STEM Heroes

 In this episode of the STEM Heroes Podcast, host David Young interviews Dr. Jeremy Babendure, a scientist turned STEM education advocate. Dr. Babendure shares his journey from working with fluorescent proteins in the lab to launching the San Diego Science Festival and creating the Chief Science Officer program. He discusses how these initiatives have grown globally, connecting STEM education with...

Join host David Young as he interviews Laurie Prewandowski, a technology integrator at Kearsarge Regional School District in New Hampshire. Laurie shares her experiences bringing drone technology into middle school classrooms to enhance STEM education. Key topics covered: Laurie's role as a digital learning specialist Using drones to teach math, science, and problem-solving skills The Take Flight...

Join host David Young as he interviews Amanda Bastoni, an expert in STEM education and drone curriculum development. Amanda shares her journey from photography teacher to STEM advocate, and discusses her groundbreaking work with CAST, developing free drone curriculum for middle schools. Key topics include: Innovative approaches to introducing drones in classrooms Strategies for engaging girls in S...

In this episode of the STEM Heroes podcast, host David Young talks to Jason McKenna of VEX Robotics. Jason shares his inspiring journey from being a classroom teacher who initially knew nothing about robotics, to falling in love with teaching STEM and coding through robotics. He provides a fascinating inside look at VEX Robotics, the largest STEM education provider in the world that engages millio...

In this episode of the STEM Heroes podcast, host David Young talks with Keith Pritchett, a former Army helicopter pilot turned JROTC high school instructor in Alabama. Keith shares his fascinating background, including 26 years in the Army where he worked as an air traffic controller before becoming a helicopter pilot and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the military,...

Join David Young and Thomas Gabel, a high school teacher from Central Texas, as they discuss Thomas' innovative drone curriculum spanning three years of coursework. In this engaging episode, you'll learn about the fascinating journey of teaching drones to high school students, from paper airplanes to obtaining FAA Part 107 certification, real-world applications, and even internship opportunities....

Matt Ernst is an educator at Aiken New Tech High School in Cincinnati, Ohio who runs a drone class for high school students. In this episode, he discusses how he got the drone program started, the process of getting funding and community partners involved, and the real-world opportunities he provides for students. Some key highlights: Students can earn 6 out of 12 required graduation points by obt...

Adrian Mayo is a true STEM hero! In this inspiring episode, we hear from Adrian, a former professional clown with Ringling Brothers Circus who is now passionately educating kids about drones and technology. Adrian shares his incredible journey of how he got started teaching drone camps and workshops after being inspired by kids' excitement for drones at an after-school program. Despite having no m...

Grant Brewer, a former high school drone instructor who now works at DroneUp, joins the STEM Heroes podcast to discuss the exciting world of drone delivery and drone careers. He shares his experience teaching one of the first high school drone programs in Arkansas, covering topics like the hands-on curriculum, student projects, and preparing students for FAA drone certification. Grant then dives i...

In this first episode of the STEM Heroes podcast, host David Young talks to Adam Rangwala, a mechanical engineer who found his way into STEM education teaching drones to elementary school students. Adam shares his journey from working as an aerospace machinist to consulting and then pivoting to teaching STEM skills like coding drones. He gives insights into the joys and challenges of getting 3rd-5...

Welcome to the STEM Heroes Podcast, hosted by David Young! In this trailer, David gives an overview of what to expect from the podcast, including interviews with STEM innovators, inspiring stories from classrooms, and insights into teaching technologies like drones and robotics. The podcast features discussions with teachers, students, administrators, and anyone connected to STEM education. David...