Tomi Temilade Mafe is a Ph.D. student in Chemistry Education at Middle Tennessee State University. She holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Public Health. Her research interest includes how teaching culture within STEM departments influences science identity development. She is also interested in how pedagogical practices, faculty mindsets, and departmental norms shape students’ sense of belonging and engagement in scientific communities. Through her work, Tomi aims to inform sustainable reforms that support retention and identity development in STEM education. Tomi enjoys exploring new cuisines and traveling to experience diverse cultures in her free time.