by Charlie Li

Louisa Area Students Educational Robotics (LASER), a small yet vibrant initiative, is redefining STEM education for local young minds. Founded in June 2023, LASER embarked on a mission to equip students with the STEM skills necessary for life. Amid the backdrop of neighboring cities with more STEM opportunities and visible vocations, LASER shines as a beacon of education. It is empowering students to envision and prepare for careers in fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and much more.

With a starting lineup of three teams comprising 12 students from fourth to eighth grade, LASER quickly proved that there is an interested audience for accessible, independent STEM education. This unique setup allows students from various educational backgrounds – be they from co-op, private, public or home schools – to come together and explore the boundless possibilities that STEM offers.

Under the guidance of dedicated volunteers and funded by the generous support of local businesses and families, LASER has been able to grow rapidly. The program is on the brink of expansion with plans to double in size thanks to securing additional funding sources. This growth is timely as interest in the program swells. LASER is currently preparing to introduce summer camps and competitive teams for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

Last December, all three LASER teams finished in the top 10 for individual skills in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) at the Culpepper Technical Education Center. Out of the three teams, two made it to the team qualification finals in their first season of competition. In fact, the fourth grade team qualified for the 2024 Virginia Elementary School VIQRC State Championship.

The essence of LASER’s success lies not just in its educational model but in the real-world competitions in which its students participate. Competing across Virginia, students have the opportunity to apply their skills in challenging environments. As they qualify for state tournaments, participants can test their skills against peers from around the state.

At the heart of LASER’s narrative is its founder, Jonathan Christian. As an R&D scientist with a background in mechanical engineering and a diverse range of skills from acoustics to AI, Christian provides students with a powerful learning source. Christian’s journey from a Purdue University graduate to a visionary in STEM education reflects the program’s innovative spirit. When faced with a lack of local opportunities for his son to engage in robotics, Christian turned adversity into opportunity. In doing so, he laid the groundwork for what LASER would become.

Challenges such as securing space, funding, and volunteers have been part of LASER’s journey. Yet through partnerships with local centers, grants, and a supportive community rallying around its cause, the program has navigated these obstacles with grace. LASER’s goal to keep STEM education accessible and affordable underlines its commitment to community and inclusivity.

LASER’s impact extends beyond robotics and technical skills. The group fosters creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among its students, preparing them for a world where STEM is ever-present. Opportunities to visit engineering facilities and engage with professionals offer students a glimpse into their potential futures. This helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Meetings and practices are student-led and guided by mentors who emphasize planning, teamwork, and the engineering design process. This hands-on approach ensures that each student applies their knowledge by turning ideas into tangible outcomes for themselves and their peers.

Despite its size, LASER’s ambitions are anything but small. The program aims to expand by reaching more students across the Lake Anna area. Outreach efforts to schools and community organizations are underway with the hope of fostering a broader appreciation for STEM and the impact it can have on younger students.

Nailya Plaskey, a parent with several children involved in the program, appreciates the benefits provided by LASER. “My kids have enjoyed the first year at LASER immensely,” she said. “As a homeschooling family, we don’t have many opportunities for them to work on a team project, and this was it! They have learned not only a lot about engineering, physics, and technology, but also about teamwork, trial and error, competition, and collaboration.”

Another parent, Rebecca Emmel, spoke about the influence the program may have on her children’s future career paths. “I would be thrilled if either of my sons chose to pursue a career in robotics,” she said. “But even if they don’t, I feel that they are both better equipped to face real world problems.” 

Emmel also commented about whether or not to recommend the program to other parents. “Yes!” she encouraged. “The LASER program has so much to offer kids from STEM concepts to team collaboration and problem solving, not to mention the friends and memories they will make.”

According to Christian, the most rewarding aspect of LASER is witnessing the transformation it causes in students. From initial uncertainty to confident problem-solvers, these young minds embrace the challenges of STEM with enthusiasm, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. The sight of students leading, collaborating, and celebrating their achievements is a testament to LASER’s profound impact. 

Recently the program’s fourth grade team, Radioactive Robots, participated in the Virginia Vex Robotics State Championship and finished strong against tough opponents. While the competition was a rollercoaster of both highs and lows, the skills and team bonding during the event made it an invaluable experience for the participants. 

LASER’s contribution to the local community is more than just a new program; it’s a movement towards a brighter, STEM-empowered future. Through dedication, innovation, and community support, LASER is setting the stage locally for the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders to emerge. Interested in staying up to date on future program opportunities and student involvement? Follow the group’s Facebook page at LASER – Louisa Area Students Educational Robotics.