Return to the main 2020 Virtual NYSCamp Page

2020 Virtual NYSCamp design by Annie Griffith

Return to the main 2020 Virtual NYSCamp Page

Breakout seminars are designed to be an interactive experience where you can have discussions about a topic (STEM related or not) with someone who is passionate about the topic. Seminars are sometimes presented by experts, but the only real requirement is that the presenter be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topic. Many of our presenters have kindly agreed to run their seminars multiple times (on different days and times) to accommodate most delegates who might want to participate. Seminars will be limited to 20 delegates. Please do not sign up for the same seminar twice. You can browse presenter bios and seminar abstracts here.

America’s Next Top (Machine Learning) Model: Learn the basics behind machine learning.
This seminar will be offered:
Thursday June 4 at Noon EDT
Thursday June 4 at 5 PM EDT 
Friday June 12 at Noon EDT & 
Friday June 12 at 5 PM EDT

Students will learn about the most basic machine learning unit (the perceptron) and how these come together to form neural networks, We will go over partial derivatives to explain how forward and back-propagation works. Student will the have the opportunity to look at sample Python code and run a basic model on the MNIST dataset to teach a machine to correctly classify numbers. This seminar assumes basic knowledge in single-variable calculus, and minimal/no knowledge in computer science. The main focus in on the math the drives modern machine learning techniques. This will require no software installations as all code will be run online through Google Colaboratory (will require a Google account to copy Colab file to personal Google Drive).

Mona Abdelrahman (ND 2017) Computer Science & Brain and Cognitive Science Student at MIT
Mona is currently a rising senior at MIT studying Computer Science and Brain and Cognitive Science. Her main focus is how to use knowledge of human intelligence to improve machine learning. She was a 2017 delegate from North Dakota and graduated from Fargo South High School. In her free time she enjoys baking. ​

Science of Sound Waves
This seminar will be offered:
Thursday June 4 at 3:00 PM EDT
Tuesday June 9 at 4:00 PM EDT
Wednesday June 17 at 3:00 PM EDT
Friday June 19 at 4:00 PM EDT

Why does a saxophone sound different from a synthesizer?  What distinguishes one vowel from another?  And why can you recognize instantly the voices of your friends?  This seminar will focus on the applications of sound waves, and the mathematics behind spectral analysis, to music and language.  We’ll use interactive tools and resources to explore how sound waves can be measured, decomposed, and produced, and touch on topics from linguistics to electronics.  Downloading the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite app is optional but encouraged. 

Joseph Tibbs (IA 2016)

Incoming Bioengineering PhD student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Biography: I just graduated with degrees in Physics and Biochemistry from the University of Northern Iowa.  In the fall, I will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a PhD in Bioengineering.  My scientific interests include photonics and medical biosensors.  My personal interests include reading nerdy webcomics, playing video game themes on the piano, and petting cats.  I carry a nose flute with me at all times.  I also love to read anything and everything, whether it’s Richard Feynman’s lectures or bad Marvel fan fiction.  I firmly believe that everything can be a musical instrument, if you try hard enough.  
Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellow, All-State Band participant, Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society Inductee

Climate Change Discussion
This seminar will be offered 
Thursday June 4 at 10 PM EDT & 
Monday June 8 at 7 PM EDT

Join us for a lively discussion on climate change and how we can create an impact on The Outdoors. Learn how to get outside more when you move away to college. 

Patrick Robichaud (ID 2016) Civil Engineering Undergraduate Student at
Washington State University 
Mr. Robichaud is entering his fifth year of undergraduate study at Washington State University (WSU) studying Civil Engineering with minors in Spanish and Sustainable Development. He intends to solve challenges related to drinking water distribution and increase access to clean water as the climate changes. At WSU, he is the Chair of an environmental group and leads outdoor trips for the campus recreation center. He has studied abroad in both Ecuador and Wales, UK and loves to explore both locally and internationally. He is also passionate about climate change and wants to bring more science into policy decisions. 

Product Design: Making Cool Stuph
This seminar will be offered:
 Friday June 5 at 1:00 PM EDT 
Monday June 8 at 5:00 PM EDT
Friday June 12 at 1:00 PM EDT &
Tuesday June 16 at 5:00 PM EDT

Innovation excites, so how do you get involved? Creating the next big thing might only be a step away. From surgery robots to sillybands, how does someone your age get involved? All backgrounds and disciplines welcome, come with a pencil and paper, and get ready to come up with some cool stuph!

