The AI & STEM Keynote Speaker That Gets Standing Ovations and Rebook Requests
Former NASA scientist Kantis Simmons delivers high-energy keynotes that equip students, educators, and leaders with the strategies to thrive in the age of AI.
Trusted by 500+ events across 48 states and internationally.
"Best Speaker in 11 years"
"He was one of the best speakers we ever had in 11 years... He was so good that several of our students asked to stay here today to see him again because they enjoyed him so much."
- Danny Knot, Principal | East Montgomery HS (VA)
Signature Keynote #1
"STEM IS EVERYWHERE - AND SO IS AI"
Preparing Students for the Future of Work
AI is transforming every industry, and schools are racing to catch up.
In this eye-opening keynote, former NASA scientist Kantis Simmons gives educators and administrators a clear, actionable roadmap for bringing STEM and AI literacy into their classrooms and culture, without overwhelming their teams.
Your audience will walk away ready to:
- Confidently integrate AI tools and STEM thinking into their classrooms and programs
- Identify the specific career pathways their students need exposure to NOW
- Spark curiosity and engagement — even with the most disengaged students
- Lead their school or district's AI readiness strategy with a practical framework
Ideal for: State and national education conferences, district convocation events, STEM summits, university kick-offs, and leadership retreats. Frequently booked as the opening or closing keynote.
CHECK SPEAKING AVAILABILITY⇢
"You won’t be disappointed when hiring Kantis..."
“Kantis brought unparalleled energy and insight to our Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit. His tailored AI+STEM message sparked deep engagement with educators — setting the tone for an unforgettable conference.”
- Brandi Stroecker | Tennesse STEM Innovation Network, Director (TN)
Signature Keynote #2
PLAY YOUR "A" GAME IN THE AI ERA
The NASA Scientist’s Success Formula for Academic Excellence and Future Careers
Students today face a world their parents and teachers never experienced, one shaped by AI, automation, and career pathways that didn't exist five years ago.
In this powerful keynote, former NASA scientist Kantis Simmons shows students exactly how to move from distraction to direction, from potential to performance, and from "I don't know what I want to do" to a clear plan for their future.
Students will leave this keynote able to:
- Apply science-backed study strategies that actually work (from a real NASA scientist)
- Use AI as a learning co-pilot — not a shortcut
- Identify high-impact STEM and AI career paths they never knew existed
- Build the confidence and discipline that colleges and employers are looking for
Ideal for: School assemblies (500+ students), student leadership events, TRIO/Upward Bound programs, college readiness conferences, and university welcome weeks. Kantis's most-requested talk for student audiences.
CHECK SPEAKING AVAILABILITY⇢"I Highly Recommend for STEM and AI Events!"
"He did beyond our wildest imaginations, and encouraged them to live beyond their dreams and pursue careers in STEM. They were engaged and laughing. I highly recommend Kantis."
-Jessie Vernon, Program Manager (Institiue for Advanced. Learning & Research), Virgina
Signature Keynote #3
"FROM BURNED OUT TO BREAKTHROUGH!"
Reclaiming Purpose and Innovation in the AI Era
Teacher burnout has reached crisis levels, and AI is adding another layer of uncertainty.
In this inspiring keynote, Kantis Simmons gives educators practical tools to reduce overwhelm, leverage AI to reclaim hours every week, and reconnect with the reason they became educators in the first place.
Educators will walk away with:
- A practical AI toolkit that saves 3-5 hours per week on planning and admin
- Renewed clarity on their purpose and impact as educators
- Strategies to create engaging, energized learning environments — even on hard days
- Sustainable teaching habits that prevent burnout long-term
Ideal for: Teacher appreciation events, professional development days, district leadership summits, and education association conferences. Often paired with Keynote #1 for full-day educator events.
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"He Engages Both Students and Educators"
Kantis was amazing. He has such a way of engaging with students and with educators. He gave us messages that we can take home and messages that we can remember. Thank you Kantis"
-Dr. Jennifer Benne, Dept. Head | Lincoln University (MO)
Signature Keynote #4
"FUTURE-PROOF FOR THE ERA"
How Leaders Build AI-Ready Teams That Drive Innovation
AI isn't coming, it's here!
And the organizations that thrive will be the ones whose leaders understand how to adopt it strategically, ethically, and with their people at the center.
In this keynote, former NASA scientist Kantis Simmons draws from his experience at NASA, Fortune 500 companies, and 500+ speaking engagements to show leaders exactly how to build AI-ready, innovation-driven teams.
Leaders will walk away with:
- A strategic framework for AI adoption that doesn't disrupt, it accelerates
- How to build an innovation-driven culture where teams embrace change (not fear it)
- Practical steps to close the STEM and AI skills gap in your workforce
- The leadership mindset required to guide teams through rapid technological disruption
Ideal for: Corporate conferences, C-suite leadership retreats, innovation summits, association annual meetings, and industry trade shows. Kantis's highest-rated keynote for non-education audiences.
CHECK SPEAKING AVAILABILITY⇢"If You Are Tinkering with STEM or STEAM..."
My School District was fortunate to have Kantis talking to us about ways in which we can empower our students and our community to really be proactive members of a S.T.E.A.M community.
…I would highly recommend that you bring Kantis to your school.
-Marc Patterson (Superintendent) East Whittier, CA
"Inspired Them About STEM"
"He's getting students energized, motivated and inspired about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. And that's most important to me and my University. "
-Dr. Shumaker, Associate Professor | Univ. of West Alabama (AL)
"He hit it out of the ballpark."
We wanted somebody to start off the STEM conference with inspiring the teachers, let them know how worthwhile they are and what they're capable of doing for their students. He did an amazing job.
- Kim Connolly | Virginia Military Institute (VA)
Ready to Make Your Next Event Unforgettable?
When you book Kantis Simmons, your audience gets more than a keynote, they get an experience. Here's what's included:
✓ Pre-event strategy call to customize the message for YOUR audience
✓ 45-75 minute high-energy keynote presentation
✓ Audience Q&A session
✓ Optional book signing with "Playing Your 'A' Game"
✓ Post-event resources for attendees