While Dr. Andrew Bruening is not new to PAST – we have worked with Andy for 10 years – he is taking on a key role on our team. Andy is now our Director of Bridge Programs, so he and his group are responsible for designing, developing and facilitating our student programs which include after school programs, summer camps.
Andy is especially well-suited for this important role. After receiving a BS in marine science and a Ph.D. in geology, he decided to teach. In 2006 he was a founding faculty member of Metro Early College High School, teaching engineering, environmental science, and physics. Although his courses were difficult and his standards for students high, Andy’s connection with students made his classes popular with kids. Taking a class with Dr. B was important to Metro students focused on STEM studies.
As the founding mentor for the Metrobots, a FIRST™ Robotics team, Andy and his team have competed each year in FRC regional events, and have gone on to national competition two years in a row. In 2015 and 2016, the Metrobots won Engineering Inspiration Award. In 2013 Andy was recognized as the Ohio FRC Mentor of the Year, and in 2014 he received the FRC Queen City Regional Woodie Flowers Mentor of the Year. It’s clear that Andy guides and drives students to do their best, working along side them to encourage, teach and inspire.
In his new role, Andy brings the same passion for helping students succeed to the PAST Innovation Lab Bridge Programs. Committed to helping students prepare for college and their future careers, Andy knows PAST brings exciting and innovative programs that propel their education toward the future.
“This is a great opportunity to design STEM programs and classes for kids,” said Bruening. “Students want to know more about engineering, robotics, physics, and science, and how they can use this knowledge and these new skills to solve problems that face our world. PAST Bridge Programs help students solve real-world problems, and I am very happy to help build on the already strong Bridge Programs.”
The PAST Innovation Lab Fall 2016 After School Bridge Programs will be released soon. Every day students will be able to learn from some of the best, like Dr. Andy Bruening. It will be an exciting time for students and PAST.