A.J. Balatico (Ph.D. Learning Sciences, University of Washington) has research interests in gifted education, STEM learning ecosystems, and computational neuroscience. Previous research positions include UW’s School of Medicine, the Robinson Center, and NSF grant funded research in partnership with the Pacific Science Center. Prior to graduate school, A.J. taught high school physics and chemistry in Louisiana and mentored a FIRST robotics teams. The opportunities for leadership, creativity, fun, outreach, and learning foster the development of a goals-oriented, growth mindset. A.J. has made it his life’s mission to spread the wildfire of hands-on, minds-on learning to create a better future together.