About Us
Started in spring 2015, FLASTEM fosters learning of STEM with a focus in Computing (STEM+C) and Robotics in K-12 and provide connected learning opportunities to a diverse group of elementary, middle, and high school students. The mission is to engage the underrepresented and varied group of k-12 students and spark an interest in robotics, programming & technology by providing hands-on workshops and project-based learning beyond the classrooms.
Learning computer programming and technology have become an essential requirement in every research and study major. With active learning engagements through self-guided workshops and do-it-yourself activities beyond the classrooms, FLASTEM plans to increase K-12 engagement in Robotics and Coding so that the students are well prepared for future learning choices and identify with technology and computer programming disciplines. The outreach initiative also promotes learning of 21st-century soft skills including creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative learning to build students' understanding in these fields and unlock the potential to tackle current and future challenges faced by communities.
Our program is run by high-school students who have a background in robotics and computer science and a passion for serving their local communities. Using an innovative approach to student mentoring and volunteerism, these young volunteers can reach K-12 students who have never had previous exposure to these fields and break down the misconceptions and instill a can-do attitude in younger generation by educating them about the importance of being technology-savvy in the 21st century. We plan to impact learning outcomes not only in the local school districts of the Tampa Bay region but also, are reaching out to like-minded educators and mentors across the country.
Learning computer programming and technology have become an essential requirement in every research and study major. With active learning engagements through self-guided workshops and do-it-yourself activities beyond the classrooms, FLASTEM plans to increase K-12 engagement in Robotics and Coding so that the students are well prepared for future learning choices and identify with technology and computer programming disciplines. The outreach initiative also promotes learning of 21st-century soft skills including creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative learning to build students' understanding in these fields and unlock the potential to tackle current and future challenges faced by communities.
Our program is run by high-school students who have a background in robotics and computer science and a passion for serving their local communities. Using an innovative approach to student mentoring and volunteerism, these young volunteers can reach K-12 students who have never had previous exposure to these fields and break down the misconceptions and instill a can-do attitude in younger generation by educating them about the importance of being technology-savvy in the 21st century. We plan to impact learning outcomes not only in the local school districts of the Tampa Bay region but also, are reaching out to like-minded educators and mentors across the country.
Team
Nikhil Sharma founded FLASTEM in the spring of 2015 and is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley, CA.
Nelay Sharma co-founded FLASTEM and has been contributing since the inception. He is currently a junior at Largo High School with interests in Cybersecurity, User Interface Design, and Ethics & Compliance.
Navin Vazrala is an outreach coordinator & mentor, currently a senior at Largo High School. With strong interests in coding and robotics, he would like to pursue a career in the field of biomedical engineering and neuroscience.
Remy DiBari graduated from Largo High school graduate and is currently pursuing undergraduate program. She became interested in STEM & coding due to her childhood interest in Pokemon and learning about creating and taking apart those games.
Julia Le graduated from Largo High's IB program and is pursuing Computer Science at the University of Florida. Her interest in STEM was sparked through playing video games, and grew from learning about the mechanics behind computer programs & games.
Allen Wasupan graduated from Largo High's IB program and is studying Computer Science at the University of Florida. He became interested in STEM because of his parents who are software engineers and wanted to explore its many opportunities.
Adriana Nazarko - past outreach coordinator, currently pursuing medical studies at Bowdoin College.
Daniel Denison - past outreach coordinator, currently pursuing Computer Science at UCF, Orlando.
Michael Froid - past outreach coordinator, currently working towards undergraduate degree at Brown University.
Ethan Smith - past outreach coordinator, currently enrolled at UCF, Orlando pursuing Robotics and Computer Science.
Will Shedden - past outreach coordinator, currently pursuing undergraduate studies at Eckerd College.
Executive Advisors
Robin P McGowan
Vice President, Pinellas Education Foundation
Director, Ford NGL Innovation Center
Vice President, Pinellas Education Foundation
Director, Ford NGL Innovation Center
Peter Oberg
Program Director (Retd.), Center for Advanced Technologies
Lakewood High School, FL
Program Director (Retd.), Center for Advanced Technologies
Lakewood High School, FL
Sriram Chellappan
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Cybersecurity,
University of South Florida, Tampa
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Cybersecurity,
University of South Florida, Tampa
Laura Spence
K-12 STEM Specialist,
Pinellas County Schools, Florida.
K-12 STEM Specialist,
Pinellas County Schools, Florida.
Chad Mairn
Librarian/Adjunct Professor,
Saint Petersburg College, FL
Librarian/Adjunct Professor,
Saint Petersburg College, FL
Faculty Advisors & Mentors
Sheri Bohm
Business & Technology, Largo High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Business & Technology, Largo High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
LaFrance "Joe" Clarke Jr.
Language Arts, Pinellas Park High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Language Arts, Pinellas Park High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Jason Ness
Robotics, Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Robotics, Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Louis Zulli Jr.
IT & Network Admin (retd.), Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
IT & Network Admin (retd.), Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
Robert Tencza
AP Computer Science and Programming, Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL
AP Computer Science and Programming, Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High
Pinellas County Schools, FL