Five Novel Ideas for Profile Building in STEM for Counselors

Eight years ago, well before my time at Harvard, while building Legos with my seven-year-old nephew, Arjun, he turned to me and exclaimed, “I wish I could build robots without instructions!” Instinctively, I replied, “Why not?” That evening, we went on a 'problem walk,' ambling around the neighborhood to identify problems that we could think of solving with Lego. Arjun noted the foul smell from open sewers, especially during the monsoon, and mentioned that because he has to constantly hold his breath, his asthma acts up. As a result, we spent the next week designing, building, and programming 'Fresh-o,' a Lego robot that moves around and sprays perfume.

He was thrilled, and we spent hours visiting various parks and streets with Fresh-o, using his mom's perfume to mask the stinky odors of Mumbai's lanes. I saw him grasp the power of envisioning possibilities and take steps toward realizing his dreams. Since then, Arjun built his first drone at 13, developed an autonomous aerial carbon detection system by 14, and now at 15, is collaborating with Maharashtra's Environment Protection Society to identify air pollution hotspots using computer vision and geo-fencing, providing strategic pollution policy and landscaping advice.

Arjun was my first student and my first project. This marked the beginning of CreatED's story. CreatED is an innovation hub, empowering students to ideate, create, and build groundbreaking projects in STEM, psychology, and entrepreneurship. We operate at the intersection of students' interests and skills, meticulously guiding them to build projects that seamlessly weave into the broader fabric of their applications.

Here are my top 5 insights for profile building in STEM for counselors

Students must internalize the 'why' behind their innovations

The significance of the foundational idea cannot be overstated. Many students arrive at CreatED eager to share what they wish to create, yet few can articulate the reasons behind their ambitions. When questioned about their motives for wanting to build something specific, the common replies are aspirations like winning IRIS or being selected for ISEF. What these students fail to realize is that, although such competitions offer great opportunities—and CreatED indeed supports applications to these events—they should not serve as the primary inspiration for their ideas.

Ideas must have purpose and solve real-world problems

At CreatED, we allocate 1-3 weeks specifically for creative ideation. We've developed a unique generative AI tool, the CreatED Brainstorm Buddy, designed to help students discover the 'why' behind their innovation. Powered by GPT-4 and trained on more than 700 data points from the most impactful STEM solutions and ideas of the last decade, this tool is capable of generating 10-12 ideas for intriguing projects with real-world application. Students simply need to input their favorite subject, a skill they wish to learn or enhance, and an extracurricular activity they enjoy. Within moments, they receive 10-12 ideas that merge these three aspects. You can test out our AI at www.create-ed.in/brainstorm-buddy (sign up for access).

Propel students beyond product development

Profile building in STEM goes far beyond the product that students build. It involves demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the problem space, showcasing the ability to think critically and adaptively, and reflecting a genuine passion for inquiry and improvement. Meticulous documentation and reflection in the build process take students a long way. Setbacks, failures, and epiphanies while building complex STEM products often make some of the most intriguing narratives, adding both depth and technical prowess to a student's profile. Successful applicants are those who can articulate the impact of their projects beyond the classroom or competition, showing how their endeavors contribute to broader conversations in their field and society at large. It's this depth of engagement and thoughtfulness that distinguishes truly compelling applicants in the STEM fields.

Partnerships and opportunities in local communities matter

At CreatED, we understand that colleges want students who not only excel academically but also show an ability to apply their knowledge and skills in ways that benefit others in their community. Projects with real-world deployment speak volumes about a student's empathy, creativity, and leadership potential. It's the combination of innovative thinking, societal impact, and personal connection that we foster for all student projects. To that end, we've partnered with IIT Bombay to launch the Tech Visionaries Internship Program, a unique opportunity for students to apply their STEM skills in the nation's finest engineering institute. Learn more about it at www.create-ed.in/iit-internship.

Build resilience through experimentation

Innovation is often a path littered with failures and setbacks. At CreatED, we view these as invaluable learning opportunities. Our programs are designed to make students comfortable with experimentation, knowing well that not every attempt will be successful. We emphasize the importance of process over product every step of the way.

Thank you for reading!