#STEMbassador Senior Spotlight: Maddie Speigel

Maddie (center) at a STEM Family Night.

What made you want to become a STEM Ambassador in the first place?

I wanted to gain and spread more knowledge of STEM and all the exciting and fascinating things that come with it.

What has been your biggest learning curve in the lab?

My biggest learning curve has been learning how to communicate with people about topics that they are not knowledgeable in.

What tool do you like best and why?

I loved to use the laser cutter to make signs for myself and others.

How is the lab helping you see potential in your future plans for college or career?

The lab is helping me see potential in my future plans for college because I will need to use a lot of science in order to do well in my studies.

What has been your biggest success in the lab so far?

My biggest success in the lab so far has been being able to help kids gain interest in STEM, helping them to want to learn more.

What are you most proud of from your experiences as a STEM Ambassador?

I am most proud of receiving a compliment from a parent after a STEM event that I participated in.

What are your plans for next year?

My plans for next year are to go to Rutgers University and study nursing.

Delran STEMbassadors are Delran High School students selected from applicants because they demonstrated a passion for STEM, and possessed outstanding communication skills. Much like an internship, STEMbassadors have participated in rigorous training within the Delran Innovation & Fabrication Lab space. These learning opportunities are not available to most high school students in our country, since the idea of digital fabrication has only begun to grow in the K-12 sector, to meet the needs of Workforce Development. Delran's STEMbassadors have experienced and now taught others in computer-aided design software in 2D and 3D, including Corel Draw, FabMakerStudio, Tinkercad, etc. STEM Ambassadors have utilized these digital design skills to fabricate on vinyl cutters, 3D printers, laser cutters and die cut machines. While teaching others, including younger students in community outreach programs, and adults in staff professional development programs, STEMbassadors share their expertise with others. We are certain that this platform for intelligent, relevant communication and positive interaction, will encourage our STEMbassadors to be at the forefront of the next generation of STEM innovators.