Kylie Flowers almost didn’t apply to The University of Tulsa. One text from a friend changed her academic journey, and now she’s changing how young women around the globe view science, technology, engineering and math.
After talking to a close friend who attends UTulsa, Flowers made the jump and transferred in, leading her to a fulfilling college experience and, uniquely, a growing role as a social media influencer focusing on female representation in STEM.
“I told my friend I didn’t know if this place is for me,” said Flowers. “And she said, ‘Why don’t you apply and then we can go together?’ I did it, and it has worked out well for me so far.”
Flowers’ interest in chemical engineering began in middle school and continued into high school. When selecting a major at UTulsa, her interest resurfaced, eventually shaping her academic goals. She credits small classes, supportive faculty and abundant resources for helping her rediscover her passion.
“Studying here just keeps sparking me to keep going,” said Flowers. “When I started school, I didn’t want to go to graduate or professional school. I thought engineering would be an interesting path. But, if I were to go to graduate school now, I would love to continue my studies here.”
Finding inspiration from herself, Flowers creates content while keeping in mind the person who feels they’re not capable of excelling in STEM. Of those who inspired her, she mentioned Ty Johannes, Ph.D., professor and Wayne B. Rumley Endowed Chair of Chemical Engineering. She said he cares deeply about every student’s success and his mentorship motivates her to inspire others in return.
“Professor Johannes has given me a lot of opportunities. He really cares about his students. I will always appreciate that,” said Flowers.
Beyond academic inspiration, she uses her social media presence to help others see themselves in engineering and to encourage more women to pursue STEM academics. When she began her college journey, Flowers struggled to find role models who looked like her. That gap became the reason she stepped forward to become one herself.
“When you see somebody who looks like you doing something difficult, it makes it seem way more attainable. If you don’t see people like you messing up and failing, which comes with the territory, it seems less possible,” she said.
Her Instagram platform has become a powerful extension of that mission. By sharing both her successes and struggles, she normalizes the learning process and makes engineering feel more accessible to young women who may question whether they belong. Her growing audience sees not just a student crushing chemical engineering, but someone who reflects their own doubts, aspirations and potential.
When asked what advice she would give other students, Flowers said, “Keep moving yourself forward. When you look back, you will be so proud of yourself – and you never know, you may be inspiring someone else who is watching.”
UTulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science welcomes students of all backgrounds to accomplish their STEM career and personal goals. For more information about its degree programs, visit here.