Ryan Hernandez is a high school student from New York inspired by his grandfather, an electrical engineer and entrepreneur, to develop his own passion for engineering and environmental science. Ryan has since developed an interest in problem-solving and innovative design, leading him to be actively involved in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) program, where he engages in hands-on projects that challenge his creativity and technical skills. 

During the Summit STEM Fellowship, Ryan gained valuable insights into real-world STEM careers through Career Panels and discussions with mentors, which inspired him to explore the pathways available to him. Now, Ryan is focused on earning a degree in engineering and gaining practical experience through internships and self learning in topics such as coding, with aspirations of starting his own engineering-related business in the future. Read on to learn more about Ryan, his journey in STEM, and his future goals!

Meet Ryan!

How did you initially become interested in STEM?

I initially became interested in STEM through my grandpa, who is an electrical engineer and started his own business. When I visited him in the summer, I found his hard work and determination inspiring. I got to see the impact of his work and learn how he built a company. I also learned that a STEM career offers more than just a job; it provides the chance to be an innovative leader!

What academic subjects or fields of STEM are you most interested in?

After witnessing my grandpa's STEM career, I became interested in engineering because it’s fundamentally about problem-solving. You need to understand mathematical and scientific concepts and apply that knowledge to design and build solutions that impact others. Additionally, I have a strong interest in environmental science, as I’ve always been curious about how the environment works and how to address issues like pollution. Both fields involve providing solutions, which I find fascinating!

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I'm currently involved in an ACE membership program, which stands for architecture, construction, and engineering. This program encourages my interest in engineering through hands-on projects that require problem-solving skills, allowing me to see how creativity and engineering connect. We learn about how projects work with architects in construction and engineering. Recently, we explored how to make a hypothetical tunnel from Long Island to Connecticut work, which was particularly interesting due to the challenges involved in creating such a long structure underwater.

Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, running, and playing tennis with my friends. I also love camping; it’s a lot of fun! Currently, I'm involved in cross-country, which has been a great experience running with my team.

Fellowship Experience

What was your favorite part about the Summer STEM Fellowship?

My favorite part would have to be the science trivia and the career panels. The career panels provided insights into how STEM can be applied to real-world career paths and the day-to-day responsibilities in different careers. I particularly enjoyed the Fields Cross Engineering panel, where panelists shared their experiences in startups, the military, and other tech roles! Also, the science trivia was a really fun way to apply my knowledge while engaging with one of the mentors, Isabella, and other students through Kahoot.

Was there a specific event or speaker that stood out to you this summer?

My favorite talk was Isabella Delbakhsh’s Fireside Chat, where she discussed how she started a podcast and wrote a book while still in high school. She emphasized the importance of networking through writing, cold emails, attending events, and getting involved on LinkedIn, which was inspiring. Anne Lee’s Fireside Chat also provided valuable advice about scholarships, introducing me to several opportunities I hadn’t known about before.

What specific skills or takeaways did you learn from the fellowship?

One key skill I learned was time management. We discussed not just what to study but also how to manage demanding workloads, which has been so helpful. We were introduced to methods like the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritizing tasks and the Pomodoro Technique for focused study sessions. Additionally, I was introduced to a wide range of topics; we covered so many interesting and valuable skills, from game design to starting a business and decision-making.

To me, discipline stands out as the most valuable skill. While learning various life and STEM skills is important, realizing that these skills are ineffective without the determination to apply them is crucial. Success in STEM isn't just about knowledge; it also requires the discipline to complete important tasks and manage projects effectively.

What advice would you give to future Summit STEM fellows?

I would advise future fellows to get involved and network with other students, as that was one of the best things I did. I met many amazing people I can turn to for help. Staying for optional events is also important, as they offer numerous networking and learning opportunities. There are many mentors available, and taking advantage of these events can be incredibly beneficial.

I really enjoyed the program; it was a great experience! When I first heard about it, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for STEM. As I got deeper into it, I realized there were so many people involved and so many things to do, making it a wonderful learning experience for me.

Future Aspirations

What career path are you considering, and has the fellowship influenced your aspirations?

I plan to earn a degree in engineering and will apply for engineering-related internships to reach this goal. In college, I intend to use the skills I’ve learned to work on projects, and eventually, I might start my own business related to engineering.

The Summit STEM Fellowship provided me with a deeper insight into my engineering goals. While I always knew I wanted to pursue engineering, I didn’t know how to get involved. It showed me the real-world possibilities for a career in STEM and equipped me with skills for starting a business, which will be helpful if I decide to pursue that path. Through various mentors, I’ve connected with people in the engineering field, which is a great start for my future.

What have you been up to after the fellowship?

I'm very involved in the ACE program, which has been an amazing experience. I've learned a lot about engineering from various mentors, and working alongside my friends has been fantastic. Additionally, I’ve been teaching myself how to code in my spare time! We’ve been doing more coding in my tech class at school, which is another great way to boost my knowledge.