SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit Archives

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Programs

September 30, 2019 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Programs

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SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Programs

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee programs are Irish heritage programs for young women from ages 6-28. The programs’ missions are to empower, inspire, and connect the women of Arizona with their heritage and the global Irish diaspora. These programs are organized and funded by the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire committee, a 501(c)3.

Kayla Gray has more than a decade of STEM experience. She received her bachelor’s of science from Case Western Reserve University with honors in chemical biology, chemistry and biology and holds master’s certificates in applied anatomy and neurobiology. Currently, Kayla works at Donor Network of Arizona where she is responsible for the research programs associated with organ donation.

She has been recognized for her work worldwide through presentations at several conferences, leadership opportunities and awards for her innovative work. As the 2019 Arizona Colleen and Rose, she has worked closely with STEM outreach and has provided interactive demonstrations across the globe, performing science experiments both locally and on international stages to help inspire future careers in STEM.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Kayla: We support and interact with a variety of women, of all ages, who are interested in STEM fields. As we grow, we are interested in learning more about the ways we can advocate for and educate girls in STEM fields.

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ESGR and USS Phoenix Cold War Monument Foundation

September 30, 2019 by Karen

SciTech-Institute-STEM-and-Innovation-Summit-with-Pete-Lumianski-and-Dan-Irving1

Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ESGR and USS Phoenix Cold War Monument Foundation

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SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ESGR and USS Phoenix Cold War Monument Foundation

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that seeks to facilitate and promote a culture of employer support of the Guard and Reserve Component. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness and resolves conflict between employers and service members focusing on three core functions: Military Outreach, Employer Outreach,and Ombudsman services. ESGR is volunteer led and mission driven.

Dan Irving is the Arizona State Chair, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). He served as the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Arizona Air National Guard. Mr. Irving was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Adjutant General and staff on matters pertaining to policies and actions that affected the training, readiness, utilization, health of the force and professional development of the enlisted members of the Arizona Air National Guard. He retired with more than 38 years of serve.

The USS Phoenix (SSN-702) Cold War Monument Foundation is a non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to preserving parts of the USS Phoenix (SSN-702), a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine named after the City of Phoenix and placing the parts in Steele Indian School Park as the centerpiece of a Cold War Monument honoring all Cold War Veterans and especially those submariners instrumental in ending the Cold War, circa 1946-1991.

Captain Pete Lumianski is a retired naval officer with 27 years of service as a naval aviator/helicopter pilot. He has been living in the Valley for 30 years and working on the USS Phoenix Cold War Monument project for over 25 of those years. He’s a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, 1965, a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College and holds an MBA from Bryant University.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In your professional opinion, how can we better work as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness?

Pete: Promote, promote, promote, especially among young people of school age. Using our Cold War/Submarine monument as an example of intense STEM-related thought and outcomes, build community awareness of the importance of and need for advanced scientific thinking and accomplishments.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Pete: The USS Phoenix (SSN-702) is a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the Los Angeles Class, part of the largest fleet of nuclear-powered submarines ever built. It’s a supreme example of a STEM product, and as such, has been used to showcase STEM technologies and outcomes. The USS Phoenix (SSN-702) Cold War Monument Foundation has been active in the STEM Community promoting STEM initiatives and activities by highlighting U.S. submarine operations and warfare technologies.

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ACCEL and AZTEA

September 30, 2019 by Karen

SciTech-Institute-STEM-and-Innovation-Summit-with-Stacey-Pasquel-and-Matthew-Levac1

Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ACCEL and AZTEA

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SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with ACCEL and AZTEA

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

ACCEL is a private Non-Profit Organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities across the life span. Our mission is to provide exceptional educational, behavioral, therapeutic and vocational programs to individuals with special needs, to give them the necessary skills to learn to work and live successfully with dignity and independence.

Matthew Levac has been working at ACCEL for 5 years. He came on as an Occupational Therapist for our private day school. Matthew now serves as the Therapy Supervisor. Over the past 3 years he has been developing relationships with high school STEM teams across the Phoenix metro area to help with the creation of assistive technology. This is also called the AT Makers movement nationally.

Currently, two high school interns from Bioscience Highschool that serve their students in the creation of AT. They are also developing a program with Grand Canyon University in their Engineering Department to further their ability to create AT solutions for student needs.

The Arizona STEM Collaborative is comprised of three partner organizations – the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics, the Arizona Science Teachers Association, and the Arizona Technology in Education Association. Our mission is to improve and support STEM education in Arizona through three strategic areas: 1) Curriculum & Instruction; 2) Advocacy & Communication; and 3) Organizational Development.

Stacey Pasquel is a professional educator with an extensive background in the education technology field, especially as it relates to professional development, curriculum & instruction, and models for leading complex change. She is a Technology Integration Educator for Gilbert Public Schools, she serves as the President of the Arizona Technology in Education Association (AzTEA), and she is an adjunct professor for the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Stacey understands the urgency for today’s students to be creators of content, critical thinkers, effective communicators and adept problem-solvers in order to thrive in today’s job market, therefore, she strives to foster transformative learning experiences for students that develop 21st century skills and infuse technology in meaningful contexts.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In your professional opinion, how can we better work as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness?

