STEM/Gifted & Talented
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Soyoung Pumaspumanotredameint.orgInterdisciplinary STEM Coordinator
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I am a political scientist by training, holding both a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in International Affairs. Additionally, I earned a Certificate in Conservation Biology from Columbia University. My career has involved extensive research experience, including publishing papers in academic journals and working with various international organizations, including the United Nations.
Since transitioning to teaching, I have completed a STEM Education Leadership Certificate offered by Teachers College of Columbia University, in partnership with the US Satellite Laboratory. The training included various NASA STEM content developed under a Space Act Agreement. I am currently taking Robotics Certification courses through Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Academy. My deep passion for learning drives me to continually explore new fields and seek opportunities to challenge myself. I am eager to offer my expertise across various disciplines and to integrate my knowledge into developing an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to STEM education. I look forward to sharing my passion for learning and teaching with the students!STEM Talk Series
The STEM Talk Series was created to give students real-world experiences by inviting experts from a wide range of STEM fields. These talks offer insight into how engineers, scientists, and other professionals solve problems through creativity, collaboration, and innovation, helping students understand a real-world challenges and grow as thoughtful, holistic problem-solvers.
Aligned with Notre Dame Academy's Catholic mission, the STEM Talk Series empowers students to make thoughtful, responsible choices in today's rapidly evolving STEM fields, including AI, and to apply their learning to positively impact the world and humanity.STEM Inventors' Fair
The STEM Inventors’ Fair engages students in cross-curricular, interdisciplinary learning by encouraging them to think like inventors and problem-solvers. Students apply STEM principles while developing skills in writing, financial planning, research, and presentation, with guidance from our science and other relevant subject teachers. The fair promotes creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, supporting our mission to build a strong, STEM-focused learning community.Participation in National STEM Competitions
I enjoy guiding motivated students to participate in regional and national STEM competitions, including the Bergen SciChallenge hosted by Bergen County Academies. We also plan to expand our participation to international events, such as the Rube Goldberg Machine Challenge, LEGO First League Robotics Competition, and more in the coming years. These experiences inspire students to engage with real-world peers, develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, and learn through friendly competition.