This summer, Vanderbilt sophomore Austin Channell is working with the STEAM Factory to explore interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. At Vanderbilt, Austin is part of an interdisciplinary scholarship program called The Curb Scholars Program in Creative Enterprise & Public Leadership, which has given him first-hand experience in a multitude of areas applicable to his experience with STEAM, including innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Austin first heard about The STEAM Factory at TEDxColumbus 2013, where he was a featured speaker. After giving a talk about the role of arts in secondary education, Austin was introduced to STEAM chair and founder Roman Holowinsky who gave Austin a brief summary of STEAM’s mission and goals. When weighing his options for summer opportunities this year, Austin reached out to Roman about helping the STEAM team due to their overlapping interests and passions. Austin is a dynamic addition to STEAM and is currently contributing to everything from grant proposals to faculty interviews.

Austin grew up in Columbus and will return to Vanderbilt in the fall to continue his studies in Civil Engineering. He is uncertain where his career path will take him, but hopes to find something which allows him to feel like he is making a significant impact.