Matthew: For me the need is professionals that can be apart of the exceptional student environment within schools. Every exceptional student has unique needs that can be met with the right combination of therapeutic input and Maker skills. This combination is what drives the AT Maker movement.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Matthew: The AT Maker movement has allowed me to reach out to high school age students in STEM program for the creation of assistive technology (AT). The SciTech Institute is a great resource to network and develop relationships with the teachers that over see these programs. I have also been asked to be on a panel discussion on Disability Inclusion by the SciTech institute. I am also part of an AT Maker challenge put on by Southwest Human Development. The challenge is 6 weeks long and gives highschool STEM a real world problem that allows them to create an AT device as the solution. There is also an IoT aspect to the challenge that allows students to get exposure to that field as well.

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Laveen School District and STEM Sports

September 28, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Laveen School District and STEM Sports

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SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Laveen School District and STEM Sports

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

The mission of the Laveen Elementary School District, with the support of parents and community, is to develop in our children the knowledge, skills, and character to achieve academic excellence, personal growth, and success in a safe, positive environment.

Dr. Joe Roselle has been a public educator for over twenty years in Title I schools. He has been a middle school teacher, building level administrator and is currently a community engagement coordinator for the Laveen School District. In his current capacity, Dr. Roselle works closely with the community to find win-win partnership for the Laveen School District.

STEM Sports® provides turnkey K-8 supplemental curriculum. They deliver standards-aligned lessons using Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball and BMX as the strategic vehicles to drive STEM-based learning in classrooms, after-school programs, and camps.

Jeff Golner is the Principle Principal of Agency G, a full service creative, marketing and event production firm. Successfully operating since November 2005, Agency G works with a wide range of businesses in sports, entertainment, service industries and not-for profit organizations. Golner is also the President & CEO of STEM Sports®. STEM Sports develops and provides turnkey curricula for 3rd through 8th grade-aged students using a sport as the strategic vehicle to drive STEM-based learning in classrooms, after-school programs, and camp settings. Prior to venturing on his own, Golner enjoyed a long marketing, game operations and entertainment career with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1997 to 2005, leaving as Senior Director of Game Operations.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In your professional opinion, how can we better work as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness?

Dr. Roselle: In Laveen, we truly believe we can advance STEM by engaging our community. Our STEM initiative is not just a club our a class. Our Chief Science Officers are interested in integrating STEM into everything we do. We know we can solve the STEM shortage with the help of our community.

Jeff: The best way to work, is together, as a collaborative force. Further, never steer far from why STEM education exists in the first place; improving workforce readiness and exposing career paths now at a young age should bear fruit down the road. And the more the ecosystem can work together to propel STEM awareness and workforce readiness, the better. While quantity of effort is helpful, the quality can be improved by collaboration.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Dr. Roselle: In order to increase the STEM footprint in Laveen, Dr. Roselle coordinates the Chief Science Officers program in Laveen. Chief Science Officers currently host a signature event annually that identifies STEM resources for families in Laveen.

Jeff: STEM Sports® is very intentional in both the STEM education industry as well as here locally with the SciTech Institute. First, we offer a unique method of delivering hands-on 21st century STEM education using sports as the catalyst. We work with schools across the United States and are beginning collaboration internationally as well. As an Arizona based company, it’s important to support local STEM education efforts. Working closely with the SciTech Institute has been a no brainer and very successful thus far. In particular, our work and connections within the CSO program has been fruitful and effective. To get the CSO’s involved with STEM Sports® has been rewarding as they’ve been helpful as a collaborative partners.

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Grand Canyon University and Basha High School

September 27, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Grand Canyon University and Basha High School

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SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with Grand Canyon University and Basha High School

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

Grand Canyon University prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage.

Cori Araza has over 17 years in the high school classroom, focusing on technology and STEM integration, and the implementation of engaging teaching strategies. She serves as the STEM Outreach Director at GCU where her mission is to serve, support, and inspire K12 educators, students, and community as they encourage students to pursue STEM education.

Chandler Unified School District is a premier district of choice. Academic achievement is a high priority in the district as evidenced by test scores which exceed state and national averages. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding educational programs at all grade levels. From an accelerated middle school to a cutting edge cybersecurity program, Basha High School is a great example of diverse learning options available to students within our district.

Janet Hartkopf has been an educator with CUSD for over 12 years. She has taught 7 – 12 computer science for the district. As a result of her background and involvement in the cybersecurity community, Janet has recently accepted the position of Cyber Program Director for Basha High School. She is responsible for reaching out to the community, companies and public to promote cybersecurity and the program offered at Basha High School.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In your professional opinion, how can we better work as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness?

