STEMarts Lab is thrilled to launch STEAM Teams, our newest FREE virtual/hybrid program designed to connect students ages 13-20 with top experts in digital media arts, space science, and AI & data science. Through weekly Zoom sessions, participants will learn, collaborate, and create alongside professionals in cutting-edge fields. The work produced in these teams will be integrated into STEMarts sci-art installations, giving students real-world experience in technology, creativity, and scientific exploration.
By joining a STEAM Team, students will develop career-ready skills, receive mentorship, and contribute to innovative projects that will be showcased at festivals and exhibitions. Upon completing their training, participants will receive an official STEMarts Ambassador Certificate and have the opportunity to work as paid XR Experience Guides at STEMarts Lab events, helping to bring installations to life for audiences worldwide.
Meet the STEAM Teams!
Digital Media Arts XR
Led by: Ian Harrison
The Digital Media Arts XR Team is a hands-on program exploring interactive media, projection mapping, and real-time generative art. Students will dive into P5.js, TouchDesigner, Tagtool, and Kinect motion tracking, working through skill-building phases before contributing to a final installation for exhibition.
Key Takeaways:
Career Pathways – Develop industry-ready skills in digital media, XR, and AI-powered design.
Creative Coding & XR – Gain hands-on experience in projection mapping, motion tracking, and generative art.
Immersive Storytelling – Learn interactive media design for real-world applications.
Professional Development – Collaborate on festival installations.
Mentorship & Collaboration – Work with industry experts and peers on innovative projects.
Paid Work Opportunity – Get certified as a STEMarts Ambassador and work as a paid XR Experience Guide at events.
About the Instructor: Ian Harrison is a 3D artist, animator, and programmer with a background in Blender 3D, digital arts, and game development. He started as a STEMarts Ambassador and is now a lead instructor, integrating XR and interactive media into STEMarts installations.
Astro Youth Space Literacy
Led by: Arwen Hubbard
The Astro Youth Space Program invites students to explore space science, cultural perspectives, and digital storytelling through a place-based approach. Participants will connect space exploration to their community, engage in multimedia storytelling, and contribute to the design of AstroTours, a unique project highlighting dark skies and astronomy.
Key Takeaways:
Space Science & Career Readiness – Learn astrophysics, space tourism, and research methodologies.
Cultural & Ethical Perspectives – Explore Indigenous and local connections to space.
Multimedia Storytelling – Create podcasts, video snippets, and AR space experiences.
Place-Based Learning – Develop and lead AstroTours showcasing astronomy in the local environment.
Professional Development – Network with experts and gain mentorship for future careers in space science.
Paid Work Opportunity – Earn a STEMarts Ambassador Certificate and become a paid XR Experience Guide at STEMarts events.
About the Instructor: Arwen Hubbard is a NASA Solar System Ambassador, space science educator, and ecologist. With a Master of Science in Space Studies, she translates complex space concepts into engaging educational experiences for all ages.
AI Futures & Data Science
Led by: Cyndi Coon
The AI Futures & Data Science Team empowers students to explore AI, machine learning, and creative technology through a culturally responsive lens. Participants will design AI-driven Space Messengers, build custom GPTs, and create interactive installations for the Paseo Festival 2025. This program integrates AI ethics, storytelling, and space exploration, preparing students for the future of AI-driven careers.
Key Takeaways:
AI & Data Science Readiness – Build skills in generative AI, machine learning, and storytelling.
Cultural & Ethical AI – Examine AI’s role in preserving cultural narratives and ethical applications.
Creative Digital Media – Use AI tools to create art, music, and immersive experiences.
Project-Based Learning – Contribute to AI-driven installations at Paseo Festival 2025.
Career & Leadership Skills – Gain mentorship from industry experts in AI, space science, and creative technology.
Paid Work Opportunity – Become a STEMarts Ambassador and work as a paid XR Experience Guide at events.
About the Instructor: Cyndi Coon is a futurist, AI ethics educator, and founder of Applied Futures Lab. She specializes in emerging technologies, creative problem-solving, and strategic foresight, inspiring young minds to explore the possibilities of AI in science, culture, and society.
How to Join
Students interested in joining a STEAM Team must first register as a STEMarts Ambassador, which qualifies them to participate in these exciting learning opportunities.
📌 Sign up today and be part of a groundbreaking program that merges creativity, technology, and scientific discovery!