A trio of Woodland Hills alumni who are now working with U.S. Steel teamed up with former Steelers defensive back Mike Logan to help a group of students at Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy learn more about STEM careers during a visit to the school on Tuesday, October 28.
The sixth and seventh graders met with representatives from U.S. Steel to ask them about their jobs and learn how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics all play a role in their work. The visitors explained that while some of them use scientific concepts or advanced mathematics on a regular basis, others use the principals behind STEM education to help them in their careers in community outreach, management, and more. Skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork can be applied to any career.
Three Woodland Hills alumni took part in a panel where they answered questions about their careers and STEM education. The alumni included Megan Muldowney, a 1999 graduate who is a Director in Supply Chain Organization for U.S. Steel; Jayson Scherrbaum, a 1993 graduate who is a maintenance manager at U.S. Steel’s Clairton plant; and Mark Yezovich, a 2003 graduate who is a Shift Manager at U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock.
The three alumni were joined by coworkers for breakout discussions, where small groups of students were able to ask more questions and learn about the details of the representatives’ jobs.
Mr. Logan, a McKeesport native who spent ten years in the NFL and was a member of the Steelers’ Super Bowl winning team in 2005, served as the moderator for the panel and the event. The students also had a chance to ask him questions about his career, and he offered advice and tips that also applied to STEM education.
Dickson teacher Ms. Karianne Lis arranged the visit through the Steelers STEM program, which is sponsored by U.S. Steel, FedEx, Shell Polymers, and Wabtec. The goal of the program is to empower students to explore STEM concepts through a variety of experiences, including classroom visits like the one on Tuesday. Ms. Lis was connected to the program through her students’ use of EverFi, which offers curriculum that includes an exploration of STEM careers.