Meet Dr. B: The Scientist Sparking a Whole Movement

Dr. Erica Benjamin Williams — affectionately known as Dr. B — is an educator, coach, and science-lover whose mission is simple: spark curiosity, confidence, and joy in every child she encounters. With over a decade of experience teaching and supporting teachers, Dr. B has dedicated her career to making science feel accessible, affirming, and exciting for all families — especially those who don’t always see themselves represented in STEM spaces. Her work blends deep educational expertise with heart, culture, and a dose of fun.

Tiny Sparks Lab was born from that vision. After years of mentoring teachers and studying culturally responsive science instruction, Dr. B realized families needed more: more access, more representation, and more early opportunities to explore STEM together. She created Tiny Sparks Lab to bring science out of the textbook and into real life — onto kitchen counters, patios, playgrounds, and cozy living rooms. Her philosophy is rooted in a simple question: What if children loved science before they were ever forced to learn it for a standardized test? Research shows that early exposure to science dramatically increases children’s confidence, curiosity, and long-term success in STEM. Dr. B’s goal is to build that foundation early — when wonder is still natural, joyful, and deeply connected to how children experience the world.

This mission comes to life first through Dr. B’s debut children’s book, We Are Scientists — a vibrant, engaging celebration of curiosity designed to help young learners see themselves as real scientists from the very first page. The book introduces foundational science skills through relatable characters, kid-friendly explanations, and everyday examples, helping children build confidence in asking questions, making observations, and exploring the world around them. With its diverse illustrations and hands-on activities, We Are Scientists gives families a joyful doorway into scientific thinking long before formal testing ever enters the picture.

The movement continues on the Tiny Sparks Lab website, where Dr. B expands that early spark into weekly exploration for the whole family through Tiny Sparks Tuesdays and Family Sparks Fridays. These blog series offer simple at-home experiments, conversational prompts, and “Tiny Spark Moments” that transform everyday routines into learning opportunities. Together, the book and the website create a complete ecosystem of discovery — helping families build a culture of curiosity, confidence, and connection one spark at a time.

Her hope for Tiny Sparks Lab extends far beyond experiments. It’s about identity, belonging, and the belief that science lives in all of us. Dr. B dreams that every family who opens a book, tries an activity, or reads a blog post feels that surge of confidence and curiosity. Because when children discover early that their questions matter, their ideas matter, and they matter — the possibilities become endless. And that’s the movement Dr. B is inviting us all to join.