IEEE STEM Champion for the 2024-2025 term were announced yesterday, and I am honored to be listed !
This opportunity holds great significance for me as I believe it will connect me with a network that can further my passion for STEM education, particularly in digital making skillsets, and allow me to contribute to empowering the next generation of technology innovators and problem solvers.
My involvement in STEM Outreach dates back to 2016, with a focus on digital making skillsets encompassing programming, physical computing, and 3D modeling. Through the UMP STEM Lab, we’ve developed various modules tailored to specific outreach objectives, including robotics, computational thinking, media & information literacy, web development, coding, and game making.
One of the most rewarding aspects of STEM outreach is the challenge it presents: explaining complex concepts, such as electronics engineering principles, in simple terms. As an educator, this challenge pushes me to continuously improve and innovate in my teaching methods, finding creative ways to make STEM subjects accessible to all students.
I firmly believe that overcoming this challenge not only enhances my skills as an educator but also equips me to inspire and empower students to pursue their passions in STEM. It’s a journey of growth and learning, both for myself and for the students I have the privilege to teach.
I am dedicated to ensuring that students at all levels, from undergraduates to school children, are equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Within the framework of the UMP STEM Lab module, we prioritize a collaborative approach that involves undergraduate students becoming mentors to younger school children. This intergenerational collaboration fosters a sense of community, nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Engaging in STEM outreach has brought me immense fulfillment. Observing students delve into STEM concepts, such as robot making and computational thinking in programming, fills me with joy and satisfaction. Witnessing their eyes light up with curiosity and excitement upon completing modules is truly rewarding.
The STEM Outreach program for school-aged students that I am most proud of is the open-source robotics program. This program provides students with a hands-on experience in various digital making skillsets, including programming microcontrollers, exploring physical computing concepts in robotics application, and creating detailed 3D models.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the robotics module is witnessing the students’ engagement and excitement as they learn to code microcontrollers to interact with sensors and create their own electronic circuits for robots. This hands-on experience not only teaches them valuable coding skills but also introduces them to the world of sensors and electronic systems. Additionally, when students are able to make their own electronic circuits and code them to be functional, such as designing a line-following robot or obstacle avoidance mechanism, it further enhances their understanding of robotics principles and fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities.
Moreover, the robotics module offers a comprehensive learning experience that covers a wide range of skills within the digital making domain. From programming to 3D modeling, students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of technology and develop their interests.
I am particularly proud of the robotics program because it encourages collaboration and problem-solving among students. Being part of the students’ journey to solve their challenges in learning to make and code robots has been a truly rewarding moment for me. Seeing them work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals fills me with pride and reinforces my belief in the power of STEM education to inspire and empower young minds.
As I step into my new role as an IEEE STEM Champion, I am eager to continue making a positive impact in my community and beyond. I am committed to conducting engaging STEM outreach events, sharing results with the vTools platform, and actively participating in the Pre-University STEM Community. Additionally, I’m excited to serve as a reviewer for STEM grants and programs, contribute to promoting IEEE’s pre-university education initiatives, and help build a vibrant STEM outreach volunteer community.
Together, let’s inspire the next generation of technology leaders and change-makers through the power of STEM education.