Katie Lassi 37 STARBASE

Minnesota-Duluth

What do you do professionally?

I am an instructor at STARBASE MinnesotaDuluth. I teach hands-on, inquiry based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lessons that help local teachers and students meet state and federal education standards.

How are you involved in the community?

Do you volunteer with any organizations?

I serve on the board of the Kraus-Anderson Bike Duluth Fest as the children’s activities coordinator and am a volunteer coach for Duluth DEVO Mountain Bike Program for kids. I also support my community by participating in STEM days, judging science fairs, and mentoring robotics clubs.

What is important to you?

I am most passionate about education, both my own and that of others. I am endlessly curious and always trying to learn new skills and gain new information. Currently, I am practicing embroidery and fern identification. I think that education and information is the most important gift I can give to the world. Knowledge is the one thing that can change how you perceive and connect with the world.

How do you spend your free time?

I mountain bike as much as my body and the weather will let me. Otherwise, you can find me hiking with my dogs, paddleboarding, cross country skiing, or attempting home improvement projects.

Favorite things about living and working in the Northland?

I feel incredibly grateful to be able to live and work in a city that is so outdoor and nature focused. There are so many amazing opportunities for adventure right outside our front doors.

What advice would you give to up and coming professionals?

As a molecular biologist-turned-elementary science teacher, I would advise others to not be afraid to follow their passions. It doesn’t matter how far you are into your education or professional life, if you want to do something else — do it! It will be scary and uncomfortable but that will fade and you will be left living the life you really want.

Favorite moment in life?

Last summer I was awarded a ride with the

Blue Angles on an F18 Super Hornet for my positive impact on the community through my work in STEM. During the flight I got to experience zero gravity. While in the free fall all of the small particles from the plane’s floor came up to eye height and when zero G kicked in, not only was I floating but they were too. It seems silly to say, but poking at a floating piece of string was so absolutely incredible, I’ll never forget it.

Who has inspired you or your favorite motivational quote?

“Education is everywhere, prompting one to think, to consider, to remember.”

Louis L’Amour, Education of a Wandering Man

Education is all around us, not just in books or with teachers. While sitting in a field, watch an insect and let yourself wonder what it is doing, why its body is that color, or how the timing of its life cycle works with the plants and animals around it. Learn what you can from your short time observing it and if you aren’t inspired to learn more about it, look for new things to study. You may find inspiration in the strangest places but you need to be curious to find them.