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Travis Prather | Middle School STEAM

Education & Experience:  

I studied electrical and computer engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University, earning a B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology. After graduating, I was hired as a Research Engineer at Georgia Tech Research Institute, working there for many years while also pursuing post-graduate study in Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University. In 2018 I co-founded steamBug Junior Maker Space, providing afterschool, summer camp, and homeschool STEAM education opportunities for my local community.


Prior to college, I was enrolled in a Vo-Tech highschool for two years, where I learned and competed nationally in Electronics Technology my first year, then learned to weld and became a licensed welder my second year. My skill set and experience ranges from carpentry & woodworking, to welding & metal fabrication, home remodeling, product design, software architecture, biomedical engineering, robotics, test engineering, networking & IT, audio engineering, small engines, regenerative agriculture, and alternative energy systems. As a lifelong learner, that list is sure to grow!


Teaching Philosophy:  

I think that every student is on their own learning path. I love STEAM education because we get to combine so many different disciplines and interest areas with project-based learning, which provides myriad opportunities for students to connect with a particular STEAM skill or concept that is along their path. The moments when students have the realization that they CAN do something, and the sense of accomplishment that goes along with is what inspires me to be an educator.

Favorite thing about kids:  My favorite thing is seeing them grow into their own unique personas. It's such an amazing process to witness; seeing which personality traits emerge, what beliefs they identify with, what falls away, and how they choose to present themselves as they grow from tiny humans to young adults.


Favorite thing about WBNS:

I love how well-resourced the students at WBNS are. They can spend hours discovering the forest and making their own fun, stroll through the bountiful gardens, interact with animals, learn to code, 3d print their own designs, and receive an amazing academic education, all while being surrounded by wonderful educators and role-models.


Quote to share:  

"Never memorize what you can look up in a book" - Albert Einstein

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