Since the inaugural Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference in 2016, the Project Fibonacci Foundation, Inc. has been at the forefront of inspiring and empowering the next generation of innovators. We take immense pride in having served over 500 brilliant students, aptly named STEAM Scholars, from across New York State and beyond, including Florida, Washington State, Maine, Massachusetts, Georgia, France, and Delaware.

By providing unique learning opportunities and mentorship, we aim to equip our scholars with the tools they need to excel in both academia and their future careers.

We are honored to spotlight the journeys of our STEAM Scholars as they venture into diverse fields and make significant contributions to society. Their achievements are a testament to the impact we strive to make, and we are thrilled to have played a role in shaping their paths. Join us as we continue to make a difference, one scholar at a time.

William D. – Lewes, Delaware

 

Meet William D., a promising young mind in science and technology. As a first-time participant at the 2024 STEAM Leadership Conference in Rome, NY, William traveled all the way from Delaware for the experience. He loved the conference, making new friends and learning valuable insights. Reflecting on his experience, William said, “It was a great experience where I learned a ton about important topics and met very smart and friendly people.”

Achievements at Sussex County Science Fair

As a junior at Cape Henlopen High School, William secured second place at the Sussex County Science Fair on March 6-7. He was pleasantly surprised by this result, having entered the project just for fun. “I was excited to learn I earned second place and was really happy that other people found my science experiment to be interesting.” Participants conduct a research project in science, engineering, or math, culminating in a presentation and defense before judges.

Innovative Research in Earth and Space Science

William’s project, in the Earth and Space Science category, uses drones to measure temperature profiles in the atmosphere. He wrote his own code to process and graph the unique data. Preparing for the state competition on April 2, William continues his experiments, logging new data. Dr. Peter Olson, William’s teacher, expressed pride in William’s independent research and coding efforts.

Looking Ahead

William aspires to major in Meteorology at the University of Delaware after graduating in 2026. His dedication to understanding weather and atmospheric phenomena is evident in his work and future goals.

At the Project Fibonacci Foundation, we are always inspired by the incredible young minds that take part in our programs. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to Madelyn, a 2024 STEAM Leadership Conference Scholar and a Junior AI Intern at ANDRO Computational Solutions. Madelyn is making waves in the world of STEAM with her passion for science and math, coupled with her hands-on experience with AI. She is undoubtedly paving the way for future innovators.

“My goal is to show other kids and teens that it is possible to succeed so young,” Madelyn shares. “There are always going to be people who hold you back, but if you work hard and keep sight of your goals, you can overcome that. Maybe even one day be the one to present and inspire others.”

Meet Madelyn

🎤 Q: Hi Madelyn! Tell us about yourself.

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: My name is Madelyn, and I’m from NY. I attend high school, and I’m currently a sophomore.

🎤 Q: What classes are you currently taking that are your favorite?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I’m really enjoying Chemistry and Algebra 2 right now. Both subjects challenge me to think in new ways, and I love problem-solving!

Beyond STEAM: Madelyn’s Other Passions

🎤 Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of school and work?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I love listening to music and playing sports! While they don’t directly connect to STEAM, they help me stay balanced.

🎤 Q: Tell us about your business, Bareskin Cosmetics!

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I started my own business at 14 years old, making 100% handmade aloe vera cold-process soaps. Now, I run Bareskin Cosmetics! I don’t have a social media page for it yet, but I’m thinking about how I want to grow my business in the coming years. If anyone is interested in my products, they can reach out to hillfamilycosmetics@gmail.com!

STEAM Projects, Competitions & Future Goals

🎤 Q: Can you share any STEAM projects you’ve worked on?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I competed in the AG Business conference, Grow-NY, which had a STEAM focus. I was both a presenter and competitor, and I placed 4th in the youth competition. This experience helped me understand the world of startups and innovation and how businesses grow.

🎤 Q: Have you received any awards or recognitions for your work in STEAM?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: Yes! Placing 4th at Grow-NY was a big accomplishment for me. It made me realize how important the intersection of business, technology, and agriculture is and how I can contribute to the field.

