Local Students Take STEM “Head – On” at Structure Medical
AT&T Florida recently provided $100,000 to challenge Florida’s district-wide local education foundations to create STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workplace experiences throughout the state this school year through a grant to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF).
The project’s aim is to provide students and teachers hands-on experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom that are directly linked to their coursework in science, technology, engineering and/or math. Through The Education Foundation of Collier County, Golden Gate and Naples High Schools have received grant funding to work with Structure Medical on a hands-on experience for students.
Structure Medical is a leading manufacturer of medical implant products that are used by orthopedic surgeons to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use these medical devices to treat trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, tumor and congenital conditions. Founded in 2004, the company uses the most advanced machine tools available to produce products that meet the highest quality standards.
“Structure Medical is excited to be part of such a wonderful opportunity for the young adults in our community. The STEM at WORK Project will provide the students new tools in understanding how science, technology, engineering and math are all vital to a successful business”, says Len Zaiser, Senior Vice President of Structure Medical.
Golden Gate High physics teacher, Jorge Agobian is working with Structure Medical on his project “The Physics behind Prosthetic Devices and Implants.” “When teaching a science subject like physics, one of the main obstacles is the dearth of real-world applications of the subject being covered. Being able to visit a facility like Structure Medical provided the students with plenty of invaluable real-world connections to the material they’ve been learning, as well as a first-hand glimpse of what a career in the sciences might involve”, says Jorge Agobian.
He and students visited Structure Medical on February 10th and had a full agenda for the day which included everything from the company’s history and business strategy to quality control. Students demonstrated eagerness to learn and asked great career oriented questions. “The experience at Structure Medical was enlightening. Who would have imagined that such an incredible amount of time and effort could be placed in the manufacturing of small objects,” says Golden Gate High student, Lira Vigo.
The second grant has been awarded to Bob Bentley, pre-engineering teacher from Naples High to work with Structure Medical on his grant titled “Engineering and Material Testing” to give students a hands-on real world view of practical applications in the engineering and engineering technology fields.
After visiting Structure Medical in early April, Naples High School student Sarah Connolly observed, “I thought it was interesting to see how the machines actually worked and how such a little titanium plate could help let someone live longer. The whole experience was really fascinating and sounded like a cool job.”
“Floridians need to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to maximize their individual efforts to become contributing members of society.” said Marshall Criser, III, AT&T Florida President. With the help from AT&T, CFEF and The Education Foundation of Collier County, this program will provide real life experiences that can help increase the number of Florida’s students graduating from high school college- and career-ready.
