Summer STEM Education Faculty ⎮ Edge on Science
Summer fun for budding scientists and engineers!
A project based, fun approach to applied science and engineering with summer programs held at prestigious colleges and universities.
Or choose custom programs for your school, museum, library, youth group or community.
• work in teams, building individual & group projects •
• use tools, drawings, computer applications & scientific instruments •
• child to instructor & assistant ratio of 6:1 or less •
• lead instructors are engineers, scientists or scholars •
• Outdoor games & challenges add to the fun! •
John Aviste, P. Eng.
BASc Civil Engineering – University of Toronto
Edge on Science youth programs have been held at university campuses, libraries, schools and museums. Thousands of students have participated.
A TEDx speaker on youth achievement, John is the Founder and Program Director of Edge on Science. He combines his technical background with a lifelong passion for applied science. He is dedicated to bringing immersive, project-based STEM education to the next generation of young innovators.
Accomplishments include:
• structural engineering and site inspection for commercial and residential high-rise buildings
• solving the challenge of using less plastic, in hot-filled beverage bottles
• engineering and prototyping a tamper-proof, temperature sensing device, reducing spoilage during the transport of fresh produce
• researching ways to reduce spoilage in silage, used to feed dairy cattle
• producing the Tree City USA instructional video & manual
Summer 2026 Instructors
Jordan McMahon
Computer Science major at Suffolk University
Jordan has considerable experience leading youth in STEM and in particular coding. She is known for cultivating a welcoming environment and we are super excited to have her join Edge on Science! Parents often comment on how Drone & Code is well structured, safe and fun.
Jordan will continue to adapt the curriculum to the skill levels and interests of the children she gets each week. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach. This is an important distinction because it keeps Edge on Science programs accessible and fun for all!
Diego Mobarak
Engineering at McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Diego has been with Edge on Science for several years and brings with him a deep knowledge of physics and 3D modeling. He also possesses an infectious zeal that is guaranteed to engage your child and reveal what they are truly capable of!
PS Diego consistently scores a near perfect 10 out of 10 with parents in exit surveys!
Amelia Church
Physics major at the University of Vermont
Amelia has a strong passion for helping young students explore science with confidence. As a teaching assistant for “Exploring the Cosmos,” she leads hands-on labs where she guides students to ask questions, work together, and clearly explain their ideas—skills she brings directly into her work with younger learners.
Amelia has extensive experience working with children as both a camp counselor and a rugby coach, where she emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and staying focused through challenges. She’s known for helping students stick with a problem, adapt when things don’t go as planned, and feel proud of completing what they start.
At camp, Amelia creates a supportive, engaging environment where 8–10 year olds collaborate and have fun exploring space science!
Diya Patel
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering at UMASS Lowel
Diya is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who brings energy, structure, and a love of hands-on learning to every class. She has experience working with students to build strong foundations in math and problem-solving, helping them break down challenges, think critically, and stay engaged from start to finish.
Diya will guide your child in cooperatively working together and staying focused on completing their projects. She’s committed to making learning both fun and meaningful, so every student leaves the week with new skills, greater confidence, and projects to be proud of!
Kaelyn McInnis
Biology major at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Kaelyn is a biology major at UMass Amherst on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a surgeon. She has a strong foundation in biology and a deep understanding of human physiology. For the past six years, she has mentored high school students, honing her own leadership skills while helping others develop theirs. Kaelyn is passionate about guiding students through an engaging exploration of the body’s systems and inspiring their curiosity about science and medicine.
Drew Michaeli
Undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis
Drew Michaeli brings a rare combination of real-world engineering experience and considerable STEM teaching to the classroom. He has taught math for several years and spent multiple summers as an educator at the Aspen Science Center, where he developed a strong ability to keep middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning.
Drew’s professional work includes developing autonomous systems at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he programmed self-driving race cars, and conducting human-robot interaction research at Northeastern University. He translates this advanced experience into hands-on, age-appropriate challenges.
At camp, Drew’s first responsibility to kids is their safety. After that comes learning and having fun! Our campers will arrive charged and ready to go. They will leave with a new-found confidence, knowing what they are truly capable of!
Past Instructors
Elisa Guzman
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Chemistry, PhD Expected 2025, Tufts University
BS Chemistry, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Elisa joins us after completing her PhD in chemistry at Tufts University, and is a scientist who loves to explore, experiment, and inspire young minds! She is committed to STEM outreach with a strong background in working with students of all ages, helping them explore the wonders of math, physics, and chemistry since 2019. She has earned a national science foundation scholarship, and a chemistry outreach award due to her dedication to get involved in her local community.