Brian Thornber (RI 2017)
Global Product Acquisition / Inventor Relations 
Co-op at Hasbro

Brian Thornber studies Engineering Design at Johnson & Wales University. A 2017 Rhode Island delegate, and multi-year Staph member, Brian currently works in Hasbro’s Inventor Relations Team helping with the process of turning inventor’s toy and game pitches into reality. In his free time, he enjoys tinkering and creating fun projects with his friends.

A Science Song Sing-Along
This seminar will be offered:
Friday June 5 at 5:00 PM EDT &
Monday June 8 at 4:00 PM EDT

My guitar and I welcome you to join us as we cover some eighteen songs with clever, content-filled physics and chemistry lyrics. 

Art Stormer, Retired Educator
Though raised in a small Ohio village my first job was teaching secondary school math and science in Malawi, Africa after having earned my double major BA in math and chemistry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  I then married and returned to Africa – Kenya that time – to teach another three of math and science.  Our first daughter was born there and would later attend NYSC 2000 and then Staph in 2003 and 2004.  After returning from Kenya I earned my MS in Chemistry (Thesis:  The Photo-Kolbe Decarboxylation of Acetic Acids) at Miami University before embarking on thirty years of teaching at a rural Ohio high school.  Our second daughter (NYSC 2003) and our son (NYSC 2005) were born during that time when I also advised the chess club, the academic quiz team, the robotics team and installed the first computer network in the district.  After retiring I completed a community college physics course instruction for a fellow who took paternity leave before two years of teaching chemistry and physics at the Alliance Academy International in Quito, Ecuador.  Though considering myself retired again I am currently working for the US Census Bureau as well as enjoying my family (which now includes two granddaughters), running, birding, and remodeling our home.

Fauxligraphy: An Introduction to Calligraphy
This seminar will be offered:
Friday June 5 at 6:30 PM EDT
Monday June 8 at 7:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 11 at 7:00 PM EDT

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have nice handwriting to do calligraphy and hand lettering! The art of lettering can be taught with a variety of writing utensils and supplies – even tools as basic as a pencil and paper. In this seminar we will go over terminology, basic strokes, and forming letters in a faux-calligraphy style. You will be provided printable worksheets for use during the seminar.

Chelsea Maher (AL 2010)
Property Manager at Shannon Waltchack

Chelsea works in property management at Shannon Waltchack, a commercial real estate firm in Birmingham, AL. She has previous experience in volunteer management and informal science education at the McWane Science Center, and earned a B.S. in Microbiology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Chelsea was an Alabama delegate in 2010, and an NYSF staph member for various summer programs from 2011-2015. She has been serving as member of the NYSCAA Board of Advisors since 2018. Chelsea and her husband, Matt, have been certified foster parents for 2 years. She is also a self-taught calligrapher and watercolor and wood burning artist. She has been practicing for over 4 years and has had works published online and in commercial use. In her free time, she enjoys visiting zoos, aquariums, museums, and parks with her family.

What’s the deal with dark matter
This seminar will be offered:
Saturday June 6 at 12:00 PM EDT 
Tuesday June 9 @ 5:30 PM EDT

Let’s talk about the fact that no one knows what makes up 85% of the mass in the universe! We’ll start off with how the existence of dark matter was first discovered and then walk through the history of it, up through modern day experiments. Along the way, we’ll take a detour to check out some drama in the dark matter community (like why Vera Rubin should have gotten a Nobel Prize, and why no one believes DAMA when they say they’ve measured dark matter). And we can talk about my favorite theorized dark matter candidate, which is named after a brand of soap!

Cady van Assendelft (VA 2015)
Graduate Student in the Department of Physics at Stanford

Cady just finished her first year of the physics PhD program at Stanford University, where she works on an experiment called the Dark Matter Radio. Her research group pushes the limits of quantum measurement in order to probe some of the most fundamental questions of the universe– for instance, what makes up most of the matter in the galaxy? Outside of physics, Cady is an avid rock climber, bicycle enthusiast, and caretaker of approximately 20 houseplants and a kombucha culture.

