Every summer in Rome, New York, a select group of curious, creative and driven teens gather at the Project Fibonacci Foundation’s STEAM Leadership Conference—a week-long deep dive into the power of multidisciplinary synergies across the subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. But this isn’t a summer camp—it is a youth leadership conference that challenges students to develop the leadership, critical-thinking, collaborative, and communications skills that apply creativity for technological innovation. It’s a transformational experience that opens doors, sparks passions and builds the kind of future-ready leaders the world needs most.
Now entering its seventh year, the 2025 conference returns from July 27-Aug. 2 at Griffiss Business & Technology Park, with a thought-provoking theme: “The Science of the Unknown: Living in a Material World.” This year’s program dives into some of the coolest and most thought-provoking topics out there—from futuristic materials and sci-fiction versus science fact, critical-thinking to discern truth from speculation or mis/dis-information across a range of topics spanning the paranormal to the search for extraterrestrial life and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).
But the true heart of the conference lies in its participants—the students aged 15-19 who bring the energy, enthusiasm and fresh thinking that define the STEAM fields of tomorrow. Through immersive workshops, team challenges and mentorship from leading experts, students don’t just learn about science and technology, they learn how to lead.
From curiosity to confidence, creativity to innovation
What sets the Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference apart is its inquiry-based learning model. Rather than memorizing formulas or taking tests, students work together in small teams to tackle real-world problems of large scale. They’re encouraged to ask bold questions, evaluate evidence and test creative solutions. Whether they’re designing a product, presenting a concept or analyzing futuristic tech, participants leave with sharper critical thinking skills and a greater sense of self-assurance as well as a creative spirit that lends to technological advancement. This also has workforce implications: using the arts to grow the STEM workforce.
“[The STEAM Leadership Conference] was a game-changer for me. It gave me all the right tools to succeed, and that’s how I found out about ANDRO,” shares Madelyn, a 2024 STEAM Leadership Conference scholar and a junior AI intern at ANDRO Computational Solutions. “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!
Experience beyond the classroom, skills development beyond the ordinary
The week is packed with hands-on learning opportunities—from workshops led by renowned keynote speakers to offsite tours of local tech firms, arts organizations and educational institutions. These field trips give scholars an inside look at how STEAM careers unfold in real life, and they help students align their own goals with future opportunities. This year’s tours will emphasize local companies doing advanced materials research such as Indium Corp. including Wolfspeed’s semiconductor fabrication processes. Other tours such as to the thINCubator in Utica, in conjunction with a Fuel Your Future Fair that will showcase local academic and business organizations, will stress workforce themes, including entrepreneurial startups and internships at local companies.
Local STEM professionals, educators and entrepreneurs also play an active role in the conference as mentors. Their presence underscores one of the foundation’s guiding beliefs: that thriving young people create thriving communities. By investing in the next generation, the Project Fibonacci Foundation is also investing in the revitalization of the region’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
“When community members come together, we create a stronger, more vibrant environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. By pooling our resources and efforts, we can make a significant difference in their educational and professional career journey and incentivize community revitalization,” shares Dr. Andy Drozd, founder and chair of the Project Fibonacci Foundation.
This year’s speakers include:
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Bruce Rosenbaum – Artist, Creator, ‘Steampunk Guru,’ and Owner of ModVic, who will apply a Janusian “opposites” approach that links aspects of vintage artistry with modern technology to repurpose them into functional items, and where his works have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, CNN, Huffington Post, NPR and on MTV, A&E, Discovery and HGTV channels.
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Dr. Steven Novella – Academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine and host and producer of “The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe” podcast. Novella has made multiple appearances on NPR’s All Things Considered and is a frequent guest on radio talk shows and science podcasts.
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Melanie Sawyer – Entrepreneur, survivalist instructor, forager, and participant on the History Channel’s Alone Season 10.
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Jeanette Epps, Ph.D. – Syracuse Native, STEM enthusiast, NASA Astronaut, Mission Specialist, and Flight Engineer for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 who returned to earth in October 2024 after a seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
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Peter Boie: Magician and Bestselling Magic Inventor, who will give an encore presentation back by popular demand.
The event ends with a STEAM Fair where students will present their weeklong projects and participate in a competition in the presence of local judges representing the education, business, and entrepreneurial/investor sectors.
Creating access for all and a vibrant community for everyone
One of the key pillars of the Project Fibonacci Foundation is inclusivity. Through a robust scholarship program with the tax-deductible support of local partners like NYSTEC, Nascentia, and others, the organization works to ensure that no interested student is turned away due to financial need. Local businesses and donors are invited to “adopt a scholar” or contribute to the scholarship fund, helping level the playing field for students of all backgrounds. Scholarship application information can be found in the 2025 Conference Guide Book.
The impact of the program is undeniable. Since its inception in 2016, more than 500 students have participated in the STEAM Leadership Conference, many of whom have gone on to study and work in STEAM fields in the region and across the country.
Looking forward to the future
The seventh annual Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference is happening July 27–Aug. 2, 2025, at Griffiss Business & Technology Park, 584 Phoenix Dr., Rome, NY, and nearby spots. It’s a hands-on, weeklong experience for high schoolers in grades 9-12 and is open to first-year college students as well as those in vocational trades.
Be sure to view the 2025 Advance Program, which offers a comprehensive guide for prospective scholars, detailing the conference’s innovative curriculum, hands-on workshops and collaborative projects designed to inspire and empower young minds in STEAM.
With registration now open, the excitement is already building. Slots are limited, and nominations are currently being accepted for students eager to explore their potential and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator or business leader, there’s a place for you in this mission to inspire, educate and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
Read the full story here: From space-age materials science to science fiction versus science fact and beyond, see how the Project Fibonacci STEAM Conference sparks innovation in future leaders | | romesentinel.com
