The STEM GEMS Mentoring Pilot Project

05/10/2026

Apply today!!

04/20/2026

08/24/2025

New content is on the way! Check out and for updates! Please like, share and follow! We are BACK!!!

08/19/2025

Who is Alsie Dunbar?

An accomplished engineering and environmental leader with extensive experience across chemical, mining, and industrial sectors. I deliver measurable impact by integrating technical expertise with strategic leadership to optimize operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance sustainability initiatives.

As Product Quality Manager at Noranda, I lead quality programs across metallurgical and mining operations, reducing non-conformance, optimizing processes, and ensuring customer and regulatory compliance while mentoring technical teams.

At Shintech, as Senior Principal Environmental Engineer, I oversee environmental compliance, permitting, and sustainability programs, directing cross-functional teams to reduce regulatory risk, implement emissions and waste minimization programs, and advise leadership on environmental strategy.

At Bayer, as Senior Environmental Engineer, I managed compliance programs, audits, and permitting, implementing initiatives to reduce emissions, optimize waste and water use, and prevent recurring environmental incidents. A subject matter expert in Title V air permitting, RCRA hazardous waste management (LQG), environmental remediation, and federal/state reporting.

Previously at Shell, I advanced from Senior Refinery Chemist / Process Engineering Support Lead to Product Quality Lead, managing laboratory operations, process optimization, and product quality programs that delivered multi-million-dollar yield and energy savings, reduced recurring incidents by up to 40%, and achieved 99%+ first-pass compliance.

Passionate about mentoring teams and bridging technical expertise with business strategy, I excel at solving complex operational challenges, driving continuous improvement, and fostering high-performing teams that deliver safe, sustainable, and high-value results.

A proven track record of leading cross-functional investigation teams to resolve high-priority abnormal process events, consistently minimizing unplanned downtime while protecting company assets. Recognized for expertise in sustainability reporting, digital transformation of waste management systems, and the design and ex*****on of robust environmental compliance programs. In addition to playing a key role in enhancing site-wide safety and advancing strategic sustainability initiatives, I am committed to driving regulatory excellence and enabling organizations to achieve long-term environmental performance and operational integrity.

I can be reached at [email protected] or 225.715.1036.

01/25/2025

🚀 Exciting Announcement: Alyssa Carson joins as an Ambassador! 🌍
We are thrilled to welcome Alyssa as our newest Cosmic Ambassador! Alyssa has been training for space since the age of 7 and her impressive journey includes:
✨ Completing all three NASA space Camps and the NASA Passport Program (visiting all 14 NASA Visitor Centers)
✨ Becoming the youngest Advanced Space Academy graduate
✨ Earning a certification in applied astronautics for suborbital research at just 17
✨ Graduating with a B.S. in Astrobiology and currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Arkansas
✨ Holding multiple certifications, including a Rocket License, Private Pilot License, and Class A Skydiving License
✨ Serving as a UN Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals and the youngest member of the Explorers Club
Alyssa’s passion for space, STEM, and inspiring young women perfectly aligns with Cosmic Girls Foundation’s mission—to empower girls worldwide to dream big and reach for the stars.
Join us in welcoming Alyssa to the Cosmic Girls family! We can’t wait to work together to launch the next generation of female space pioneers.
💫 Let’s inspire the future of space exploration—together!

12/15/2024

Folks the holiday season is upon us.

Please help spread the word.

If you know anyone who would like to receive a Holiday Meal serving a family of 4, send them towards the Haven next week.

Pick up for the meal voucher is Monday December 16 between 9-5pm.

08/08/2024

Today with great excitement, I am finally launching this year’s scholarships and micro grants to be awarded by The STEM GEMS Mentoring Pilot Project at the end of this month. Please like, tag, and share! As always, thanks for your continued support and remember:

Representation Matters.

STEM GEMS Is a pilot mentoring project that focuses on Girls Excelling in Math and Science in Ascension Parish Schools.

06/08/2024

In a continued effort to diligently demonstrate my dedication and investment in the community that raised me, I will award two need-based scholarships of $1,000 and five micro-grants to recent minority high school graduates pursuing STEM based majora this upcoming fall. First preference will be given to graduates who reside within the city limits of Gonzales and attended public high school.

Being a product of Ascension Parish Schools and the child of an educator with 40 years vested, I pride myself on giving back to my community and paying it forward. Education is the best investment to empower the next generation.

Scholarships will be awarded in August. More details are forthcoming soon.

05/15/2023

Last week I had the distinct honor of awarding the second STEM GEMS Mentoring Project Scholarship in the amount of 1,000.00 to East Ascension HIgh School Senior Taylor Morgan. Being present at the Awards Ceremony was such a positive moment seeing so many successful young men and women be honored for accomplishing this important milestone.

01/05/2023

For the past 3 years, Bayer has been a proud partner of Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), a program that provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is my distinct honor to serve as NA Lead for this amazing program.

Support of HBCUs is critical to diversifying talent and increasing Black representation across the industry and within Bayer. I’m proud that Bayer sponsors 3 new FOSSI students each year to connect them with mentors across our company.

Please share with your networks as applications for 2023 are now open:

https://futureofstemscholars.org/fossi

Sponsored by chemical manufacturers and related industry stakeholders, FOSSI provides scholarship recipients $10,000 per year for four years, helping to eliminate financial barriers for historically under-represented groups. Learn more.