Class of 2022: Sowing the Seeds of STEM

Em Beeler '22 (Teacher Preparation Program/Math) did student teaching at Doherty High School in Worcester, where Beeler was a student several years ago. The experience leading Algebra and Pre-Calculus classes confirmed a desire to teach in a Worcester Public School. Beeler is one of the first Noyce scholars, a program to support WPI students majoring in science, mathematics, and engineering who want to pursue a career in teaching.

"Through the Teacher Preparation Program and the STEM Education Center, I was able to participate in exciting K-12 outreach activities throughout my undergrad experience,” said Beeler. “I’m grateful for the STEM Education Center because it allowed me to meet other students who were planning on going into education after college—it made me feel more confident in my career choice."

Mahvash Jebeli '22 (BME PhD), a three-time WRAMP mentor, has inspired two high school students from Worcester Public Schools to attend WPI. They are now members of the Class of 2025 and Great Minds CoMPASS scholars, a WPI initiative designed to meet the full demonstrated financial need, up to the cost of tuition and fees, of selected Pell-eligible students enrolled in the Worcester Public Schools who are interested in attending WPI.

Jebeli says, “This program helped me gain experience with teaching and mentorship that was not feasible to achieve any other way. Working with bright high school women helped me understand the value of giving back to our scientific society. Two of my high school students were accepted into our undergraduate biomedical engineering program, and I foresee a bright future for both of them.”

Maiya Mitchell '20 (Teacher Prep/ME), '22 (FPE grad student) was a student teacher at Worcester Technical High School and inspired one of her high school students to follow in her footsteps. That student, Genesis Bernabel, is now a Great Minds CoMPASS scholar and Noyce scholar in the Teacher Preparation program.