Our Story

Project Brain Light was founded in 2017 by University of Delaware (UD) graduate students Andrew Garcia (UD ‘19) and Patrese Robinson-Drummer (UD ‘18). Both Andrew and Patrese wanted to create an organization that helps expose young students to the science experiences they may not readily receive in their classrooms. This is because students from communities that do not have the resources or funding to provide sufficient STEAM education are often also from populations that are historically underrepresented in higher education and STEAM careers.

Andrew grew up in Los Angeles, attended San Francisco State University for undergraduate education, and moved east to study as a graduate student in the lab of Amy Griffin at the University of Delaware. Andrew realized that exposure to STEAM-related education is important for young students, such as middle school. Early experiences in science can help students see that college education and career options in STEAM are possible and attainable.

Patrese grew up in Philadelphia and earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Delaware. She then returned to Philadelphia to earn a M.S. in Experimental Psychology at St. Joseph’s University. Patrese then returned to the University of Delaware to study learning and memory as a graduate student in the lab of Mark Stanton. Patrese was passionate about getting young kids excited about learning new things in the field of science. Science is also a great subject to engage young children because a lot of experiences and activities are hands-on, which can make learning fun and exciting.

Since Andrew and Patrese have graduated from the University of Delaware, Project Brain Light still continues to provide interactive, science learning opportunities for K-12 students in the Delaware area. Project Brain Light is supported by the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UD and has graduate student members from multiple STEAM departments across the university.