Codename: Delegates Next Door
This seminar will be offered:
Saturday June 6 at 2:00 PM EDT &
Friday June 12 at 10:00 PM EDT

Delegates will test their communication, logic, teamwork, and deductive reasoning skills in an epic nationwide game of Codenames!  We will start off with an explanation of the rules and maybe a little practice, split off into teams, and battle it out from there.  No experience with the game is necessary, and only a web browser is required.  The goal of this seminar is just to have fun, so please bring enthusiasm if you’ve got it (I will bring spare)!

Kim Phillip (WI 2014) Software Developer, Epic
Kim Phillip currently works on developing software for OB/Gyn clinicians at Epic.  She graduated with a degree in computer engineering from New York University.  In her time since being a delegate for Wisconsin in 2014, she’s had internships in design, civil & environmental engineering, academic software, and finance.  Kim enjoys a healthy balance of city and outdoor life.  You might find her solo backpacking in the mountains after a work trip, supporting local theater, struggling to learn guitar, adventuring around the country with science camp friends, or discussing life with friends over bubble tea.

Houston, we have a problem … AND we need YOU to solve it!
A taste of mission control from NASA interns

This seminar will be offered:
 Saturday June 6 at 4:00 PM EDT
Friday June 12 at 6:30 PM EDT

We will be giving an overview of NASA Johnson Space Center mission control as interns. Communication is an important aspect of working in mission control. Join us for a simulated space mission to test your communication skills. You will direct four rovers to complete missions on the moon, get to the moon base, and launch back to earth. This exercise is used by NASA to train their flight controllers to work as a team. See if you have what it takes to be a flight controller! 

Kai Cui, (CO 2016)
Mechanical Engineering Student at University of Colorado Boulder 
NASA Johnson Space Center Pathways Intern

Hello! My name is Kai, and I am from Boulder, Colorado. I am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Colorado Boulder. In the past few years, I have completed three different internships at various NASA centers. I am especially interested in human spaceflight in deep space. Last fall, I had an opportunity to intern with the Environmental Systems flight controller group in the Flight Operations Directorate. During this internship, I had a chance to see what flight controllers do everyday and experienced a small taste of flight controller training. In addition to my interest in anything space and science related, I also love to read, hike, travel, and cook! 

Monica Mah, (CO 2016) Mechanical Engineering Student at Purdue University
NASA Johnson Space Center Pathways Intern

National Youth Science Camp fostered my love for the outdoors and introduced me to many diverse subject areas, cultures, and the bliss/cure of not getting cell service. After NYSC, I was off to Purdue to fill my head with some mechanical engineering knowledge. I had the opportunity to intern at Tesla on the Factory Firmware Team. Then, I was off to NASA to support the IT needs of the International Space Station by interning with the PLUTO flight controller team. I contributed to the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (the new space suit) team, the analysis team, and the re-entry aerodynamics team.bio

Spanish 101
This seminar will be offered:
Sunday June 7 at @ 4:00 PM EDT
Friday June 12 at 4:00 PM EDT
Wednesday June 17 at 3:00 PM EDT
Friday June 19 at 3:00 PM EDT

Spanish is my mother language and I remember from my days of NYSC a staph member conducted a seminar of spanish basics so I decided to try this for the virtual camp. I will make a discord server with text chats and voice chats for practice, so if you are considering taking this in college feel free to join. If you have never used the app don’t worry, it has been of great use for me during the quarantine and I want more people to know about it.

Juan Carlos “Juanca” Badilla Rojas (Costa Rica 2014)
Physics Student in Costa Rica

I’m a Physics student from Costa Rica. I’m currently taking my last semester virtually, and one of my possible plans for the summer was to be a staph member this year. I have some experience with programming, and volunteering in a conservation organization. My quarantine hobbies include playing games, watching movies and just virtually hanging out with my friends.

What You Wished You Learned in Health Class: Taking Care of Minor Ailments in College
This seminar will be offered:
Tuesday June 9 at 2:30 PM EDT
Thursday June 11 at 4:00 PM EDT

When you go to college, you may find yourself using an on-campus university health service. Although a great resource, some problems can be effectively and safely dealt with on your own. Tate, your local friendly medical-professional-in-training, is here to answer some of your burning questions!

Tate Greene (KY 2016)
Pharmacy Intern for Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy within University of Kentucky Healthcare

Tate Greene is from Prestonsburg, Kentucky where he graduated from Big Sandy Community and Technical College and was a delegate from Kentucky in 2016. He attended the University of Kentucky and received a BS in Liberal Studies in Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences in May 2020 and is currently enrolled in the University of Kentucky’s Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration. He has previously served in various roles working with non-profit organizations in the Lexington community, and was recently elected Vice President of Phi Lambda Sigma, the leadership organization at the College of Pharmacy.