🎤 Q: What are your future career goals? Do you see yourself in a STEAM-related field?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I’m still figuring that out, but I know I want to be as successful as possible. I love math and science, and I could see myself in a STEAM career, particularly in government or military partnerships.

Internship at ANDRO

🎤 Q: What is your role at ANDRO Computational Solutions, and what are you currently working on?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I’m a Junior AI Intern at ANDRO. My project is to develop a training program that can be implemented for high school and college students. Through this, I’m also gaining a better understanding of how AI is used in wireless communication. Right now, I’m researching AI platforms and tools used across the industry.

🎤 Q: What motivated you to pursue an internship at ANDRO Computational Solutions, and what do you hope to gain from this experience?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I wasn’t initially interested in what ANDRO was doing until I attended a mini convention hosted by the Project Fibonacci Foundation. Dr. Drozd really sparked my interest when he explained their work. It made me realize how much I could learn in this field. I’m hoping to gain real work experience, expand my knowledge, and open doors for future opportunities!

Internship Experience

🎤 Q: How is your internship going so far? What have been the highlights?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: It’s been amazing! I love working on my project, and the experience has been eye-opening. One of the highlights was meeting with the team and learning firsthand about their work.

🎤 Q: What skills do you hope to gain from this internship?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I want to gain real workplace experience, learn about how companies operate, and expand my knowledge of AI and the defense industry. These are fields I’m really passionate about, and I know this internship is setting me up for future success!

Breaking Barriers as a Young Woman in STEAM

🎤 Q: Do you think gender will create any challenges for you in your career? How do you plan to overcome them?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: Yes, I have already faced some struggles, and I know there will be people who try to hold me back. But I have motivation and support, and that keeps me going! One of the biggest challenges for women is being overlooked, but I’m determined to prove that I belong in this industry.

🎤 Q: What are your plans for further education after high school?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I’m considering a BOCES program and possibly college, but I haven’t decided on my exact path yet.

STEAM Leadership Conference

🎤 Q: How was your experience at the Project Fibonacci Foundation STEAM Leadership Conference?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: I loved the conference! There was a new opportunity every day, and I appreciated the diversity of experiences it offered. I made so many new friends, and it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What made it even better was that financial support was available, allowing more students to attend. The entire event was so well planned, and it opened doors for me that I never had access to in my local area.

🎤 Q: How did attending the conference influence your decision to pursue this internship?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: Project Fibonacci was a game-changer for me. It gave me all the right tools to succeed, and that’s how I found out about ANDRO. The experience was amazing, and there are no opportunities like this in my community. I definitely want to go again, and my sister is excited to have a chance too. A couple of days into the conference, I felt encouraged to push myself to seek even greater opportunities!

🎤 Q: What advice would you give to other students considering STEAM careers or internships?

👩‍🔬 Madelyn: Go for it! Opportunities like the Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference can change your life. Be open to new experiences, challenge yourself, and don’t let obstacles stop you. The future is in your hands!

Thank You Madelyn!

Thank you, Madelyn, for sharing your incredible journey! Your passion and determination are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the world of STEAM!

Scholar Spotlight: Jackie Mann

From STEAM Student to Educator & Mentor: An Interview with Jackie Mann

At the Project Fibonacci Foundation, we love seeing our STEAM Leadership Conference alumni take what they’ve learned and bring it back into the world as leaders and mentors. In this Scholar Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Jackie Mann, a former STEAM Leadership Conference Scholar, current Mathematics Teacher, and STEAM Women Rising Panelist.

She has come full circle—once a student at the conference, she now brings her own students to the STEAM Women Rising Symposium, inspiring the next generation of STEAM leaders.

🎤 Q: Can you introduce yourself?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: I’m from Holland Patent, NY, and I graduated from Holland Patent High School in 2020. I attended MVCC, where I studied adolescence education (mathematics) and played tennis. After that, I transferred to SUNY Empire State University, where I completed my undergraduate degree in mathematics and earned my Master of Arts in Teaching.  Currently, I am a middle and high school mathematics teacher. My passion for teaching was inspired by my incredible high school math teachers and my mom, who teaches high school science and absolutely loves her job!

