Biography
Tyraine "Grand Hank" Ragsdale
Tyraine Ragsdale (a.k.a. Grand Hank) is the founder and CEO of The Knowledge Factory, Inc. (TKFI) and president of Grand Hank Productions Incorporated. Prior to heading these organizations, Tyraine was a research chemist for the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute Division of Johnson & Johnson. Tyraine is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Chemistry. He chose the field of Chemistry because of his interest in researching and developing new methods to cure physical illnesses. His scientific background has given him a leading edge in today's technology and insight on how to organizing ideas in ways that encourage others. At the same time Tyraine possess a music and television background that allows him to create multimedia programs and products that appeal to all audiences.
Since founding TKFI in 1998, Tyraine has reached a wide range of students, parents and teachers across the globe with his educational programs, products and services. Tyraine’s accomplishments and current projects include but are not limited to:
• Recipient of an invitation to participate in the 6th and final White House Science Fair with President Obama.
• Presenting the keynote address at the National Conference of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in Nashville, TN
• Featured presenter at the U.S. Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, DC.
• Recipient of the “Man Of The Year” award by The National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorporated.
• Completing a 10-city STEM-Energy tour sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute.
• Completing a 5-city “Science Is Fun” tour with the DuPont Corporation.
• Renovation of a 10,000 Sq. Ft. facility adjacent to LaSalle University to house the “Grand Hank STEM Center For Inner City Youth.”
• Traveled to South Africa for an 11 City Road Show that covered more than 3000 miles over the course of 3 weeks, which provided professional development for under-represented and under-served teachers and students.
• Founder and host of the “Science of Philadelphia” and “Science Lab of Grand Hank” television shows, which were broadcast on Comcast and Verizon Fios networks through PSTV’s channel of the Philadelphia School District.
Tyraine's commitment to moving science education to a new level has not gone unrecognized. He is has been featured in newspapers, magazines as well as appearing on radio and television talk shows.
As a community leader and scientist, Tyraine knows education is critical. His commitment to education, in general, and science education, specifically, as well as his desire to provide positive role models in the urban community is the cornerstone of TKFI.