The Built Environment and its Role in Health Outcomes in a Population
This seminar will be offered:
Tuesday June 9 at 5:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 11 at 4:00 PM EDT
Wednesday June 17 at 6:00 PM EDT

The built environment consists of any structures that are manmade and designed. This includes infrastructure, neighborhood development, accessibility, and more. Ever heard the term “Food Desert?” This is a major problem in the built environment which is proven to have a correlation to obesity rates in lower-income neighborhoods. Our environment is a major contributor to health outcomes. Although we cannot always choose our environment, with small changes to the built environment, there may be more positive health outcomes. Tune in to find out if you are living in a food desert! 

Olivia “Liv” Gotte (LA 2018),
B.S.P.H. Candidate at Tulane University

Though I am still learning, I am extremely passionate about the topic of Public Health. Public Health officials look at health at a population level to find ways to improve overall health. My goal is to become an epidemiologist and study disease patterns. I currently live in New Orleans, Louisiana and I have two cats! Want to know more? Please ask! 


A Brief Talk about Tapirs and Conservation through Education
This seminar will be offered:
Wednesday June 10 at 4:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 18 at 2:00 PM EDT

Even though I have never taken a biology course at college level, since I was 17 my friends were curious why Tapirs were my favorite animal. Some years ago, I started volunteering in an organization called Nai Conservation, focused specifically on Baird’s tapirs in Costa Rica. In this talk I want to go through some characteristics of the species and cute photos of baby tapirs that may make you understand why they became my favorite animal, as well as some of the work Nai has done through the years for anyone considering volunteering or working in an organization like this one.

Juan Carlos “Juanca” Badilla Rojas (Costa Rica 2014)
Physics Student in Costa Rica

I’m a Physics student from Costa Rica. I’m currently taking my last semester virtually, and one of my possible plans for the summer was to be a staph member this year. I have some experience with programming, and volunteering in a conservation organization. My quarantine hobbies include playing games, watching movies and just virtually hanging out with my friends.\

Sleep from A to Zzz
This seminar will be offered:
Wednesday June 10 at 5:00 PM EDT

Sleep problems, such as insomnia, are very common in young adults and often interfere with school/work performance, relationships, and daily functioning. Fortunately, sleep scientists have identified some simple concrete strategies to help people reduce behaviors that may be contributing to poor sleep. In this seminar, we will discuss the basic physiology of sleep and how behaviors common to college students, such as keeping irregular schedules, may interfere with biological rhythms. We will cover scientifically-informed practices for creating a restful sleep environment, establishing a healthy sleep routine, and getting your best night’s rest.

Kara Christensen, Ph.D. (SC 2007) Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Christensen received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Ohio State University in 2019 and completed her clinical internship training at the Medical University of South Carolina. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kansas. Dr. Christensen’s research focuses on understanding social support and emotions in people with eating disorders. Additionally, she is trained in providing evidence-based treatments for people with eating disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders.

Hackathons: Ivy League Competitions for Everyone
This seminar will be offered: 
Wednesday June 10 at 6:00 PM EDT &
Wednesday June 17 at 5:00 PM EDT

Ever have an innovative idea? Have you ever presented at a science fair? Have you done both of those is under 48 hours? Come meet for a discussion about what a Hackathon is, why you should do it, and our own mini Hackathon competition! 

Brian Thornber (RI 2017)
Global Product Acquisition / Inventor Relations 
Co-op at Hasbro

Brian Thornber studies Engineering Design at Johnson & Wales University. A 2017 Rhode Island delegate, and multi-year Staph member, Brian currently works in Hasbro’s Inventor Relations Team helping with the process of turning inventor’s toy and game pitches into reality. In his free time, he enjoys tinkering and creating fun projects with his friends.

Let’s Try to Learn some Python and Data Analysis in an hour (or more!)
This seminar will be offered:
Thursday June 11 at 2:00 PM EDT
Tuesday June 16 at 5:00 PM EDT

A career in physics helped me realize that programming was one of the most useful tools for a wide variety of interdisciplinary work, or any work. So I’ll do my best to provide some basics if you are looking to get started! I recommend downloading Spyder so you can try some of the things I will talk about but it’s not required. I will probably search for a file with the programming basics recommended for the seminar (and mention them in the abstract) and I will go through some of the most common packages and functions of Data Analysis. I can also set up a discord server to answer some questions after the seminar.

