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What Got You Started in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math?

Dec. 22, 2014
What got you started n Engineering?

So what was your Stem Starter? In many cases, it’s a parent who worked as an engineer, nurse, or technician that inspired your carrier choice. But there’s often a kit, toy, model, or tool that sparked a lifelong interest in outer space and rockets, the ocean and submarines, or mechanical things and how they go together. Maybe it was a microscope, Erector Set, crystal radio, or even something as simple as clay or Play Doh. But it got your creative juices flowing and set you on a trajectory that carried you through engineering school and to a career in discovery, design, or testing.

Well, Machine Design will be hosting another March Bracket Madness campaign, much like last year’s popular World’s Greatest Engineering Movie, but this time we are looking for the most popular and treasured Stem Starter as determined by you, our audience. The first step is for you readers to think back and recall the kit, toy, model, or tool you received as a Christmas or birthday present, or spent your own hard-earned money on, that helped set you on your course as an engineer, designer, or scientist. Then leave a comment below nominating that device or game or whatever, and perhaps a short note as to what prompted your nomination for it as a Stem Starter.

And stay tuned to this blog for more Stem Starter information on where to vote and how to win some fabulous prizes.

About the Author

Stephen Mraz Blog | Senior Editor

Steve serves as Senior Editor of Machine Design.  He has 23 years of service and has a B.S. Biomedical Engineering from CWRU. Steve was a E-2C Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy. He is currently responsible for areas such as aerospace, defense, and medical.

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