What is Newton doing for Massachusetts STEM Week?  This Saturday, we’re going to Think Big!  The Newton Free Library, John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, and NewtonSTEM are hosting their third gathering of middle- and high-school students to meet and talk informally with a wide range of local professionals in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math.  The event is free for Grades 6-12 and takes place at the Newton Free Library this Saturday, October 27, 2PM-4:30PM.  Students are asked to register for the event, but walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.

Earlier Think Big! events in November 2015 and March 2018 were a blast.  As with earlier events, the Newton LigerBots high-school robotics team will again assist, and Cabot’s will again provide free ice cream to fuel the discussions.  This time, the 17 STEM mentors — nearly all from Newton — include:

 –  a New Balance designer of performance-running shoes
 –  a NNHS graduate and founder/COO of Embr Labs
 –  the head of a gene-therapy lab at Harvard
 –  the director of cellular biology at a biotech startup
 –  the head of manufacturing science at Sanofi
 –  a manager of global supply chains for Cabot Corp.
 –  a scientist working with carbon nanotube applications
 –  a patent technical adviser in a law firm
 –  an expert in competitive gaming
 –  a physician instructor at Harvard Medical School
 –  several scientists working in drug discovery and design