From a Kindergarten Science Kit to National STEM Leadership: Meet Angela Zhan
As part of our April STEM series, we are proud to feature Angela Zhan, a senior at Logan High School in Utah, whose longstanding passion for STEM has driven her early involvement in STEM activities, extensive research in environmental protection and human health, and current role as president of the Logan High School STEM Club
Tell us about your journey.
My interest in science dates back to kindergarten when I received a science kit from my parents as a birthday gift. It was simple—just a potato, wires, and a lightbulb—yet it demonstrated how bioelectricity could power a bulb. This small experiment sparked my love for science and shaped my academic journey. Since then, I have explored different scientific fields and actively participated in my school’s science fairs.
Throughout middle and high school, I conducted research with various professors, primarily in two fields: environmental engineering and human health. My projects ranged from combating plastic pollution to studying human–coronavirus interactions. As a result of my work, I became a two-time Broadcom MASTERS finalist and a three-time ISEF finalist. I have also presented my research at professional conferences, including the 2024 National Conference on Undergraduate Research, where I engaged with researchers from diverse fields to discuss our findings.
While I have enjoyed my research journey, I noticed a lack of interest in STEM in my community. Determined to change this, I have been volunteering since my freshman year to teach math and conduct scientific experiments at three local middle schools. To make a greater impact, I later founded YouthSTEM, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for K–12 students to explore and develop a passion for STEM. I have been working with a group of outstanding high school students from across the country to establish new branches and programs that help young learners nationwide.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
As I mentioned before, my interest in STEM began with a fascinating science kit. Along the way, however, I received invaluable support and guidance from many people, including my teachers, parents, and—most importantly—my research mentors. I was fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Michele Culumber at Weber State University; Dr. Rakesh Kaundal and Dr. Liyuan Hou at Utah State University; Ms. Isabel Skidmore at Wolfram; and Dr. Sumaiya Nazeen at Harvard Medical School. The insights and experiences I gained from them have been instrumental in shaping my path.
In addition, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from around the world at the 2020 and 2021 Broadcom MASTERS Finals, the 2022–2024 ISEF, and the 2024 RSI. Collaborating on challenges, learning about their research, and exchanging perspectives was truly life-enriching. These experiences further fueled my passion for research and inspired me to continue exploring new scientific frontiers.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?
If you’re interested in STEM, go for it! STEM encompasses a wide range of subjects, so take the time to explore and discover what excites you the most. If resources aren’t readily available at your school or in your community, don’t be discouraged—there are many opportunities beyond the classroom.
For instance, YouthSTEM offers various programs to help young students get involved in STEM. We have an educational YouTube series that teaches scientific experiments and different STEM topics, webinars where experts share their experiences, and a mentor–mentee program that connects students with experienced mentors. STEM is not only fascinating but also opens doors to a bright future. Stay curious, seek out opportunities, and never hesitate to reach out for support!
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I have experienced the thrill of tackling real-world challenges through scientific research—from converting plastic waste into environmentally friendly bioplastics to preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater. These experiences have been incredibly fulfilling, and I wanted other young people to have the same opportunity to explore science and uncover their passion for STEM.
This drive led me to run local STEM programs and take on a leadership role in YouthSTEM, where we create opportunities for K–12 students to engage in STEM. Over the past three years, our programs and workshops have reached thousands of young learners, empowering them to discover, innovate, and shape the future.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
If I could go back and advise my younger self, I would encourage myself to actively invite more peers and experts to join my efforts in promoting STEM. Over the past few years, I’ve had incredible opportunities at science fairs, summer camps, and professional conferences to connect with people passionate about STEM. We engaged in discussions on various scientific topics, and these moments could have also been opportunities to invite others to collaborate in promoting and expanding STEM outreach.
To reach more students, we need more mentors, guest speakers, and volunteer teachers. I believe many people are willing to help—we just need to create the right opportunities for them to get involved. By working together, we can inspire and support even more students to explore STEM.
How can GlobalMindED support STEM leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
I hope GlobalMindED can help publicize YouthSTEM, an organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among youth. With our innovative approach and solutions, YouthSTEM is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and led by high school students. Our mission is to provide opportunities for youth to get involved through our website, youthstem.org, so that more students can access our resources and more passionate individuals can join our team to amplify our impact. Expanding our reach would allow us to support even more young minds in discovering and pursuing their interests in STEM.
Additionally, I would love to connect with other STEM leaders through GlobalMindED to exchange ideas on how to better inspire the next generation and empower them to use advanced technologies to create meaningful change. I also hope to gain support in identifying valuable resources, such as funding opportunities and experienced mentors, to further our mission of making STEM accessible and engaging for young learners.
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