On Wednesday, December 2, Macroscopic Solutions gave away its first Macropod system to Danbury High School in order to inspire teens to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Recipients of the STEM education award receive a Macropod (no strings attached) if a parent, educator or nonprofit submits a qualified application, which clearly demonstrates how the system will be used within the scientific curriculum and extracurricular activities. APPLY HERE
This not-for-profit program awards teachers having exceptional leadership skills with advanced scientific imaging tools that are designed to encourage young students to pursue careers in STEM.
The scientific community has used the Macropod imaging system extensively in order to make ground breaking observations and discoveries. These same capabilities would be extremely powerful in the hands of young people who would not otherwise have these experiences until they reach the university level.
The only contingencies are this:
In order to receive the STEM Education Award, you must accept the following terms.
- The Macropod must be used on an annual basis within the science or technology curriculum.
- The Macropod must be the center point of a science related extra curricular activity such as a photography club, science club, science fair, etc.
- Students must use the Macropod in order to complete at least one mandatory project or assignment.
- Work and images completed by the students must be submitted to info@macroscopicsolutions.com at the end of the fiscal year (July of every year) in order for Macroscopic Solutions to monitor how the Macropod is being used.
- If the Macropod is not used, the recipient agrees to return the system to Macroscopic Solutions so that it can be donated to another deserving applicant.
The application submitted by Susan Margolis (teacher) clearly mentioned several creative in and after school projects that will benefit the students and educators in the district.
Mark Smith had the opportunity to train Jameson Parker, a physics teacher at Danbury High School. It’s only been two days and already good news! – “Going great. Took several pics today, kids are excited.”
Ahmid, a student at the school, became instantly captivated by the exceptional resolving capabilities of the Macropod. So much so that he offered up one of the hairs on his head to see what it looked like up close! This excitement is observed across all students of all backgrounds time and time again. The Macropod is an invitation for kids to become curious about science because they themselves are capturing images that are higher in quality than most professional scientists are capable of acquiring. This opportunity has profound effects on a young person’s drive and ambition and we personally believe it will be the nudge these kids need in order to pursue a career in STEM.
Susan Margolis – “Thank you for everything- your generosity, the opportunity I had to work with you and for a great perspective on business in a changing world.”
First images captured by educators at Danbury High School: Salt & Pepper at 5x magnification
Special thanks to the team at Macroscopic Solutions consisting of:
Mark Smith – Co-founder and President of Macroscopic Solutions (Link)
- University of Connecticut – Master of Science (M.S.), Geology,
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University of Auckland – Semester Abroad, School of Environment Geology,
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Geology, 2
Daniel Saftner – Co-founder of Macroscopic Solutions, Graduate Research Assistant at Desert Research Institute (Link)
- Returned Program Leader at Putney Student Travel – Fiji, 2015
- Returned Peace Corps Volunteer – Cameroon Africa, 2011-2013
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University of Auckland – Semester Abroad, School of Environment Geology,
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Geology, 2
Annette Evans – Co-founder of Macroscopic Solutions, Director (Link)
- PhD Student 2014-present University of Connecticut, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Major Advisors: Elizabeth Jockusch, Ph.D. and Mark Urban, Ph.D. - Master of Science 2012-2013 University of Auckland, New Zealand, Joint Graduate School in Biodiversity and Biosecurity
Majoring in Biosecurity and Conservation, awarded with First Class Honors - Post-graduate Diploma 2011-2012 University of Auckland, New Zealand, Joint Graduate School in Biodiversity and Biosecurity
Majoring in Biosecurity and Conservation, awarded with Distinction -
Bachelor of Science 2008-2010 University of Auckland, New Zealand, Faculty of Science, Double majoring in Biological Sciences and Geology
The Macroscopic Solutions team owes its thanks to its customers, collaborators and mentors. Especially Keith Fox (Fox Family Foundation and co-founder of Innovation Quest (IQ)), Rich Dino (University of Connecticut – School of Business) & Kevin Bouley (Nerac) for their continued guidance, philanthropy and support.
