We are pleased to announce our 2nd virtual STEM Summit and this time with nine-days of tech adventures in the world of STEM. The virtual STEM Summit is designed to help connect regional teachers and students to some of the amazing technology companies that are powering Pittsburgh’s success. In this virtual model, students will begin by gaining access to eight different remarkable experiences with leaders in the STEM industry. And to add to the engagement and excitement, the students will have the unique opportunity to serve as student hosts, participate through interactive Q & A, and embark on adventures into the workings of the industry.
Link to BirdBrain Technologies Robots:
Finch Robot 2.0 Remote Coding Session - https://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/remote-robots/finch-arena-robots/
Speakers: BirdBrain Technologies, Tom Lauwers, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Bambi Brewer, Ph.D., Director of Engineering, and Erica Hogan, Operations Coordinator
Tom Lauwers, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, BirdBrain Technologies
Tom is Founder and CEO at BirdBrain Technologies, located in Pittsburgh, PA. He seeks to design educational tools that catalyze positive making, coding, and engineering learning experiences in the classroom. Tom received a Ph.D in robotics in 2010 from Carnegie Mellon in part for his work designing the Finch Robot and Hummingbird Robotics Kit. Tom's research was founded on engaging all students, regardless of background, in robotics and engineering, and BirdBrain's products continue this mission. The Finch is a small robot designed to inspire and delight students learning computer science by providing a tangible representation of their code. The Hummingbird is a kit that allows students to create and program robots built from electronic components and craft materials. Tom resides in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood with his wife, two kids, cat, and a small army of robots. He would be an invaluable ally in the event of a robot uprising.
Bambi Brewer, Ph.D., Director of Engineering, BirdBrain Technologies
Bambi works from the beginning to the end of the development process to design new products, ensure software is reliable and easy to use, and create curriculum pathways to help take robotics projects to the next level. Bambi has B.S. degrees in math and physics from Rhodes College, and a Ph.D. in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. She has experience in education at all levels and has been designing robotics curricula since 2013. In her free time, she raises a teenager and knits obsessively.
Erica Hogan, Operations Coordinator, BirdBrain Technologies
Erica is responsible for many of the day to day operations at BirdBrain. She processes and creates orders, provides quotes, and manages the demo programs. She has a background in Secondary English Education and a Masters degree in Library and Information Science. Erica is an avid reader and in her free time she enjoys baking, playing D&D, and crafting.