#STEMbassador Senior Spotlight: Iris Li

Iris recently was awarded a STEM-related scholarship as well. Read more here.

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

I wanted to become a STEM Ambassador because I enjoy helping others explore STEM in hands-on ways and am passionate about making STEM more accessible for everyone. As a first-generation student, I’ve seen how empowering it is to understand and share knowledge and I love seeing students get excited about creating and learning.

What has been your biggest learning curve as a STEMbassador?

My biggest learning curve as a STEMbassador has been learning how to explain complex concepts in simple, engaging ways. Whether I’m helping at events or guiding younger students, I’ve had to adapt my communication style to different age groups and learning levels. It’s taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of meeting people where they are.

What tool do you like best and why?

My favorite tool is the 3D printer because it’s just really cool. Watching something you designed get built layer by layer is like seeing your ideas come to life. It’s fun, creative, and super satisfying to see.

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

Being a STEMbassador has helped me see how much I enjoy working with others and sharing my passion for STEM. It has shown me that I want a future where I can combine hands-on problem-solving with helping people, whether that’s through engineering, research, or mentoring. It’s also helped me build confidence in leadership and communication, which I know will be important in college and beyond.

What has been your biggest success as a STEMbassador so far?

My biggest success as a STEMbassador has been meeting and communicating with students at events. I love being able to answer their questions, get them excited about STEM, and make them feel comfortable trying new things. Building those connections is what makes the experience so meaningful.

What are your plans for next year?

Next year, I plan to attend the University of Chicago to study molecular engineering. I’m excited to dive deeper into science and innovation, and I hope to eventually work in healthcare, creating solutions that can improve people’s lives.

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.