Our Mission
Our mission is to build the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers in science, technology, engineering and math. We want to teach kids to think and ask questions and to prepare them to solve different problems. We firmly believe that our approach of providing real world context to learning results in application of abstract concepts leading to that "Aha" moment. This opens the the door to additional exploration, makes progress in school a breeze, and test taking easy because fundamental concepts are well understood. Our goal is to help kids become creative, passionate students that are equipped to solve some of the world's biggest challenges.

We take our mission seriously and recognize that children from all economic strata require the opportunity to enhance their abilities to contribute in the future and do great things. We are committed to delivering workshops in inner city schools and offering scholarships to deserving students interested in our STEM programs.    
​Founding Team
What makes STEM-U different than other after school enrichment programs is that - the curriculum and delivery of content is performed by an experienced team with technology and education backgrounds.   

Kathya Mahadevan, Co-Founder​

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​Kathya has spent over 15 years in science and technology development at Battelle, the worlds largest non-profit R&D company. She knows what it takes to get an idea from discovery to commercialization. During her time at Battelle, she has successfully launched numerous technologies and technology based businesses. As a Battelle employee, Kathya has also supported various Battelle STEM outreach activities. Battelle led the development of the first STEM schools nationally. She currently leads Armada Power an energy technology startup that uses a dynamic software platform to control demand of hot water heaters for an electric service. Kathya has a M.S. in Environmental Science from The Ohio State University and has been trained in project management, finance, and marketing. As a mother of two, she recognizes the opportunity to use her experience to develop and support context based learning to create engaged children that undertake future challenges and lead breakthrough discovery. Kathya provides the vision and direction to STEM-U's business. 

Zack Patterson, Co-Founder/Director of Teaching 

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Zack Patterson is a math and engineering teacher for middle and high school. He has over five years of experience teaching middle school and high school math. He co-founded Hungry Teacher where he writes lessons engaging students in meaningful math problems. He has written curriculum and served on several district and state level advisory committees. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and his masters degrees in math education. Zack has developed the high school curriculum along with several STEM workshops. He will also serve as lead teacher. 

Andy Peterson, Co-Founder/Director of Teaching  

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​Andy Peterson received his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University and his M.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. Much of his professional development has been in the area of using technology in the classroom, engineering, and management of the gifted and talented. He has been a math and science teacher for the past 10 years. His total teaching career of 18 years has allowed him to teach at both elementary and middle school levels. He is a co-founder of Hungry Teacher where he writes lessons engaging students in meaningful math problems. Hungry Teacher has been featured on Ted-Ed three times with a combined total of over 1 million lesson shares. These lessons have been taught all over the world. Andy has developed the math curriculum for elementary and middle school classes at STEM-U and is also the lead teacher for these classes. 

Shay Reddy, Co-Founder/Director 

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Shay Reddy is a seasoned entrepreneur who understands technology and startups. He has over 17 years of experience in applying information technology solutions to various industries. He has a sucessful exit from a healthcare services technology firm  that he had helped cofound and run. Shay is an avid entreprenuer and investor. He is a techie and loves gadgets and is always looking for ways to optimize applications. Shay has a M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston and a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He brings to STEM-U his experience in computer science, engineering technology and startup experience.
Our Teachers
​Our co-founders - Zack and Andy teach math and several of our STEM classes. We have added a few other members to our teaching staff. Our teachers are experienced and passionate. They are professional technologists, educators, and engineers who are driven to share their knowledge to help the next generation become engaged learners. 
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Pal Sankar, Coding Instructor
Pal will teach the coding classes in Python and Java. He is a software programmer with over 20 years of development experience. He has extensive knowledge of Object Oriented programming of various languages and extensive web development skills. He effectively communicates complex technical information in easy to understand language and has a passion for teaching. Pal has a M.S. in Computer Information Science and M.S. in Applied Math. ​
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Sara Bunch, Math and Science Instructor
​Sarah Bunch was born and raised in rural western Kentucky, where she was named a National Merit Finalist and graduated salutatorian of her class. Sarah earned an academic scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology. Sarah then joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Mauritania in West Africa to work as an agroforestry volunteer. Upon returning to the United States, Sarah relocated to Columbus and began substitute teaching in Columbus City Schools. She enrolled in the licensure program of the Education Department of Capital University and earned her license to teach math and science to students in grades 4-9.  In her spare time, Sarah loves to read, play tennis, and hike with her dog Omar.
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Vincent Lombardo, Math and Science Instructor
Vincent was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.  A graduate of Bishop Watterson High School, Vincent is concluding his Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education with focus in Math and Science and a secondary concentration in Psychology at Miami University.  He is currently completing his final semester, student teaching in Columbus, Ohio.  Vincent has had a variety of field experiences throughout the duration of his academic career at Miami University.  He values the importance of education, helping others, and working with students.  In addition to planning his upcoming June wedding, in his spare time, Vincent can be found and heard at one of his six siblings’ sporting events or dance recitals.