Dream Team

Aika L. (she/they), Montana

STEAM Ready Founder and Executive Director, STEAM Advocate, Bioastronautics and Sustainability Enthusiast

Aika is a rising high school senior in Montana who absolutely loves STEAM. Throughout her childhood, she attended numerous science summer camps, participated in science fairs, and followed her passions. When doing a “Plants on Mars” project, they found their love for sustaining life within environments in space. She helped bring back the Science Olympiad chapter at her high school after the COVID-19 pandemic, graduated first of her class in Montana Aerospace Scholars, is a member of the Million Girls Moonshot 2023 Flight Crew, and supported the National STEM Challenge as an advisory council member. They have worked at Montana Learning Center’s STEM camps over the summer, and Aika is now a NASA-sponsored intern for Montana Learning Center. Currently, she is the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew Mentor Coordinator for 2024 and a NASA SEES Intern for the Texas Atmospheric and Space Research Team.

Throughout her experiences, Aika has noticed gaps in inclusivity throughout the STEAM fields. Additionally, being in a state with many rural areas that can be miles away from STEAM resources, they realized the importance of accessibility to resources and experiences. She founded STEAM Ready in order to strengthen engagement and curiosity while offering opportunities for youth to grow and chase their dreams.

In the future, Aika hopes to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on sustainability in order to help design life support systems or the future of green living. She also wants to continue to advocate for youth in STEAM and inspire others to follow their own passions.

Aside from STEAM activities, Aika loves to read, hike, draw, play the trombone, and take quality naps with her dog. They are the Montana District Governor of Key Club International and was previously a Lieutenant Governor and the District Secretary on the same District Board. She has won four state champion titles in DECA for International Business Plan and Community Awareness Project. Aika is involved in marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, Solar Schools Club, Science Olympiad, NHS, and is a TKS alum. They also have their Amateur Radio Technician License.

Elsa A. (she/they), Montana

STEAM Ready Co-Founder & Director of Science Communication, STEAM Advocate, Biomed, Archaeological Sciences, Plant Science, Music, & Art Enthusiast

Elsa lives in Montana as a high school senior. All throughout her childhood, she has loved various subjects in STEAM including plant science, biomedical engineering, and anatomy & physiology.

Currently, Elsa has been active and involved in STEAM through participation in 4-H activities, work at the Montana State University Plant Growth Center, and different events at MSU. At their high school, they participate in Solar Schools Club, DECA, Key Club, and Science Olympiad.

In her free time, Elsa enjoys reading, doing taekwondo, making art, hiking, playing flute, and hanging out with her pet bunnies, Mochi and Jasper. They also work with a sustainable fashion brand in their hometown.

Kiana L., California

STEAM Ready Director of Outreach, STEAM Advocate

As a high school sophomore with a rigorous extracurricular background, Kiana is passionate about pursuing a career in STEM or engineering. One day she hopes to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology or California Institute of Technology. She has gained valuable coding and engineering experience through Kode with Klossy and the Air Force Association Cyberpatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program. Kiana is also a member of the Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BEWISE) organization, where she participates in workshops involving coding, robotics, and forensic science. Most recently, she has become involved in the Science Olympiad and plans to represent Westview High School at various competitions. 

Even though she is young, Kiana has established herself as a leader in the community for those interested in STEM and those with disabilities.  Kiana is a volunteer for All Girls STEM Society whose mission is to introduce other young girls throughout San Diego to the STEM fields.   With that organization, Kiana assists with coordinating and teaching workshops exploring the different aspects of STEM.   Additionally, she volunteers for the Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education, where she works with special education students in musical and artistic development. She is one of the only, if not the only, student teachers who has the ability to use American Sign Language to communicate with students helping them to feel supported and accepted.  

Disability awareness is extremely important to Kiana, as she and other family members are a part of the hearing loss community. Every weekend, Kiana teaches American Sign Language through the statewide YAPA kids program, where she addresses the importance of disability awareness. Kiana was also selected as 1 of 43 young women to be a part of the Million Girls Moonshot program, where she participated in multiple workshops involving different STEM fields. Through this opportunity, she produced a three-minute video designed for those with disabilities.  Recently, she became a member of her high school organization, the American Sign Language Club, and has been asked to teach fellow high school students the language of the deaf.

