Mechanical engineer inspires a love of STEM among Philadelphia middle schoolers
Daniel Boardman '16, an All League and Patriot League Honor Roll member of the Lehigh University track and field team, was recently named recipient of the Karl Kupersmith scholarship award from Lockheed Martin’s Association of Scientists and Professional Engineering Personnel.
Lockheed’s facility in Moorestown, NJ, sponsors a Junior Achievement program to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) awareness and interest among youth in its community, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Boardman won the Kupersmith award due to his multi-year involvement in supporting this program.
Boardman has been active with the program since attending North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA, when he led projects such as designing and building towers out of pasta and marshmallows with students at the Anna B. Day school within the School District of Philadelphia. This year, Daniel worked with eight separate classes, nearly 250 students in all, of the C.W. Henry School, also in Philadelphia.
During his presentation, Dan provided a basic understanding of the aerodynamics that make drone flight possible. He also gave the kids a chance to operate two RF-controlled, battery-powered drones in their classrooms as a way to drive home the fun and excitement of science and engineering.
To learn about other service and volunteer opportunities around Lehigh’s campus and beyond, check the Community Service Office Web site.
-Nicole Schor is a journalism student interning with the Dean’s Office of the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science.
