professional careers.
Our programs are open to all. We are especially committed to expanding access, opportunity, and support for people from populations that have historically been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to facilitate the academic and professional advancement of people in STEM by providing engaging educational experiences, individualized support, practical resources, mentoring, and career-development opportunities.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which people from all backgrounds can see themselves in STEM, access meaningful learning and career opportunities, and receive the support needed to reach their full potential.
Why "Ripen the MeriSTEM"?
In plants, meristematic tissue is where new growth begins. These actively dividing cells give rise to the tissues that allow a plant to grow and develop.
Our name reflects the same principle: talent grows when it is recognized, nurtured, challenged, and supported. RTM creates opportunities for learners and emerging professionals to develop their knowledge, confidence, skills, and sense of belonging in STEM.
Our Story
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc. was founded by neuroscientist and educator Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey in July 2014. RTM began with a commitment to helping students and junior-level professionals—particularly those from groups historically underrepresented in STEM—navigate academic challenges, explore career possibilities, and gain access to the guidance and opportunities needed to advance. However, RTM services are open to all, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or religion.
Since its founding, RTM has provided educational programming, academic and career support, hands-on STEM experiences, workshops, presentations, mentoring, and volunteer service for schools, colleges, families, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and scientific events.
In July 2025, RTM relocated its headquarters to Cambridge, Maryland. From its home in Dorchester County, RTM continues to expand its local impact while serving individuals and organizations throughout the region and through virtual programming.
What We Do
Inspire STEM Curiosity
RTM provides interactive demonstrations, workshops, Family STEM Nights, community programs, and other hands-on experiences that encourage participants to ask questions, test ideas, and explore how STEM relates to everyday life.
Support Academic Success
We help students strengthen their understanding of STEM subjects, develop effective learning strategies, navigate challenging courses, prepare for educational transitions, and identify resources that can support their progress.
Advance STEM Careers
RTM provides career exploration, mentoring, coaching, professional development, graduate-school guidance, and practical support for people preparing for or advancing within STEM careers.
Serve Our Community
We participate in Career Days, science fairs, STEM conferences, nonprofit programs, community festivals, educational seminars, and other events that connect the public with scientists and reliable STEM information.
Our Reach and Impact
Since 2014, RTM has served students, families, educators, institutions, and emerging professionals in multiple states and the District of Columbia.
Our work has included:
- Hands-on STEM programming for children and families.
- Academic-success and career-development workshops for college students.
- Presentations on STEM careers, educational pathways, and representation.
- Science-fair, research-conference, and STEM-competition judging.
- Individual tutoring, mentoring, coaching, and academic guidance.
- Community seminars and public STEM-literacy initiatives.
- Virtual workshops and educational resources accessible beyond our local service area.
Participants and partners have included preschools, K–12 schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, community groups, undergraduate research programs, and national scientific events.
Meet Our Founder
Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Chenere P. Ramsey is a neuroscientist, former biology professor, STEM educator, mentor, and nonprofit leader. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Hampton University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
Her professional experience includes scientific research, undergraduate teaching, student and postdoctoral mentoring, academic program development, professional development, and public STEM engagement. Her scientific training has focused particularly on the molecular mechanisms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Ramsey founded Ripen the MeriSTEM to help make STEM knowledge, opportunities, guidance, and professional support more accessible. Through RTM, she combines her experiences as a scientist, educator, and mentor to help learners build confidence, overcome barriers, explore STEM pathways, and develop the skills needed to succeed.
Our Board of Directors
RTM’s Board of Directors provides governance, strategic guidance, professional expertise, and accountability in support of the organization’s mission.
Mrs. Danielle Alexander
Dr. Roscoe W. Ramsey, Jr.
With Gratitude to Our Former Board Members
RTM gratefully recognizes the former board members who have contributed their time, knowledge, and leadership to the organization’s growth and development.
Mr. Marquis Dennis
Dr. Jerald Dumas
Dr. Kristin Finch
Dr. Keisha Findley
Mrs. Tonya Logan
Mr. Lincoln Millwood
Dr. Chinonye Nnakwe
Dr. Timothy Okediran
Mr. Theodore Wells
Dr. Zakiya Whatley