Meet the Scientists behind The Lab Drawer
Co-Founders Alecia Gabriel, Ph.D., and Deirdre Roberson, M.S., started The Lab Drawer to design and deliver STEAM education that's rigorous and representative. We partner with schools, nonprofits, youth organizations, and corporations on custom solutions—while serving individual students and families.
OUR MISSION
Ensure all students have equitable access to culturally relevant, technically rigorous STEAM education. We design hands-on learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—grounded in solid scientific foundations while celebrating diverse representation. Through our work, students see themselves in STEAM careers and build pathways toward a more diverse workforce.
Our Team
Deirdre Roberson, M.S.
Deirdre Roberson leads the company’s overall vision, strategy, and growth, overseeing business development, partnerships, revenue generation, product development, and operational infrastructure. Deirdre built the foundational systems that enabled The Lab Drawer to scale globally, including manufacturing, logistics, intellectual property strategy, and brand design. With a background in chemistry and design, she bridges science, creativity, and entrepreneurship to deliver culturally relevant STEAM experiences at scale.
Co- Founder EDUCATION
Cass Technical High School 2004
Xavier University of Louisiana B.S, Chemistry, 2008
University of Detroit Mercy M. S., Chemistry (Biochemistry & Medicinal), 2011
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Deirdre Roberson is a born and raised Detroiter, and passionate about community involvement. In previous roles, Deirdre worked as an Environmental Specialist in Public Health and was the program manager for The STEMinista Project at The Michigan Science Center. An avid community supporter and southwest Detroit resident, Deirdre’s mentored local youth for over 10 years. She’s an advocate for increased funding and support for urban arts and science programs and has volunteered with Karmanos Cancer Institute, Alternatives For Girls, Developing K.I.D.S. and has been awarded for her volunteer work at the Michigan Science Center. In 2021 she gave a TEDx Detroit talk “Fashion as a Vehicle For Change." Deirdre is the founder of EUMELANIN a fashion brand designed to celebrate and empower black and brown people around the world by infusing science in every design. She enjoys reading, art museums, fashion and fast cars.
Dr. Alecia Gabriel leads curriculum development, educational programming, and instructional design, ensuring the company’s STEAM content is engaging, rigorous, and aligned with learning outcomes. Alecia brings deep expertise in chemistry education and experience leading classroom instruction, summer camps, and school-based programs that bring The Lab Drawer’s mission to life for students and educators.
EDUCATION
Cass Technical High School 2003
Xavier University of Louisiana B.S, Biochemistry, 2007
Louisiana State University Ph.D., Chemistry (Bio-Organic) , 2012
Alecia Gabriel, Ph.D.
Co-Founder -
Dr. Alecia Gabriel is passionate about teaching and encouraging young people to go into STEM careers, but she knows the importance of the arts as well. She is excited to share how her background in science and the performing arts (classical vocal training, ballet, tap, jazz/modern dance, musical theater) propels innovative thinking in technical studies. She has experience in managing operations, project management, automotive and aerospace quality assurance, consulting, and of course, instructing students in K - Collegiate levels. She was recognized in Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine (2018) as a “Notable Woman in Manufacturing.” In her free time, she enjoys singing in front of a live audience, traveling, being a foodie, but also spending time with her friends, family, husband, and doggie, Chestnut.
