For my capstone project, I explored the world of engineering by interviewing professionals across various fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, aerospace, and software engineering. My goal was to gain insight into what engineers actually do, their career journeys, and the challenges they face. These interviews, conducted via Zoom and organized by field, were created as a resource for students interested in STEM careers. The idea stemmed from my own uncertainty about engineering paths, despite classroom exposure. I wanted real-world perspectives and used this project to improve my communication, organization, and interviewing skills. I collaborated with mentors, especially through Braskem, to connect with engineers and refine my questions. Though I faced challenges, particularly getting responses, I successfully conducted five meaningful interviews. Throughout the process, I embraced SLA’s core values: Inquiry through my curiosity, Research by preparing and learning from interviews, Collaboration with mentors and professionals, Presentation in organizing interviews by field, and Reflection in evaluating both my progress and the insights gained. I’m proud of turning my curiosity into a resource that exposes some engineering careers. It offers relatable, authentic stories for students who may be unsure where to start in STEM. This project made the field feel more approachable and showed me that there’s no single path to becoming an engineer. If I could expand it, I’d include more interviews and possibly job-shadowing opportunities. Ultimately, I hope this project inspires others to explore engineering with confidence and curiosity.

https://sites.google.com/d/1xEh6WaaOOZYN2qD4PD4608isbVKyNP3y/p/17-72x0LiMwM5EHlQp-pultuZZtkKBXN6/edit

For my Capstone project, I decided to create three podcasts about philosophers and their ideas. My inspiration for the podcast was largely from attending the Philosophy elective, taught by my now Capstone Mentor, Mr. Lehman. During this class, we would often use Crash Course Philosophy videos as a resource to encourage discussion and thought in class. I have had a passion for history as long as I can remember, and I discovered a similar passion for philosophy through the philosophy elective. Due to this newfound passion, I decided to create three podcasts to showcase the philosophical ideas of a range of figures from different eras of philosophy, which will be posted on YouTube so I can share my findings with others. The overarching goal was to take this subject and give basic information in an efficient and interesting format, while also making the case as to why this seemingly esoteric subject is actually very important to everyone.

For my Capstone I created a photography photo book that gives SLA 9th graders the space to express themselves visually. The goal was to give the opportunity to people with little to no photography skills and learn how to capture meaningful images and tell stories by focusing on themes that reflected from their pandemic experiences. I chose this project because photography has always been a way for me to experience the world around me differently, and I wanted others to experience that too. Throughout the process I planned lessons, taught the 9th graders weekly, and guided them as they developed their ideas and improved their photos. In the end, my product is a phonebook of student photos tied together by their chosen themes showing how they applied what we learned and still told their stories while having fun. This Capstone taught me how being patient can really matter most when trying to be a leader.

The link to access the photobook is provided below: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGiwOq2FFM/bdpVf17GZcTkXSeoyQtUCg/edit?utm_content=DAGiwOq2FFM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

For my Capstone project, I designed and demonstrated a series of interactive science lessons for fourth-grade students, combining complex science ideas with engaging hands-on experiments. I chose this topic because, when I was in elementary school, my teachers mostly prioritized math over science. As a result, I didn’t have many opportunities to explore science topics that interest me. I wanted to change that experience for younger students, especially those similar to me who love science, and also inspire those who might not yet see the appeal. My goal was to create a learning environment that was both educational and fun, where students could engage with science through creativity and exploration. I developed slideshow presentations to introduce each topic in an engaging way, followed by hands-on experiments I tested at home to ensure it was safe, accessible, and enjoyable. Throughout the project, I taught a variety of topics, including: how to make slime and what it is, how to make oobleck, the characteristics of living organisms, information about plant life, how volcanoes work, freezing point depression demonstrated through salt melting ice, and how ice cream is created. This experience helped me grow as a communicator and a teacher. I learned how to break down complex science concepts into simple, engaging lessons that fourth graders could follow, and how to manage a classroom environment that encouraged participation and discovery. Most importantly, I was able to give those students who love science a safe environment to explore their interests and ask questions to further their love for science.

This Capstone is a website that will go on the SLA official website for SLA after school clubs. This project was done as a way to be able to get more people interested in clubs while also exposing them to the different clubs here offered at SLA. On the website you will find all of the schools current clubs as well as possible incoming clubs with information of teachers and places to reach out. There will also be a place for people to go and apply to make their own clubs. This will allow them to Create any type of club they want to. Every current club, besides robotics, has their own custom club poster created by me. I wanted to do this as a capstone as a way to fully get people into clubs and try to do more within the school. I wanted to help people who didn’t like sports find something to do after school as a way to get them to meet other people outside of school and do something fun.