STEMbassador Senior Spotlight: Grant Stiglich

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

I became a STEM Ambassador because I wanted to learn how to use the technologies in the Fab Lab. I've been interested in technology my whole life and so when I heard that we were getting top of the line machines in the new Fabrication Lab I jumped on the opportunity.

What has been your biggest learning curve in the lab?

The biggest learning curve in the lab was integrating the software found on the computers in the lab and connecting them to the machines. The software to create 3D models was initially difficult to master.

What tool do you like best and why?

My favorite machine in the Fab Lab is the laser cutter. The fact that it can do many kinds of materials and not just wood is awesome and using it to make a box for a project was one of my favorite things I did in the lab.

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

I am going to college to be a Computer Engineer. I am proud to say that learning the lab enlightened me on how I could make my interests into a career.

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

My biggest success in the lab was when we got to talk to teachers from China. Even though there was a language barrier it was amazing to get to know the people who traveled across the world to see our lab and it was fun to teach them too.

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

My most proud moment was meeting Andy Kim. Having seen Kim on the news for many years it was a privilege talking to him and showing him around the lab.

What are your plans for next year?

I will be attending Virginia Tech with a major in Computer Engineering and a minor in Computer Science.

Delran STEM Ambassadors are Delran High School students selected from applicants because they demonstrated a passion for STEM, and possessed outstanding communication skills. Much like an internship, STEM Ambassadors 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 STEM Ambassadors 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, STEM Ambassadors share their expertise with others. We are certain that this platform for intelligent, relevant communication and positive interaction, will encourage our STEM Ambassadors to be at the forefront of the next generation of STEM innovators.