Cori: We need to communicate often, emphasizing a consistent message of the importance of STEM education, where students are encouraged and supported so that they maintain their courses of study and become a part of the STEM workforce solution. All too often, our conversations stall because the problems we face are challenging. I think this is where we must act with conviction, across institutional boundaries for the sake of the students, the future employees in STEM.

Janet: We can work better as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness by participating in forums and having dialogs so that we understand what is needed in the community and industry realizes what is needed in education from the community. You cannot have one without the other. We can improve workforce readiness by training students in the skills necessary for work through project-based learning and other classroom strategies, embedding the soft skills that employers are looking for, but also by employers opening their doors and allowing students to see their environment and coming into classrooms; talking about opportunities in those fields. When we are working together to understand and meet the STEM needs in our community the public will respond in kind.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Cori: Grand Canyon University offers a unique STEM curriculum in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The small class sizes and business-focused intent of the programs prepare students to become a part of today’s STEM solution by providing hands-on, industry-focused activities and opportunities for students to enter and thrive in this workforce.

Janet: CUSD’s Journey 2025 mission is to empower all students with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to excel in college, career and life. They are not just visionary in their STEM perspective but also action takers, doing what is best not only for students but reaching out to the surrounding community and state to proactively meet the employment needs. BHS is a great example of how CUSD has emphasized STEM education on a campus. Students have the opportunity to experience a comprehensive curriculum including Engineering, Bio Technology, Nursing, Mathematics and Multimedia and enriches the curriculum through clubs such as, Science is Fun where we train HS “ambassadors” to energize elementary students with the love of science. Our Science if Fun club has presented at AZ SciTech Festivals and has hosted AZ SciTech events in the past. Recently Basha has developed the Institute of Cyber Operations and Networking (ICON) a partnership with Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the University of Arizona – Chandler that is developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with LocoRobo and Project Lead The Way

September 27, 2019 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with LocoRobo and Project Lead The Way

00:00 /

SciTech Institute STEM and Innovation Summit with LocoRobo and Project Lead The Way

Take part in the future and interact with some of Arizona’s most influential thinkers at the 2019 STEM and Innovation Summit held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This year’s statewide conference brought together Arizona’s key stakeholders in business, industry, education, government, NGO, the community to:

Share best practices, lessons and stories from the field
Experience the latest in Arizona technology and innovation
Build unique and diverse STEM networks
Discuss how we can work as connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness

LocoRobo’s mission is to empower students to solve problems, navigate opportunities, and pursue their dreams in the 21st century.

Dr. Pramod Abichandani serves as professor in the areas of Robotics and Data Science and has taught at Drexel University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the Wharton School of Business.

In addition, he is 1 of 4 directors of the 2nd largest makerspace in the world at NJIT and recently selected to help redesign the Next Generation Science Standards.

Project Lead The Way is a non profit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the United States. We create an engaging environment necessary to thrive in an evolving world.

Sylvia Grace teaches at Camille Casteel High and is part of the founding faculty teaching Engineering,Math, and Honors and AP Chemistry. She earned her National Board Certification in Chemistry in 2006 and recertified in 2017. Sylvia is also an Adjunct Chemistry professor at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Sylvia was not always a teacher as she worked in industry as a process engineer for Analytical Technologies, IBM and Dell.

Her education is in the field of Chemical Engineering in which she earned both her Master’s (1995) and Bachelors, (1982) from New Mexico State University. She acquired her teaching credentials from Arizona State University in 1986.Professionally, Sylvia is a member of the Chemical Engineering Academic Academy and the Engineering Deans Council at NMSU. She was the 2005 Arizona recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Teacher Award and the SME National Engineering Teacher award in 2006.

Learn more about SciTech on their website and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In your professional opinion, how can we better work as a connected ecosystem to improve public STEM awareness and improve workforce readiness?

Dr. Abichandani: Computer Science for all was proposed by Obama back in 2016. The majority of people, today, still view Computer Science as kids will be coders and work on robots after high school or college. Computer Science is the new basic skill that must be integrated in the daily curriculum for all grades, K-12. How do we communicate that? I think it’s getting away from “STEM based careers” and focus on students finding what problems they want to solve in the world. Every industry, Law, Medical, Design, Agriculture, and many more…to even Plumbing!..they’re all being impacted by computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our students need to be directed in an industry of their choosing coupled with the computer science and computational thinking skills to improve, excite, and increase creativity so our kids are prepared to pursue the path that speaks to them.

Silvia: The SciTech Institute has been impacting this ecosystem in the past few years by holding this event, now I believe it is time to bring these groups together in a more formal meeting environment to start impacting policy and education in our state.

In what ways are you and your organization involved in STEM education and/or the SciTech Institute?

Dr. Abichandani: Backbone Communications is the exclusive distributor for LocoRobo for the state of Arizona. With trained staff residing locally in Arizona, Backbone is able to offer onsite and regular support to ensure Arizona schools realize success with each implementation.

Silvia: Project Lead The Way brings together an ecosystem of teachers, administrators, colleges and universities, and education and business leaders to engage students in learning, as we prepare them to seek rewarding careers, solve important challenges, and contribute to global progress.