Elisa knows that science isn’t just something we study, it’s something we experience. This summer, she’s ready to lead thrilling experiments, exciting demonstrations, and hands-on activities that will have children asking questions, testing ideas, and having a blast with science! She loves making science fun and accessible to everyone, and helping kids see the magic of science in everyday life. Get ready for a summer filled with curiosity, creativity, and discovery—because with Elisa, science is always an adventure!
Parisa Bates
Bachelor’s in Engineering, expected 2026 at Endicott College
Parisa has specialties in engineering design, material science and statics, all of which make her an excellent pick to lead Bridge Building! In fact, she was on a truss bridge design team using computer simulations to test and optimize their bridge. Professor Kaufman, at Endicott College has observed Parisa’s outstanding work ethic and ability to explain concepts. All this adds up to a fine role model for your child, as they learn about the form and function that goes into bridge design!
Jason Alain DuLac
MSc Counseling, Fitchburg State University
MEd Specializing in science education, Worcester State College
BSc Psychology
Jason has loved working with kids and teens since 1987 both in education as a sixth grade science teacher and as a mental health counselor. As a middle school Science Teacher he has directly engaged over 1000 students in child centered inquiry through use of the Scientific Method both in class and through their own Science Fair projects. Throughout his time as a Science Teacher he regularly employed hands-on learning activities, by introducing physics concepts through play activities with toy cars, dance/music, catapult construction, archery, the human body and more!
For decades Jason has held a passion for the science, history, art and sport of archery and also a variety of other martial art forms. Currently Jason works as a family therapist and brings a fun child centered approach to all of his lessons and activities.
Patrick Brennan
Pursuing a B.S. in Physics at Roanoke College (GPA: 3.9/4.0)
Patrick is a research assistant at the Roanoke College Materials Laboratory, where he is currently using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy to investigate the electrical properties of nanomaterials. Previously, he was part of a team that finished second nationally in the NASA Starshade Competition and presented with his team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA and at Stanford University. He is a member of the Society of Physics Students and holds interests in Mechanical Engineering and Nanotechnology.
Outside the realm of Physics, Patrick serves as President of the Roanoke Honors College Student Body, President of the Mock Trial team, Music Director of “Roanotes” campus acapella group, and Rehearsal Assistant for the College Choir. He holds several college awards in the fields of music and physics and is an Eagle Scout. He is not, however, a member of the college board game club.
Patrick has years of experience guiding and teaching those younger than him in scouts and through other pursuits, and couldn’t be more excited to start teaching!
Alex Suhajda
Biomechanical Engineering Major, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Alex comes to us with varsity level sports and summer camp experience. Add that to being a 4.00 GPA scholar and that he knows his physics and your child is sure to have the best ever summer STEM adventure! Alex is eager to lead your child in some extreme hands-on medieval engineering, building and testing!
Peter Story
Pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
with a Mechanical Design Concentration
Peter has worked three summers leading elementary and middle school students at a community makerspace offering STEM project-based activities. Kristin Thorp, Executive Director of the SDM Foundation, describes him as prompt, tech savvy, and caring. Peter recognizes the different needs and learning styles of children so as to create a positive learning environment for all!
As an engineering room lead at the Tinkerhaus Community Makerspace, Peter maintained the various machines in addition to asssiting with woodshop-based lessons.
Zahra Burroughs
Pursuing a Geology BS and Physics BA – SUNY Plattsburgh
Diploma – Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics
At the Northcountry Planetarium (Plattsburgh, NY), Zahra has assisted in planning, organizing and hosting educational shows and events for the general public and school community. Her passion for astronomy began when she was just ten years old. Today she knows her way around a telescope and is sure to delight your child with the wonders of the universe!
Greg Dancer
BS Civil Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BS Literature, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MA Film Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Greg returns this summer to lead a soon to be announced new edition of the Super Science Sampler! He is known for his kindness and ability to connect with children. Greg is committed to providing a safe, fun and meaningful experience for his students, consistently scoring between 9 and 10 out of 10 in parent surveys!
Hunter Boucher
Bioengineering major at Endicott College (GPA 3.56)
Hunter is a bioengineering major at Endicott College and is interested in the way the body works as well as the medical aspects of bioengineering. His experience encompasses scientific principals, 3D modeling, coding, and anatomy. Hunter is a part of the cross country and track team at Endicott. He enjoys going to the beach, playing volleyball, and being outside in his free time. Hunter has experience coaching youth in basketball and is looking forward to passing on his science knowledge to kids this summer.
John Goldowski
Engineering major at Endicott College
John is an accomplished hockey, playing on the second line of Endicott’s team. He is also a physics maven, having blogged on the physics of hockey! Mark Littlefield, Director of Arena Operations at Endicott College, describes John as friendly, easy-going and personal. He also noted academic excellence and an outstanding work ethic. All this adds up to a fine role model for your child, as they learn about the form and function that goes into bridge design!
