State Representative Regina Lewis-Ward served as the keynote speaker and industry partner for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 21st Annual Student Awards Ceremony at Clayton State University, according to a Mar. 26 announcement. The event gathered faculty, parents, students, and community leaders to honor academic achievement in fields such as biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, technology, and science.
The annual ceremony aims to recognize student excellence while highlighting the importance of STEM education in preparing future leaders for a rapidly changing world. This year’s theme was “Think Fast, Think Deep: STEM Insights for a Changing World,” which included presentations and panel discussions on critical issues within STEM disciplines.
“We are living in an era where solving problems with speed is celebrated,” Rep. Lewis-Ward said during her remarks. “But, the real question is not just how fast you can think—it’s how well you can think.”
Lewis-Ward discussed real-world situations where quick decision-making is vital—such as identifying suspicious cybersecurity activity—and also pointed out that some decisions require careful consideration due to their significant consequences. “There are moments that demand we slow down because the consequences are too great to rush,” added Rep. Lewis-Ward while referencing complex policy topics like proposed changes to SNAP benefits.
She encouraged students to balance both approaches in their future careers: “Your future in STEM will not be defined by choosing one over the other,” said Rep. Lewis-Ward. “It will be defined by your ability to do both—thinking fast when needed and thinking deep when it matters most.”
In related context about Georgia state officials,Burns, a Republican, was elected to represent Georgia’s 159th House District in 2005.