Aside from STEM and disability outreach, Kiana loves to play the cello and is a member of the advanced orchestra at Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra.  Kiana has played music since the age of 5.  Her love of the cello has blossomed into another way Kiana is able to connect to the community.  Kiana also has three dogs and three sisters who all share her passion for life, music, and science.  She truly lives her life by the motto, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Alyssa B. (she/her), Delaware

National Academy of Future Physicians Alumni, Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew Member, 2024 Girls State, STEAM Advocate

Alyssa is a rising senior representing Delaware. During COVID-19, Alyssa was in the 7th grade. She had lots of time to think about what she wanted to do in her future. She had a passion for science since the 6th grade but did not know exactly what she should pursue. Before the lockdown, her 7th-grade science teacher sparks an interest in biology and chemistry. So she thought “Why don’t I just do both.” 

Since then, she has been focused on becoming a biochemist. During this time, she almost subconsciously realized how different life was in Delaware compared to her home state Pennsylvania. She lived in North-East Philly, where she never even thought about pursuing STEAM. Her family put her in a small Christian school because they refused to put my sister and I in the public Philadelphia school system. There were no public or even private organizations around her that encouraged anyone to explore these fields.  She was only 10 when she moved, but she still noticed the disparity in STEAM education in underprivileged areas. If she had not moved to a more suburban area, she likely wouldn’t know what biochemistry is.

When she entered high school she joined the Technology Student Association club, where she won 3rd place statewide in the Biotechnology and Design competition. She has been participating in TSA ever since, with HOSA and the B+ foundation coming after. Her 9th-grade biology teacher recommended her to attend the 2023 Congress of Future Medical Leaders conference in Boston. That summer, a biochemistry icon showed up to give a speech to the delegates; co-founder of CRISPER Jennifer Dounda. Personally for her, she still has not fully processed that she was in the same room as Mrs. Dounda. Other incredible young innovators also encouraged Alyssa to continue on her path in STEAM. 

The next summer, Alyssa would have two more chances to advocate for STEAM causes. Within a week of each other, Alyssa attended the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and the 2024 Girls Build Solutions conference. She wrote a bill to correctly inform people of changes in their local natural reserves and met Governor John Carney. She was excited to mix her passion for science and political participation. Her experience meeting like-minded girls with diverse passions was something she will never forget. 4 days later, she got on a plane to San Diego, where she would eventually speak about her personal experience in STEAM and advocate for proper STEAM education everywhere. Four of her beautiful members along with herself gave speeches about their experiences in front of business owners, sponsors, CEOs, and just overall amazing people that want to lift up the youth voice. The professional and more casual activities she participated in were more than a dream, and she would love to do it all again next year.

All of these experiences have given her motivation to continue educating herself on STEAM and to become a worthy advocate for all young STEAM aspirers. 

Outside of her more professional interests, Alyssa loves to read, watch TV shows/movies, and write. Her favorite book at the moment is the Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, but she has recently gotten into the Hunger Games and really enjoys it. She absolutely loves Marvel and Star Wars, with her favorite Star Wars movie being the revenge of the Sith. Her favorite TV show used to be Marvel’s Daredevil, but The Walking Dead has taken over that spot.

Alexandra H. (she/her), Montana

STEAM Advocate, Biology, Engineering and Chemistry Enthusiast

Alex is a rising high school junior in Montana. She has been passionate about all things STEAM, especially engineering, art, and math for all her life. Starting when she was young, she enjoyed spending her freetime on many Hour Of Code projects and repairing tractors and other large machinery with her family.

Growing up in a small community, Alex had few opportunities and resources, especially for learning about STEAM and has come to value those she did. She would participate monthly in “tech club” afterschool programs provided by Montana State University students, learning basic computer skills. At the end of elementary school, she helped to bring Destination Imagination competitions to her school and won the Montana engineering competition and instant challenge with her team. Now she aims to continue to seek opportunities for herself and is dedicated to bringing them to more people.