Juan Carlos “Juanca” Badilla Rojas (Costa Rica 2014)
Physics Student in Costa Rica

I’m a Physics student from Costa Rica. I’m currently taking my last semester virtually, and one of my possible plans for the summer was to be a staph member this year. I have some experience with programming, and volunteering in a conservation organization. My quarantine hobbies include playing games, watching movies and just virtually hanging out with my friends.

Society Shapes Science and Science Shapes Society
This seminar will be offered: 
Thursday June 11 at 3:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 18 at 5:00 PM EDT

This discussion-based seminar will look at three intersections of science and society. First, the role of politics in either helping or hindering scientific research and advancement. Second, how science can be used to create smart policy. Third, asking how we, as individuals, should use science to inform our duties as citizens of a democracy. Come by to voice your opinions, hear what other delegates have to say, and enjoy learning how to navigate the complicated intersections of our passion for science and the limitations of a political world.

Toby Arment (WY 2019) 
Undergraduate Student at Brown University

Hello! I am a rising sophomore at Brown University studying sociology and urban studies. I was a 2019 delegate from the state of Wyoming and a graduate of Rawlins High School. In my free time, I enjoy biking and hiking around beautiful Colorado and reading about social justice and social science.

Juggling
This seminar will be offered:
Sunday June 14 at 5:00 PM EDT

Want to learn how to juggle? Both first time jugglers and experienced jugglers welcome! Come practice the rhythm and hand eye coordination for 3 ball juggling! 

Sidney Taylor (NV 2019)
Undergraduate Student at Harvey Mudd College

Hey! I’m a rising sophomore at Harvey Mudd College studying engineering (somewhere between mechanical engineering and robotics). I enjoy running, hiking, basketball, and piano and I recently started learning the violin. Camp inspired me to learn the song Ashokan Farewell, which was played every night just before bed. I was a 2019 NV delegate last summer and started juggling about a month before I arrived at camp. While at camp, I was challenged to juggle random sports equipment that we had out on the green such as soccer balls, hula hoops, and frisbees. I hope to share my love for juggling with all of you so hop on by this breakout seminar and let’s get practicing! Please bring 3 tennis balls or other juggling worthy items.

Beginning Calligraphy: Brush Lettering for Beginners
This seminar will be offered:
Sunday June 14 at 3:00 PM EDT
Monday June 15 at 7:00 PM EDT

Join me in this seminar to learn the art of lettering with a brush pen! Lettering is not dependent on having nice handwriting – it is the art of drawing letters, which is a skill that can be learned and honed. Printable worksheets for use during the seminar will be provided, including some NYSCamp themed words/phrases. 
*You will need to purchase a brush pen for this seminar.* You can find these at a local art supply store, Michael’s, Blick Art Materials, and Amazon. (You do not need to purchase all 3 pens, just 1.)
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens: https://tinyurl.com/yaxproaw
Pentel Fude Touch Sign Pen: https://tinyurl.com/yau93k5j

Chelsea Maher (AL 2010)
Property Manager at Shannon Waltchack

Chelsea works in property management at Shannon Waltchack, a commercial real estate firm in Birmingham, AL. She has previous experience in volunteer management and informal science education at the McWane Science Center, and earned a B.S. in Microbiology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Chelsea was an Alabama delegate in 2010, and an NYSF staph member for various summer programs from 2011-2015. She has been serving as member of the NYSCAA Board of Advisors since 2018. Chelsea and her husband, Matt, have been certified foster parents for 2 years. She is also a self-taught calligrapher and watercolor and wood burning artist. She has been practicing for over 4 years and has had works published online and in commercial use. In her free time, she enjoys visiting zoos, aquariums, museums, and parks with her family.

Starting physics research in undergrad
This seminar will be offered:
Monday June 15 at 5:00 PM EDT 
Wednesday June 17 @ 4:00 PM EDT

Abstract: How do you figure out what kind of physics research to do? How do you find professors to work with? How do you get funding? These are some of the many questions you might have when trying to start research as an undergraduate. In this seminar I hope to share some of my own experiences as well as discuss resources and strategies for jumping into the world of experimental physics.

