On The Job With STEAM
Over the past few decades, STEAM education has grown and changed in meaningful ways. It’s no longer limited to what happens in the classroom; there are now more opportunities than ever to explore STEAM beyond school. As industries continue to evolve, so do the career paths connected to STEAM, opening up exciting possibilities for the future. Atlanta Parent talked to STEAM professionals in the metro area about their love of STEAM and how you can use family time to explore learning.
Bryan Dinner, Founder and CEO of Undaunted
How were you introduced to STEAM as a child?
My friends and I started the first robotics team at my middle school — which means our parents started it, honestly; thanks Mom and Dad. We were not very good, but we really loved it, and it definitely sparked something for us. Three of my best friends to this day were in the team. One is a technology product manager for Instagram, one works on explosives and robots for the military, and one is chief software architect for a multibillion dollar AI company.
What inspired you to start Undaunted?
In early 2024, my co-founder, David Cummings, bought 58 historic buildings in Atlanta’s South Downtown to create a massive tech hub, but constant break-ins and vandalism persisted despite trying numerous, expensive technology solutions and traditional guards. Undaunted was born out of the need to find a technology that stopped crime before it happened. By combining modern cameras with robots, one security team member can see everywhere and instantly be anywhere over the 11-block tech campus.
What is the coolest part of your job?
I love the impact we have on the communities we serve. Robots offer a lower cost, more effective solution for people who are investing in our community. I also love the look on people’s faces the first time they see a robot in their lives. It is pure amazement.
Go on a Family Field Trip:
On Saturdays through April, visit Terminal South to see a real robot dog from Undaunted up close. Learn how it works with an engineer, who will give a short demo of the technology, for an awesome show for curious kids.
Leslie Yarborough, Youth Education Coordinator at Museum of Design Atlanta
How were you introduced to STEAM as a child?
I remember having STEAM nights at my elementary school, which were family nights held about twice a year. You could decide which activity sounded best to you, do it and rotate through the activities. I was a really curious kid, and I liked doing hands-on stuff.
What is the most interesting part of your job?
The most interesting part is when I have facetime with kids, either on-site with field trips or camps. It’s the most interesting part, because kids will surprise you, usually in good ways.
How do all of the STEAM concepts work together?
Overlooking the art piece is only going to be to your detriment. We tie it all together. MODA lands heavily on the “A” part of STEAM, and our youth programs tie in the other elements as well. Like with our summer camps, we’re focused on helping kids become citizen designers and helping them think about how they can make change in the city they live. We’re talking about sustainability, infrastructure, model building and designing posters for awareness, and we’re tying the art piece into the rest of the umbrella of STEM.
Go on a Family Field Trip:
From architecture to graphic design and beyond, MODA’s exhibits explore how design shapes the world, and The 2025 U.S. International Poster Biennial exhibit brings together posters from around the world to show how designers use visual communication for storytelling, connection and change.
Becah Jubon, Education & Public Programs Manager at Mimms Museum of Technology and Art
How were you introduced to STEAM as a child?
There wasn’t such a thing as “STEAM” when I was a child. I was always surrounded by a mix of STEAM’s elements, as my parents ran engineering companies related to the cellular phone industry, as well as owning a bookstore. I always helped my dad with projects around the house, so he taught me how to use tools and think technically from a young age. When I was little, my mom and I would often go to museums. Some of my fondest memories are of going to The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. I feel like I’ve always had an interest in science. That interest was further heightened by the Carl Sagan series, “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” when it came on television when I was about 7 years old. That series rocked my world. I would rate it as one of the greatest influences in my young life.
How can parents help their child explore STEAM?
You must expose kids to a variety of options. Don’t force it. See what they naturally gravitate toward. Truly, everything is STEAM related. You just need to look at how the different subjects intertwine: What are the physics and mechanics behind the sports they like to play? Could you use an interest or skill in art to design the machines, graphics or educational materials for an organization like Google or NASA? Which ingredients make a chocolate chip cookie softer or crisper? Which hair dyes work best, and how do they make all those colors? Encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of those interests, and the interconnectedness will come naturally. Attend workshops or camps to try out new interests.
