What inspired you to found Stemnova?
My frustration with the lack of a free, engaging, and project-based programs for students. The resources that did exist were not engaging or accessible enough.
Who was your role model and/or inspiration?
My parents, specifically my dad. He started a company, so he’s my “go to” guy to answer any of my questions. He had a severe surgery and came back from it, which was very inspiring.
What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
I want to go into Pediatric Neurology. I see being a pediatrician as being another type of teacher, which is how I see myself continuing Stemnova even while being a doctor.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that has helped you be successful?
Life is not a race or a competition, so seek as much collaboration and help as possible. It will help you make more of an impact in the long run!
What motivates you?
The feeling when I’m teaching, and a student and they finally understand a concept; that feeling is worth all the paperwork and logistical hassles we have to go through.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m a huge board game fan. I love poetry and I write in the blog I started when I was in 8th grade.
What’s your favorite tv show at the moment?
I’m a huge political science junkie, so Westwing and Madame Secretary.
How has your life and daily routines in regards to your company changed as a result of COVID-19?
The focus right now for us is trying to reach and engage students in a learning system has moved online. Another thing we are working on is finding a way to leverage the resources we have to help students who don’t have access to technology or a computer. We are also trying to find ways to provide more project-based learning opportunities and real work projects.
If you could go back in time, is there, if at all, anything you’d do differently?
I definitely think we should’ve started the concept of project-based learning earlier. But I think all of our successes and failures have brought lots of lessons and experiences to grow from.
If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would you ask?
How do we stop the harmful politicization of science? Like please just wear a mask!
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
22 by Taylor Swift
In your opinion, who do you think is the most impressive person in the world right now, and why?
Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand because of the way that she responded to the COVID crisis and led her country. She honestly is a badass female in government.
What advice do you have for fellow or younger students?
If you see a problem in your community, don’t wait for someone else to fix the issue. Everyone is capable of creating grassroots change, so embrace creating solutions bigger than yourself!