Cady van Assendelft (VA 2015)
Graduate Student in the Department of Physics at Stanford

Cady just finished her first year of the physics PhD program at Stanford University, where she works on an experiment called the Dark Matter Radio. Her research group pushes the limits of quantum measurement in order to probe some of the most fundamental questions of the universe– for instance, what makes up most of the matter in the galaxy? Outside of physics, Cady is an avid rock climber, bicycle enthusiast, and caretaker of approximately 20 houseplants and a kombucha culture.

Intro to Astrophysics
This seminar will be offered:
Monday June 15 at 6:00 PM EDT

Astrophysics is the branch of Astronomy dealing with the composition and workings of extraterrestrial objects. In this course you will learn how astrophysicists use observational data such as radio signals to explain the physics behind cosmic phenomena. We will explore how astrophysicists use fast radio bursts to find the universe’s missing matter and more.

Everett Ririe
Undergraduate Regents Scholar UC San Diego

Everett Ririe is a high school graduate with honors. This fall he will be attending the University of California – San Diego where he earned a Regents Scholarship to major in physics with a specialization in astrophysics. He has experience volunteering as a gallery facilitator at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and working as a radio technician. He is a semifinalist in the 2020 International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition.

Avalon, But Make It Virtual
This seminar will be offered:
Tuesday June 16 at 12:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 18 at 12:00 PM EDT
(Each session is limited to 9 delegates)

Join me in playing Avalon, a dramatic game of promises, accusations, and backstabbing. It tests communication, logic/probability, and teamwork skills, pitting the forces of Good and Evil against each other in a battle to control the future of civilization. Will Arthur’s forces, representing prosperity, honor, and goodness, prevail? Or will Avalon fall under the dark shadow of Mordred, whose unscrupulous minions are hiding among Arthur’s brave warriors? No prior experience is needed, but familiarize yourself with the instructions (http://upload.snakesandlattes.com/rules/r/ResistanceAvalon.pdf) beforehand, if possible, so we can start playing right away. 

Victoria Rose (WV 2019)
Undergraduate Student at Brown University
Hi! I am a rising sophomore at Brown University studying geology-biology and linguistic anthropology. I was a 2019 delegate from West Virginia (from the same county as camp!) and I graduated from Greenbrier East High School. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, playing the trombone, baking, and spending time with friends.

Creating Happiness
This seminar will be offered:
Tuesday June 16 at 1:00 PM EDT
Wednesday June 17 at 2:00 PM EDT

An introduction to identifying, creating, and increasing happiness in your own life. Emphasis is placed on trying research-backed practices from positive psychology. Motivated by the personal and social growth people experience in college. 

Shantanu Kadam (AL 2018)
Undergraduate student at UC Berkeley
Shantanu Kadam is a third-year undergraduate at the University of California: Berkeley, where he is dual majoring in Physics and EEP (Environmental & Economic Policy).  An Alabama delegate in 2018, Shantanu enjoys percussion, vegan food, and deep questions. 

Leveraging your STEM knowledge in a non-STEM career: A look at Commercial Real Estate
This seminar will be offered:
Tuesday June 16 at 3:00 PM EDT
Thursday June 18 at 3:00 PM EDT

Not everyone that obtains a science degree goes on to work in a lab or teach or go to professional school. If you’re wondering what else you can do with a science degree, join me as we briefly discuss my unconventional path and how I leveraged my science background into a career in commercial real estate. Then, we’ll work through a couple of real-life examples of using your STEM knowledge to solve building and property maintenance issues, such as mold remediation in a historic building built in 1920. 

Chelsea Maher (AL 2010)
Property Manager at Shannon Waltchack

Chelsea works in property management at Shannon Waltchack, a commercial real estate firm in Birmingham, AL. She has previous experience in volunteer management and informal science education at the McWane Science Center, and earned a B.S. in Microbiology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Chelsea was an Alabama delegate in 2010, and an NYSF staph member for various summer programs from 2011-2015. She has been serving as member of the NYSCAA Board of Advisors since 2018. Chelsea and her husband, Matt, have been certified foster parents for 2 years. She is also a self-taught calligrapher and watercolor and wood burning artist. She has been practicing for over 4 years and has had works published online and in commercial use. In her free time, she enjoys visiting zoos, aquariums, museums, and parks with her family.

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