🎤 Q: You attended the Project Fibonacci Foundation STEAM Leadership Conference as a student. What initially motivated you to take part in the program?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: My mom actually motivated me to attend! My high school wasn’t really sending any students, but she was a facilitator and believed I would benefit from the experience. I attended in 2018 and 2019, and I was planning to return in 2020, but COVID happened. The conference was truly life-changing for me. I was able to make connections with professionals in the STEAM fields, discover my personal interests, and meet lifelong friends. It also helped me become a better student, improving my problem-solving skills, professionalism, and confidence—all of which have benefited me in my career.

🎤 Q: Looking back, how did attending the STEAM Leadership Conference influence your academic and career path?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: Initially, the conference inspired me to pursue engineering because I enjoyed problem-solving. But when I started college, I realized I wanted something more focused on mathematics and less on engineering and science. One of the biggest influences was the high school teachers who supported scholars at the conference—Kevin Morrison, Tamalin Martin, and my own mother, Penny Mann. Seeing how engaged and passionate they were about teaching STEAM subjects made me realize that teaching was the right path for me. I was also deeply inspired by John Urschel, a former NFL player and current MIT Math Professor. I was engaged in his discussion on mathematics and even got to interview him one-on-one. We’re still connected on social media!

🎤 Q: Now, as a mathematics teacher, you’ve brought your own students to the STEAM Women Rising Symposium. What was that full-circle moment like for you?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: It was so special! I care deeply about my students, and it was amazing to see them experiencing the same inspiration that I did. They loved it! They also got a kick out of seeing photos of me from high school attending the conference—it made them realize just how much of an impact this program has.

🎤 Q: You’ve not only attended these events but also served as a panelist at the STEAM Women Rising Symposium. How did it feel to transition from student attendee to mentor and role model?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: Honestly, it was incredible! Watching students engage in the same workshops and activities that I once participated in felt surreal. I actually got a bit teary-eyed when I was on the panel. I didn’t expect students to be that impressed by me, especially since I was sitting alongside CEOs and other highly successful women. But after the symposium, students asked to take pictures with me—that was an amazing feeling!

🎤 Q: You’ve not only attended these events but also served as a panelist at the STEAM Women Rising Symposium. How did it feel to transition from student attendee to mentor and role model?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: Honestly, it was incredible! Watching students engage in the same workshops and activities that I once participated in felt surreal. I actually got a bit teary-eyed when I was on the panel. I didn’t expect students to be that impressed by me, especially since I was sitting alongside CEOs and other highly successful women. But after the symposium, students asked to take pictures with me—that was an amazing feeling!

🎤 Q: Why do you think programs like the Project Fibonacci Foundation’s STEAM Leadership Conference and STEAM Women Rising Symposium are so important for students today?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: These events give students the opportunity to learn STEAM in a non-traditional setting. Instead of sitting in a classroom, scholars get to engage in real-world applications, discussions, and hands-on projects. As a math teacher, I always get asked, “When will I ever use this?” Events like these answer that question—students get to see STEAM in action and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

🎤 Q: What advice would you give to students considering careers in STEAM?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: I truly believe that any student can be successful in a STEAM career. When I was in college, I failed my first math test—and I was devastated. Math had always been easy for me in high school, so I never really developed study skills. That failure forced me to learn how to learn, and I believe that’s what really determines success—developing skills like time management, note-taking, and productivity. To any student pursuing STEAM: You are capable of learning anything. It’s not about being naturally “good” at a subject—it’s about putting in the effort and developing the skills to succeed.

🎤 Q: If you could go back and give advice to your younger self when you first attended the STEAM Leadership Conference, what would you say?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: Don’t be afraid to fail. I was such a perfectionist in high school, and I struggled when things didn’t come easily to me. But failure is how we learn and grow. Put yourself out there, engage in conversations, and be willing to learn from others. It’s okay to be wrong—it means you’re learning!

🎤 Q: What’s next for you?

👩‍🏫 Jackie: I’m transitioning to a new school district to be closer to home and will be working more with middle school students. I also plan to continue advocating for the Project Fibonacci Foundation. No matter where I go, I want to get more students and districts involved—because this program truly changes lives.

🌟 Thank you for sharing your journey! Your story is an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see how you continue shaping the future of STEAM! 🚀💡✨