What advice would you give parents who are intimidated by STEAM but want to help their children learn more?
Learn with them. If you don’t feel qualified to explain certain concepts to your kids, work on it together. Go to the library, or watch YouTube videos. There are materials available for every level. Do the research together, and talk it through. Having to discuss something out loud is one of the best ways to determine if you really understand something.
Go on a Family Field Trip:
The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art focuses on technology and computing. Explore the history of rocketry, see computers from NASA, view more than 70 supercomputers, see the predecessors of the digital age and more with hands-on activities throughout the museum.
Karisa Zdanky, Astronomy Program Manager and Astronomer at Tellus Science Museum
How were you introduced to STEAM as a child?
Honestly, mostly through Bill Nye! My teachers would occasionally show us episodes of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” and I loved it so much, I went to my library and checked out the whole series. It was a great jumping off point for me to discover the world of science.
What made you interested in astronomy?
I’ve been interested in astronomy since first grade, when I was first taught about the planets in school. Although it was just basic information at that age, I was fascinated by the concept of worlds beyond our own and what else could be even farther out past our solar system. I’ve never stopped looking up since.
How can parents help their child explore STEAM?
Look for easy activities that align with their interests. There are tons of projects online that are fun for everyone involved — one of my personal favorites is making nebulae in a jar. Parents can participate, too, and who knows, you might learn something new. Also, go to museums and public events at local universities and research facilities. These are a great way to explore.
How can families explore astronomy at home or in Atlanta?
Astronomy is super easy to explore at home — simply look up! Start with the basics, like a star chart or planisphere, to see what the constellations look like in the sky. Depending on when you look, you could even see some planets with the naked eye. Also, you can buy a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to help you see. No matter if you are looking from the bright city lights of Atlanta or out in the country, one object that will never be drowned out by the light is the moon, so that is another great place to start.
Go on a Family Field Trip:
Tellus Science Museum houses the Bentley Planetarium for a digital projection that will travel from our solar system to the edge of the galaxy and beyond. Permanent exhibits showcase fossils, gems, a fighter jet cockpit, simple machines and more, and three galleries are dedicated to special exhibits that change every six months to a year.
Janetta Greenwood, Director at Fernbank Science Center
How were you introduced to STEAM as a child?
My mom made sure I was engaging in some type of science experience, because my grandmother was a science teacher. Living in a rural environment, I didn’t necessarily have access to a huge museum, but there was a lot of ag science, and it created that first initial love for science. I was curious, and my mom encouraged questions. My mom recognized she didn’t have to have answers; she just needed to encourage questions.
What is the coolest part of your job?
The coolest part of my job is watching the faces of the kids who walk through the door — the initial awe look. I see this even with adults. They’re blown away. That feeling never gets old. I love hearing the gasps and excited chatter.
What advice would you give parents who are intimidated by STEAM but want to help their children learn more?
You don’t have to be a scientist to nurture a child’s interest. Ask questions. Encourage curiosity. An experience for your child is more important than knowing the right answer. Be willing to search and learn together. If you’re vulnerable in that space, it helps your child know it’s not always about knowing the right answer, but it’s about figuring it out. We can continue to raise thinkers. When you’re growing up, you’re asked, “What do you want to be?” Instead, ask, “What problem do you want to solve when you grow up?” We don’t know what jobs will exist 10-15 years from now. But we can create thinkers who are capable no matter what the job market looks like.
Go on a Family Field Trip:
At Fernbank Science Center, discover live animals and bees up close, view the historic Apollo 6 command module, meet Pepper the robot and more in the exhibit hall featuring hands-on activities. Visit on Thursday and Friday evenings to view the night sky with the telescope at the Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory, and the planetarium creates an immersive environment with different shows.