Beyond STEAM Alex is a member of many school clubs and activities. She actively participates in Speech and Debate, Academic Olympics, Academic World Quest, Orchestra, Arabic Language Club, and is president of her school’s Model UN team where she has learned valuable public speaking and leadership skills. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, board games, playing harp, and stargazing.

Ani N. (she/her), Virginia

National STEM Champion, Founder of We STEM the Future, Environmental Advocacy Enthusiast, STEM Ambassador, and Innovator

Ani Nishanian is an accomplished innovator, environmental advocate, and STEM leader who has made significant strides in both her community and beyond. As an 8th grader at Rocky Run Middle School, she was named National STEM Champion at EXPLR’s National STEM Challenge, a title earned through her exceptional ability to apply scientific principles to real-world problems. She is also the founder of We STEM the Future, a nonprofit organization that empowers young students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through her nonprofit, Ani provides mentorship, resources, and inspiration to ensure the next generation has the support they need to thrive in STEM fields.

Ani’s dedication to environmental advocacy has been a key focus of her work. She has successfully led initiatives to promote sustainable road construction using Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) and has advocated for the responsible recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. These efforts have taken her to Capitol Hill, where she met with representatives and senators to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of these solutions. Her ability to navigate complex issues and communicate effectively with policymakers demonstrates her commitment to driving real change in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Beyond her nonprofit work and advocacy, Ani holds numerous leadership roles in STEM-related organizations. She is a member of her school’s Technology Student Association (TSA) and Model United Nations team, where she has been recognized for her leadership and problem-solving abilities with multiple awards. Ani is also actively involved in the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. As president of her school’s Math Olympiad and assistant coach of the Willow Springs Elementary Science Olympiad Club, Ani mentors younger students, encouraging them to develop a love for science and mathematics.

Ani’s innovative approach extends to her personal projects as well. She has created an app called ColorSnap, which is designed to help colorblind individuals identify colors from photos—a project inspired by her colorblind cousin. Additionally, Ani is the host of the podcast Inspiring Kids in STEM, where she interviews STEM professionals to give young listeners insight into various careers and innovations within the field. Her podcast and her app both exemplify her dedication to using technology to address social issues and improve lives.

Through her multifaceted work as a STEM advocate, nonprofit founder, and environmental activist, Ani continues to push boundaries and inspire others. Whether she’s advocating for sustainable practices or creating educational opportunities for young learners, Ani is committed to making a lasting impact in the STEM world and empowering others to do the same.

Ava A., Montana

STEAM Advocate

Ava, a high school senior, has harbored a lifelong passion for science. Since her early years, she possessed an inherent curiosity about the scientific realm, often collecting and studying rocks for their types and origins. Her connection with science led her to attend the Montana Learning Center for several years. Subsequently, she now works as a counselor there, hoping to ignite similar passions for STEAM in other young minds.

At present, Ava is actively exploring STEAM subjects to identify her best-suited path. She’s particularly interested in pursuing a career in engineering that aligns with her environmental aspirations.

In her free time, Ava enjoys playing the bass guitar, freestyle skiing, and mountain biking. Ava also likes to experiment with new technology, like the AI that helped her to write this bio.

Frida Z. (she/her), New York

STEAM Advocate, Scientific Research, Biology and Chemistry Enthusiast

Frida is a rising high school senior in New York. She has a strong passion for the field of STEM, as she believes it gives her and other young girls a voice. Frida was only eleven years old when she left Albania, a country that to her held the most comforting memories and the beloved figures that had played an immense role in her growth, with the purpose of building a life of dreams in New York; the city that never sleeps. The city where gender restrictions, racial backgrounds, are all worthless. In New York, where hard work pays off, and where hope dies last. 

Frida’s journey has been truly remarkable. Reflecting on her past, she realizes that she missed out on afterschool programs, lab work, summer camps, and STEM workshops during her time in Albania. These experiences, which she now considers vital for the development of young minds, were absent from her childhood. However, this realization has fueled Frida’s determination to make a difference.

