Circling the Hill: Stem Fair Highlights Innovation

The Fader Innovation Center was buzzing with energy in late April as Upper School students filled the space with curiosity, creativity, and a shared excitement for discovery at the annual STEM Fair. The event spotlighted a diverse array of projects—from prosthetic hand models and museum alarm systems to soil health analyses, grassland restoration strategies, phytoremediation techniques, and the engineering of high-efficiency wind and water turbines.

Lauren Geddes '25 shares her poster with Upper School science and mathematics teacher Stephanie Bonat.

Each project demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a genuine commitment to addressing real-world challenges, including expanding access to medical technology and advancing environmental sustainability. As students presented their work, they enthusiastically explained their research, walked visitors through their design processes, and inspired those in attendance with their innovation, critical thinking, and passion.

Quinn Ward ’27, a student in Principles in Engineering, demonstrates a 3D-printed prosthetic hand that can perform complex motions, including making a fist and counting to five.

The STEM Fair is a powerful reminder that when students are given the tools and encouragement to explore, invent, and imagine, they are truly LifeReady.

Kaitlyn Dollenberg ’25 presents her group’s research on "The Soil Health of McDonogh’s Athletic Fields" to a group, including Paula Frohring, whose Legacy Campaign gift supports environmental education at McDonogh.