On November 17, 2022, Edison High hosted its annual STEM Academy Orientation to inform students and parents about the admission process and the program before applying.

The orientation included a variety of activities for students and parents, including the main presentation by Principal Mr. Charles Ross and STEM Academy advisor Ms. Kristen Tsaoys in the newly-renovated auditorium, and a tour of the two engineering rooms. In the Media Center, students learned about several STEM clubs, such as the Robotics Team, Math Team, Science Olympiad, and iSTEM. 

On top of the rigorous coursework, STEM students develop the skills to create their own capstone projects during their senior year after four years of mandatory engineering classes. During the main presentation in the auditorium, four STEM senior students presented their capstone project to the parents and students.

Avinash Aravind ‘23 and Jeremy Hur ‘23 presented their capstone project, ROADetect, a roadside box that will detect weather conditions, and warn drivers of hazardous roads. 

Pragya Singh ‘23 and Masumi Chhabria ‘23 presented their Lesion Identification Device, which allows users to scan lesions and receive a report that classifies the lesion and suggests follow-ups for the patient. The machine will be built using Arduinos and sensors.  Python will be used to create an algorithm that will classify the lesion. 

“The engineering courses, and the knowledge gained through the AP courses offered through the previous years, it all feels like it’s coming together in the capstone project,” said Singh. 

One of the main features of the orientation was the Q&A session in STEM classrooms. Potential applicants and their parents were given advice and information about the program from current students and teachers. 

“I think the orientation is very helpful so that incoming students know what to expect for the program from current students,” said Ms. Rachel Sandler, the AP Biology teacher for the STEM freshmen. 

“It’s just a great way to meet students in the program and get personal experiences. You make connections with current students and you now have someone to contact outside of school if you have any questions,” said Aditya Rao ‘26.

Students and teachers recommend the program due to the rigorous academics and the relationships formed through the program.

“Our ability to problem-solve, learn time-management skills, understand the way we learn and think, etc. is definitely helpful for the future, and I can definitely see my experiences and skills from STEM being very useful in the future,” said Singh ‘23.

“Anyone who thinks they’re up for the task should go for it. Especially students who want to challenge themselves with AP and engineering courses, ” said Alvin Wu ‘24. 

“I’ve had a lot of fun becoming close friends with everyone here and moving through high school together. You spend 4 years with your cohort and you become a family,” stated Vinay Menon ‘23. 

Students noted that the STEM Academy still allows them to have the “normal high school experience.” 

“It’s the best of both worlds: You get the tough academics, but you also get an amazing support system of teachers, administrators, students, and friends. You also have access to so many clubs and sports and activities and everything else a high school brings,” said Aravind. 

“It’s great being able to interact with students outside of STEM. I’ve met a lot of really chill people who aren’t in STEM. You couldn’t get that at a place like a county STEM school {magnet school} with a very small cohort,” said Wu ‘24. 

“Our STEM students benefit from everything a typical high school has to offer: clubs, sports, dances, participating in music/arts, and more. Our students are able to focus on a deeper understanding of engineering and the sciences while still being exposed to a ‘typical’ high school life” said Mrs. Tsoays. 

Many current students in the program felt a deep connection to the program when volunteering at the open house. 

“In some of the students, I saw myself in them, and I can’t believe all the time has passed since then,” notes Divya Krishna ‘25. 

“It’s heartwarming to see that much of the spirit and goals of the STEM program are still thriving after all these years and the pandemic tumult, and see STEM students across all grade levels in one place,” said Vinay Menon ‘23. 

“Volunteering at these orientations is kind of a fun tradition for me and my class, and we always enjoy these events. It’s pretty sad that this was our last one,” said Singh ‘23. 

“It’s strangely nostalgic, I remember sitting in those seats and thinking ‘I want to come here’ and then I did, but it still feels weird to say. I’m just happy I can hopefully have the same positive impact on others {that older STEM students had on me},” stated ‘23 Aravind. 

As the STEM Academy begins to prepare for its next cohort, students and teachers reflected on the orientation as a whole.

“I think that the orientation was incredibly successful. There were so many students that attended and many seemed eager to apply for the program,” said Rao ‘26.

“This year I felt it was definitely a successful event, I and many others were able to speak with parents about our experiences in STEM as well as letting the parents/future applicants have a taste of the uplifting community we have,” stated Krishna ‘25. 

“Parents and students seem to leave with a better understanding of our program.  The night would not have been successful if it wasn’t for our STEM Academy students. They are just awesome at sharing how great our program is and why they love it!” said Mrs. Tsaoys. 

To learn more about the STEM Academy, click on the link below:

STEM Academy Website