ST1.8 STEM learning outcomes demonstrate students’ STEM literacy necessary for the next level of STEM learning and for post-secondary and workforce readiness.
1) I aided Dr. Glenn Lightsey in the Space System Design Laboratory in research on cube satellites. Specifically, I help design and prototype a burn-wire retainment and release mechanism which anchors the exterior solar panels of the MicroNimbus satellite while in transport until it reaches orbit and the panels can be fully deployed.
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2) I am a member of Tau Beta Sigma, the National Honorary Band Service Sorority, and am a leader within the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band.
3} I will be studying abroad in Germany from May until August and again from October though August 2019.
Comparison of STEM vs Non-STEM Honors Biology scores, AP Biology Scores, AP Calculus BC, and AP Chemistry Scores.
AP Physics C Avg. Score
STEM 3.93
Georgia 3.84
US 3.69
Global 3.71
AP Physics 1 Avg Score
STEM 3.11
Georgia 2.43
US 2.36
Global 2.40
Liandrie Swanepoel's success plan started with the STEM Academy. Her experiences and capstone project gave her the confidence to petition a faculty member for a position in his lab as a freshmen. At first he didn't believe she possessed the skills she reported; subsequently, he asked her to his lab to prove, in the ultimate performance assessment, she possessed the skills she claimed. After a day in the lab, she was awarded a position and a year later a paid position in the lab and published research.
“I've been working at the Southeastern Cooperative Disease Study (SCWDS) since my first day freshman year of college. My current projects are a rickettsial pathogen screening on ticks from Guam and a study of the phylogenetic and molecular differences between Dracunculus insignis and Dirofilaria insignis. Because of already knowing many biotechnology techniques from the STEM program, I was able to walk right up to my research professor and tell him that I knew how to do these things already and he was very happy to not have to train another undergraduate from the beginning!” Liandre Swonepole, University of Georgia class of 2018, Biological Sciences (NOTE: Liandre was accepted to UGA’s DVM program for 2018, a very competitive program, on her first attempt)
SAT SCORES 2018 Cohort
STEM 1410
FCHS 1119
District 1174
State 1064
Elizabeth Somsen's work provides evidence of post secondary success. The skills she mastered in the STEM Academy and subsequent capstone work allowed her to land a coveted research position in a College laboratory as a freshmen. The email discourse is interesting because the intiial reply from the professor is reluctant, until she sends him evidence of her prior work. Once he reviews her work he is ready to giver her a position in his lab. Typically these positions are not available until junior year or post graduate.
This is a quote from Elizabeth's PI
"I was blown away by Elizabeth's knowledge of science when she asked about working in my laboratory. Her questions and aptitude as a freshman are advanced, the sort of questions typically asked by undergraduates after working in the lab for several years."
David O'Connor
Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Reflection of Classroom Teacher: STEM AP Chemistry Vs Non-STEM AP Chemistry
Student Testimonials & Video Testimonials
Letter from Cole Gizelbach and Photos from Research
Students in the STEM Academy participated in PIVOT U, a leader in professional development in the workplace. Students spent sessions learning appropriate soft skills and communication skills for the workplace.
PIVOT U purpose:
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Promoting individual career growth
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Bolstering workforce knowledge and skills
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Improving productivity and performance
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Strengthening competitive advantage
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![IMG_1139[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/337251_6626f2f1014e4cedadcae72c819dde14f002.jpg/v1/fill/w_483,h_252,enc_auto/file.jpeg)
PIVOT U
![IMG_1132[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/337251_7e25747cc5274da19b475a1c361e2c5af002.jpg/v1/fill/w_966,h_543,enc_auto/file.jpeg)
As a graduate of the Forsyth Central’s STEM Program, I can honestly attest to the personal and academic growth that occurs when attending this school. There a few skills in life where a textbook fails to teach its readers however the teachers in STEM did not disappoint. Aside from the rigorous academics and lab skills, I learned the value in time management and seizing opportunities when I see them. The dedicated teachers at STEM prepares its students to succeed not only in the classroom but as a leader as well. I am a current student at the University of Georgia and double majoring in Genetics and Microbiology with a minor in Student Affairs. I currently working for the EPA’s Citizen Science Project where I collect and analyze water samples from local water supplies for microbes and strain of bacteria. I am presenting the data along with my class mates at the end of the month. I am apart of Anna Karl’s, who is an Associate Professor in the Microbiology Department, Biomedical Learning Community where I learn about the current research being done at UGA and attend her weekly lab meetings. I hope to start research with her as early as next fall and the only reason that this is a possibility for me is due to the extensive knowledge in lab equipment and sciences I had acquired through the Biotechnology pathway. I am also the current President of my residence hall’s community council where I oversee development of residence hall policies, procedures, and programs of almost 1000 residents. I have attended multiple conferences, round tables discussions and presentations. I was asked to present a program at a State Level Housing Conference and won first in program presenting. I hope to continue at the national level in May as well as be elected on the National Residence Hall Honorary Executive Board for UGA. I know for a fact that none of my accomplishments would have been possible without my previous experiences in the STEM Academy. The faculty provides the resources and opportunities to not only be a successful student in any type of classroom but an innovative leader as well.
All the best,
Kelly Mia Strachan
University of Georgia | Class of 2021
Genetics B.S. | Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Minor
Residence Hall Association | CCC President
