West High graduate Dasia Taylor celebrating 20th birthday at Iowa Children’s Museum

CORALVILLE — Local young innovator Dasia Taylor is spearheading a free event at the Iowa Children’s Museum Friday to celebrate her 20th birthday.

The museum is celebrating “Dasia Day” Friday, Aug. 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. with a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, including an interactive drone demonstration, a water balloon drop, straw rockets, take-home activity kits and special giveaways.

“Celebrating STEM and kindling a love of learning seemed like the perfect way to celebrate,” Dasia said in a news release. “I’m excited to collaborate with The Iowa Children’s Museum to create an unforgettable event that fosters a passion for exploration.”

Taylor is a trailblazing STEAM advocate (M for medical technology) and technology innovator who has been nationally recognized for her exceptional scientific achievements.

As a student at Iowa City West High School in 2021, Taylor gained national recognition for prototyping a suture capable of identifying developing infections, showcasing her innovative spirit and dedication to improving health care.

Since then, Taylor has been on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, PBS NewsHour, CNN, Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post and PEOPLE Magazine.

In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Taylor was named the 2023 Iowa’s Woman of the Year presented by USA Today, which recognizes leaders who are making a significant impact in their communities. Taylor was also featured in the Rebel Girls series, “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women” book.

Through her innovative work and advocacy for STEAM education, Taylor is inspiring the next generation of young leaders to stay curious, learn inside and outside of the classroom and make a positive impact on the world, according to a news release from the museum.

The highlight of the event Friday will be a drone demonstration where children will have the opportunity to pilot a drone within an enclosure set up in the museum. This exciting activity will allow kids to navigate challenges and learn about the science of flight firsthand.

Attendees also can enjoy museum exhibits, construct straw rockets, participate in a water balloon drop experiment and have a chance to win signed copies of the book "Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls" by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo.

To make the birthday celebration complete, cake will be served and every child will receive STEM activity party favors to take home.

"We’re thrilled to join forces with Dasia Taylor and offer kids in our community new and exciting ways to learn about STEM concepts," said Jeff Capps, executive director at The Iowa Children's Museum. "Children’s museums sow the seeds of lifelong learning, and partnering with a trailblazer like Dasia is an exciting opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire children.”

This event presents a unique opportunity for local children and families to meet Dasia, gain insights into the world of innovation and research and be part of an unforgettable celebration.

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