Frida has dedicated herself to raising awareness about STEM fields, particularly scientific research, for children and youth in Albania. As the founder of SRAO, a non-profit organization, she is constantly working towards increasing accessibility to scientific research in her country. Additionally, Frida actively spreads the magic of STEM in her local community. Her involvement in her school’s STEM Council Club and participation in events like the Science Olympiad and CodeBusters have showcased her passion.

Not only does Frida engage in her own research, studying the link between environmental issues and the autoimmune disease of cancer, but she also internships at a local Medical Office and serves as an explainer at the New York Hall of Science. Through workshops like Positionally in STEM and Explainer Conversations, she emphasizes the importance of STEM in her life and advocates for mental health awareness among students. Frida’s advocacy extends to empowering girls and youth in STEM, a cause close to her heart. As a Flight Crew Member for the 2022-2023 year, she actively participates in online meetings with other girls in STEM, sharing her voice and inspiring them.

Frida hopes to become a Cancer Researcher and Cardiothoracics Surgeon in the near future. Most importantly, she wants to continue advocating for youth in STEAM and inspire youth to pursue their dreams.

Frida also loves tennis, art, and reading. She believes that such hobbies create authenticity in our world.

Leena D., Kansas

STEAM Advocate

Leena Dudi, a senior from Kansas, has a passion for data and computer science. Leena believes that every kid should have the opportunity to participate in at least one STEM program so that they can be aware of STEM fields in their futures.

Engaging in a variety of experiences, she has been an integral part of First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team 6547 Cobalt Colts, contributing to the development of a scouting app, managing a 501(c)3 partnership with UnitedHealthcare, and creating autonomous programs for robots. Leena was also a 2022 – 2023 Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew Member, where she learned how to advocate for girls in STEM through her various platforms. Leena has served as a Kiewit LEAD Intern, is a mentor and participant for Girls Who Code, and enjoys learning about data and new types of technology! At school, Leena holds many leadership positions, in clubs like BPA(Business Professionals of America), Spanish National Honors Society, Chemistry Olympiad, Relay for Life Committee, SWENext(Society of Women Engineers), and Girls In STEM.

Aside from STEM, Leena loves to travel with her family (her favorite place is Austria), paint, watch football every Sunday (go KC Chiefs!), play cello and piano, and eat Twizzlers. In the future, Leena hopes to use data to make innovative changes within her community!

Lily, Oregon

STEAM Advocate, Million Girls Moonshot 2023 Flight Crew Member

Lily is the representative of Oregon for the Million Girls Moonshot 2023 Flight Crew and a member of the STEAM Ready Dream Team. She is Vice President of Science National Honors Society and treasurer of National Honors Society for her high school. She is also a mentor for the GSOSW (Girl Scouts of Oregon and South Washington) Astronomy Club. They recently helped out at STEM Day to help the community become more connected and allow young girl scouts to be excited about STEM! For Astronomy Club, they hold monthly meetings, and their Astronomy club has tripled in size within the last year because of the impact and passion that they are making. They have done field trips to planetariums, star parties, and much more. She is a STEM blogger and has a website called lilylovesstem.com that features articles about science, passions, and allowing students to get exposed to different careers and topics within STEM. She has done many interesting interviews with all different kinds of backgrounds in STEM. These are ladies who are changing the world with their careers in STEM! STEM is a big part of her life, especially at school, and she is currently enjoying computer science and programming. She is passionate about being able to see hard work go a long way when she codes text based adventure games and card games. STEM is changing the world! 

Mabel B. (they/them), Montana

STEAM Advocate, Marine Biology & Art Enthusiast

Mabel has enjoyed science all throughout school. In fourth grade, they visited the Cayman Islands and learned about the wonders of the ocean world. Since then, they have been fascinated by the living organisms of the ocean and the ways that they are being impacted in current times. They wish to pursue a career in marine biology or art, or both.

Currently, Mabel works for Montana State University’s Plant Growth Center and does research on a variety of different plants including potatoes. They wish to help spread knowledge of STEAM and new ideas.

