#STEMbassador Senior Spotlight: Samantha Dix

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

What made me want to become a STEM ambassador was because I attended a field trip to Lockheed Martin in 8th grade. This trip really sparked my interest in all things STEM.

What has been your biggest learning curve in the lab?

My biggest learning in the lab was learning how to use the machines, especially the computer portions like Corel Draw.

What tool do you like best and why?

The machine that I liked the best was the t-shirt press and vinyl cutter . I loved being able to make the STEM shirt and sweatshirt. Also, one of my favorite events was helping the teachers make sweatshirts.

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 career plans because it is helping me think outside of the box. In the medical field you have to be curious and curiosity and problem solving is sparked in the STEM lab.

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

My biggest success is being able to help all the families and teachers that come into the lab explore DelranSTEM. I love seeing all the kids faces light up when they create something they never thought was possible.

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

I am most proud of how my communication and critical thinking skills have grown by being a STEMbassador. Especially during the ELL Family Engagement Nights, I learned how to help families where English was not their first language learn all about Delran STEM.

What are your plans for next year?

I plan to attend a 5 year Physician Assistant program at Kings College.

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.