Daegyum Lee
Pursuing a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at New York University (NYU) (GPA: 4.0)
Daegyum is an NYU robotics deputy, leading a project team of six in designing the balancing function of a robot supported by four in-line mecanum wheels. He has years of experience in computer aided design, prototyping and testing. If that does not make your head spin…
Daegyum is also a sought after tutor for AP Chemistry/Calculus, Physics C, SAT and robotics. He has created curriculum, presentations and practice materials to organize study methods for students.
Paula Pardo
Astrophysics major and Data Science Master’s student at Illinois Institute of Technology
Paula is an aspiring Astrophysicist with plenty of experience communicating science. With a notable track record of mentoring over 50 students as part of the IIT Mentee program and serving as the treasurer for the Society of Women in Space Exploration, Paula is dedicated to inspiring and motivating young minds in pursuing STEM careers. In addition to her scientific pursuits, she finds joy in reading, taking long walks, and exploring her passion for writing (fun fact: she earned first place in a recent philosophy writing contest!).
Equipped with a solid foundation in galactic, extragalactic, and stellar astrophysics, Paula possesses a versatile skill set. Her adaptability, responsibility, and strong communication skills enable her to effectively convey complex ideas to diverse audiences. Moreover, she excels in collaborative environments, showcasing excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills. Paula is eager to share her vast knowledge and inspire campers during the upcoming summer!
Eddie Pomianek
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering
Eddie is a Research Assistant at the U of M Biomechanics Research Laboratory. This fall he begins his post graduate studies in soft robotics, with applications in space exploration. Eddie is great with kids and has considerable experience coaching soccer goal tending. Comfortable with automobile mechanics, all this adds up to peculiarly qualified instructor for Catapult Engineering. Eddie is eager to lead your child in some extreme hands-on medieval engineering, building and testing!
Teddy Pomianek
Computer engineering
Teddy is returning this summer to lead Drone & Code and in particular a week of Advanced Level coding and flying! Last summer, together with Addy Krom their exit scores averaged between 9 and 10 out of 10. Parents commented on how Drone & Code was well structured, safe and fun.
Teddy will continue to adapt the curriculum to the skill levels and interests of the children he gets each week. There is never a one size fits all approach. This is an important distinction because it keeps the coding/flying accessible and fun!
There are three versions of Drone & Code: Beginner to Advanced rising 6th to 9th grade, Advanced 6th to 9th grade and Beginner 3rd to 5th grade
Ludovic Robinson
Majoring in bioengineering at Endicott College
Ludovic is an aspiring Bioengineer who loves science and learning. Understanding how things work has always been a passion of his, and sharing his knowledge is something that he enjoys doing. He loves to have fun and is a team player who has no problem working with others to achieve a common goal.
Elliot Shumsky
Inventor
Elliot has been building his own 3D printer that works upside down! He will bring this to the classroom as an example of starting with an idea and turning it into a working prototype. As a robotics team leader, he is eager to share his knowledge.
William Short
Sc.D. Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.M. Electric Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.B. Electrical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
William is the manager of Hurstwic, LLC, a Massachusetts-based firm that scientifically researches the Vikings, with a focus on their combat method, but with an interest in all things Viking. A special exhibit based on Hurstwic’s research in Viking-age iron smelting is now on display at the National Museum of Iceland, and Hurstwic’s book detailing the results of their twenty-year research program was published last year. William created training programs for younger Vikings both for Hurstwic and at the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA.
Addy Krom
Majoring in computer science at Case Western Reserve University (GPA: 3.77)
From coaching 12 year olds in ski racing to serving as a co-president, leading youth at an MIT climate summit, we can only imagine what Addy will bring to Drone & Code this summer.
Addy’s Boston Latin School Faculty Advisor, Cate Arnold has described them as dedicated, reliable, skilled and passionate. Take for example, their work on developing a floor tile that captures the energy imparted by walking on it. Consider the applications of this!
Experienced in Python coding, your child can expect some wicked cool flight challenges from Addy. Think object recognition, obstacle courses, payload lifts and more!
Riley Miller
Majoring in biology at Endicott College
Riley is a rising sophomore at Endicott College where she spent her first two semesters learning all about the basics of chemistry and biology. She is an aspiring scientist who is very passionate when it comes to spreading knowledge of her love for science. She is known as an avid animal lover as she grew up at a barn helping kids learn how to ride and take care of horses. In 2023 she aptly led the Super Science Sampler, helping to pave the road to not just one, but two Samplers!
Hana Stone
Environmental Science major at Endicott College (GPA 3.67)
Growing up near the coast sparked Hana’s interest in marine life and has guided her academic pursuits. Within her major, she is mainly interested in sustainability, conservation, clean energy, and green infrastructure. Hana enjoys sharing her love of nature with kids. Her work with youth includes being an archery instructor and teaching at an intensive preschool.