Mabel enjoys making art, reading, playing the bassoon in band, archery, and hanging out with their bearded dragon, Pippin.

Sahiba K., Michigan

STEAM Advocate, Inventor

Sahiba Kaur is an 12th-grade student at H. H. Dow High School in Midland, Michigan. She is a 7th-year Chief Science Officer (CSO), a STEM advocacy program to highlight youth voices. Sahiba served as a member of the core planning team for the Changemakers in STEM Virtual Youth Congress and spoke at the White House with the National STEM Challenge in 2024. As an advocate and inventor, she aims to see youth voices represented in STEM. She enjoys creating research projects using technology and math and intends to continue scientific research as a computer science major in college. Sahiba is most interested in seeing where the world of AI and machine learning will lead. Some of her hobbies include doing puzzles, bike riding, playing the violin, and watching movies.

Sofia B. (she/her), Montana

STEAM Advocate

Sofia is a college student with an unwavering enthusiasm for environmental and geoscience. From an early age, her fascination with the Earth and its intricate history has been a driving force in her life. As a camp counselor at the Montana Learning Center, she is committed to fostering the same curiosity in others. 

With a strong desire to delve deeper into the world of science, Sofia aspires to forge a career path in environmental or geoscience. She is often looking for every opportunity to learn more and find her next project.

Beyond Sofia’s academic pursuits, you’ll often find her strumming her guitar, exploring hiking trails, singing, and indulging in a good read.

Spiro H. (he/him), New York

STEAM Advocate, Chemical Engineering Enthusiast

Spiro is a college student with aspirations in Chemical Engineering. Spiro’s professional journey includes a current role as a Youth Instructor and Belay Assistant at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge, showcasing not only a commitment to excellence but also a passion for fostering growth in others. In the realm of volunteer work, Spiro serves as a Teacher Assistant in Astoria, NY, aiding students learning Greek as a second language. Additionally, as a Fundraiser Assistant in the same community, Spiro actively contributes to the success of fundraising events.

Beyond academics and work, Spiro engages in diverse extracurricular activities, from creating and leading the Magic: The Gathering Club at the climbing gym, to contributing to the Newspaper Club and engaging in the Theater Academy. Spiro’s involvement in a Climbing Team and participation in climbing competitions highlights a commitment to physical fitness and overcoming challenges.

As Spiro looks toward the future, the climbing experience has instilled a sense of confidence and resilience. Life, akin to a challenging climbing route, is approached with the mindset that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Spiro’s aspirations extend beyond personal success, aiming to give back to the community by inspiring others, just as mentors have done in Spiro’s own journey.

Yingsel D. (she/her), New York

STEAM Advocate, Aeronautics, and Computer Science Engineering Enthusiast

Yingsel is a rising senior in New York. With colossal enthusiasm for the field of STEM, as she believes it gives hope for a brighter future of humility and equality. All through her childhood, she went to various science events, participated in science fairs, and followed her esteemed interests. When working on high-powered and low-powered rocket projects, she found her love in aeronautics engineering. Following her profound passion in the aeronautics field, Yingsel found herself interested in engineering in the computing behind aeronautics, data visualization, and complex signal transmissions. In the summer of 2023, She was a researcher scholar for The Institute for Computing in Research, where she presented her research paper on human-computer interaction. Which gave her a more profound field of affection for Computer Engineering. Yingsel further cultivated herself in the field of Computer engineering by being a part of Columbia University’s Junior Softerwear Engineering Coders with the partnership of the immersion program. Afterward, she helped on her school’s very first Coding Team her Sophomore Year. This ignited Yingsel’s compassion towards upholding youth in STEAM.

In the future, Yingsel desires to turn into an aerospace computer engineer. In particular, she wants to keep supporting Youth in STEAM and motivate them to pursue their own passions and dreams.

Aside from STEAM activities, Yingsel loves to draw, run, listen to music, be a part of her community, and hangout with her loved ones. Yingsel is involved in her Asian Association Club, Equity Club, National Honors Society, Student Government, Experimental Team, Coding Team, and Plays for her School’s Varsity Team.