ROME, NY — August 2026 — The Project Fibonacci® Foundation (PFF) is celebrating the successful completion of its 8th Annual STEAM Leadership Conference, held July 26 through August 1 throughout the Rome-Utica region.
Centered on the theme, “The Quantum Realm: Time, Teleportation & Entanglement,” the immersive education event brought together 60 students from across Central New York to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics while developing leadership, teamwork, critical-thinking, and career-readiness skills.
Throughout the week, scholars participated in hands-on workshops, keynote presentations, interdisciplinary challenges, career exploration, off-site experiences, and team-based projects designed to encourage them to think differently, collaborate with people they have never met, and explore opportunities for their futures.
Students represented more than 20 schools and educational institutions from throughout the region and beyond. Scholar feedback following the conference was overwhelmingly positive, with every respondent to the final survey rating the overall conference experience average of 4.8 out of 5. Students frequently highlighted the friendships they formed, new opportunities they experienced, and confidence they developed during the week.
“The conference changes every year, but the part that continues to mean the most to me is watching our scholars grow throughout the week,” said Amy Jaworski, 2026 Conference Chairperson. “They come from different schools, communities, and backgrounds, and we intentionally put them in situations where they have to meet new people, hear different perspectives, and figure things out together. By the end of the week, you see friendships, confidence, and a real sense of community that simply weren’t there on day one.”
A Week of Exploration, Innovation and Connection
The 2026 conference featured scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and industry professionals who challenged scholars to explore the conference theme from multiple perspectives. Featured speakers included Dr. Erin Macdonald, an astrophysicist, award-winning science communicator and official science advisor for the Star Trek franchise, and Sára Nožková, CEO and co-founder of Flox Intelligence. Nožková’s presentation on career pivots, adaptability, business and emerging opportunities was the highest-rated major presentation of the week in scholar surveys.
Hands-on programming was equally diverse. Scholars built their own Steampunk Quantum Engines, explored the future of quantum computing, stepped into the role of precision-medicine investigators, used rhythm to examine patterns and leadership, investigated forensic science with the Rome Police Department, explored wildlife through the Utica ZooMobile, and connected physics and creativity through visual arts experiences.
Learning also extended beyond the classroom through experiences at Innovare Advancement Center, Masonic Medical Research Institute and 4 Elements Studio. Scholars were introduced to work taking place locally in unmanned aerial systems, quantum communications, cybersecurity, biomedical research, art and design, while connecting directly with professionals working in those fields.
“What makes this conference unique is that we challenge scholars to look beyond traditional academic boundaries,” said Dr. Andrew Drozd, Founder and Chairman of the Project Fibonacci® Foundation. “STEAM does not exist independently in the real world. Innovation happens when those disciplines intersect. Whether our scholars are exploring quantum computing, precision medicine, entrepreneurship, or the arts, we want them to understand those connections and develop the curiosity, critical thinking and confidence to become the innovators and leaders of the future.”
Powered by Community Support
The 2026 conference was made possible through the generous support of major sponsors including NYSTEC, Griffin Charitable Foundation, Shoreline Group, ANDRO Computational Solutions LLC, and Nascentia Health, along with numerous businesses, organizations, educators, presenters, and volunteers who contributed funding, scholarships, programming, services, and expertise throughout the week.
That support also allows Project Fibonacci® to reinvest in the Mohawk Valley. The weeklong conference intentionally utilizes local lodging, venues, restaurants and food providers, transportation, entertainment, professional services, and other businesses while introducing scholars to the region’s educational institutions, employers, and innovation ecosystem.
The conference was headquartered at Griffiss Business & Technology Park in Rome, with extensive programming at Mohawk Valley Community College and experiences throughout the greater Rome-Utica area.
“We want our scholars to see that incredible things are happening right here in the Mohawk Valley,” Jaworski said. “Whenever possible, we also want the investment required to produce the conference to remain here — supporting local businesses, organizations, and institutions while introducing young people to the opportunities that exist in this region.”
The 2026 conference culminated in a STEAM Fair and closing ceremonies on Saturday, August 1 held at the NTROPEE Hangar at Griffiss Park where color teams presented their projects to the public using the Heisenberg Quantum Uncertainty Principle as a framework.
The success of the conference reflects the collective efforts of Project Fibonacci®’s core team, facilitators, volunteers, presenters, community partners, sponsors and service providers who work throughout the year and during the week to create a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for scholars.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Planning is already underway for Project Fibonacci’s 9th Annual STEAM Leadership Conference in Summer 2027, expected to explore, “Who Controls the Future? Humanity, Technology & the Decisions That Will Define the Sociotechnological Us.” The conference will challenge scholars to examine the intersection of rapidly advancing technologies and society, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, automation, privacy and the future of work — and to consider not only what technology can accomplish, but what it should accomplish and who should have a voice in deciding.
Project Fibonacci is exploring opportunities to collaborate with additional higher education, industry, and community partners as the 2027 program develops. Early-bird opportunities for returning scholars and nominations for new scholars are expected to open in Fall 2026. The foundation is also participating in the next round of the Mohawk Valley Gives campaign with Giving Day on September 18 to raise scholarship funds for the program.
About the Project Fibonacci Foundation
The Project Fibonacci® Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers through immersive interdisciplinary STEAM education. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations, Project Fibonacci creates transformative learning experiences that help young people develop leadership, critical-thinking and entrepreneurial skills while exploring emerging technologies and future career opportunities.
In the News: Project Fibonacci wraps up 8th annual STEAM Conference | News | romesentinel.com