Fun fact: Hana is also studying music and we can only imagine how she will introduce your child to whale songs!
Notable skills include:
• knowledge and experience in working with special needs kids
• flexible, patient, organized
• fundamental knowledge in environmental science and marine ecosystems
Karoline Sucic
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (GPA 3.75)
Karoline has assisted with the collection of whale snot. Yup, whale snot. This is done by flying a drone through the blow of a whale. It is called the Snotbot and was originally developed at Olin College of Engineering. At Endicott College she completed her thesis research project under Professor Gordon Ober. He has commended her on extraordinary attention to detail and a rigorous approach to obtaining good data. In addition to extensive research experience, Karoline has served as a naturalist for Seven Seas Whale Watch in Gloucester MA.
Notable skills include:
• educating children
• sharing her knowledge of sustainability, ecology and marine science
• working on boats
• professional wildlife illustration
Nare Parseghian
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College (GPA 3.97)
Nare was awarded the Jack Welch Scholarship by UMass Amherst, a full-ride engineering scholarship for academically accomplished students. She started college with a sophomore standing. She received a certificate from UMass Amhersts’ Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society for being in the top ten percent of the sophomore class academically at the university.
Nare is a tutor and described as kind, patient and very good at connecting with children. As an accomplished pianist she has designed and conducted music theory lessons for groups of children.
Megan DeSanty
Majoring in Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Megan is a passionate engineer who has hands on experience with designing, implementing, and testing various robot mechanisms. As a robotics engineering student, she collaborates with others to design the most suitable robot for a given challenge.
Outside of engineering, she loves to work with kids, introducing them to engineering through model building activities. Last summer she worked as a sports camp counselor.
Megan is also on the varsity cross country and track teams at WPI and is actively participating in a nationwide community service fellowship that address the root causes of food insecurity!
Anna Nelson
Biotechnology & Molecular Bioscience major at the Rochester Institute of Technology
Anna has five plus years experience in leading and preparing STEM focused youth activities. She is described as a deep thinker. Her curiosity for all things will delight and engage your child. She is dedicated to getting good data and good data yields good science!
James Babcock
Engineering major at Endicott College
James is an aspiring engineer whose passion leads him to explore, experiment, and experience science firsthand. His experience includes working with youth.
Molly Crown
Graduated in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Molly will not be returning this summer to lead Drone & Code, as she will be pursuing full time employment. We wish her success in all her future endeavors! She has contributed much to the Drone & Code curriculum and now passes it on to our 2021 Instructor, Tariq Georges, a computer engineering major at Boston University.
Tariq Georges
Majoring in Computer Engineering, Boston University
Tariq is no stranger when it comes to electronics and computer technology. He is adapting the curriculum for Drone & Code from computer science graduate, Molly Crown. One of the new challenges will involve object recognition. Tariq’s experience in working with youth will figure into his approach with scratch programming for the younger children and python text coding for the older children!
Isabelle Nguyen
Biomedical Engineering at Boston University with a 3.78 GPA
Isabelle has considerable experience in computer aided design (CAD) while on a FIRST robotics team and more recently on a Formula SAE electric car team. Combine that with her experience as a youth swim coach and you have the makings of a fun, deep dive into 3D Printing & Design or Catapult Engineering!
Isabelle is a member and active participant in the Boston University, Society of Women Engineers.
Tyler VanHelene
Studying mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
From 2018 to 2020, Tyler assisted with Edge on Science summer programs, notably Drone & Code, Catapult Engineering and the Summer Rocket Blast Off. He has a wide variety of achievements and activities he dedicates his time to. While still in high school, he was the captain of his high school robotics team, continuing his study of black-belt in karate, sailing on his school’s varsity sailing team, and interning at the hematology and oncology lab at Boston University.
Tyler is pursuing an internship the summer of 2021 and we wish him all the best! He continues to contribute to the curriculum for 3D Printing & Design and will collaborate with Isabelle Nguyen.
Brett Zaorski
Majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University
Brett loves summer camp! As a camper, the activities he loved best were the ones where he learned something new and were hands-on. For the past five summers, he’s worked as either a counselor-in-training or a lead counselor, working with children aged five to 16.
At Case Western, Brett works in the university’s innovation center, supervising activities on the fabrication floor. He also enjoys building sets for theatre performances and playing with the marching band on the drumline.
Brett was an Edge on Science Instructor in the summer of 2020 and helped to blaze a trail for conducting safe in-person programs. Now he gets ready to pass the torch, so to speak, to Greg Dancer and Rebecca FitzGerald. We wish Brett success as he pursues an internship this summer!
