Student Research Team
The Student Research Team behind the INSPIRE Engineering Gift Guide is guided by faculty and staff in the Purdue School of Engineering Education. The team uses a research framework to review the items submitted each year for inclusion in the guide.
Rena Sterrett, Web Designer
As a senior project manager for SCALE K-12, I am thrilled to be a part of the Engineering Gift Guide team as a web designer and editor. I am a former teacher who has worked with children, families, and educators in many capacities for more than 30 years. I believe that encouraging children to learn and grow through educational toys is one of the bonuses of being a parent and teacher. While serving as a curriculum writer for ELM©, a comprehensive and research-informed early childhood curriculum developed for U.S. Department of Defense childcare programs across the world, I had the opportunity to explore toys and integrate them into engaging curriculum activities. Working on the Engineering Gift Guide has reminded me of the reason I began my career as an educator – to see the spark in a child’s eyes when they learn something new! While I love working on the SCALE K-12 project, I also enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
Jennifer Heap, Project Manager
I am a project manager for SCALE K-12, and this is my first year managing and contributing to the Engineering Gift Guide. With 26 years of experience as an elementary teacher and a background in elementary education, special education, gifted education, English Language Learner (ELL) education, and early literacy, I approached each product on this list through those diverse educational lenses to ensure the guide is both inclusive and comprehensive. As a mom of two, I also wanted to make sure the Gift Guide catered to a wide range of ages, interests, and price points. I have a deep appreciation for the value of toys that are both educational and fun. This experience with working on the guide has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to explore new perspectives on how toys can enrich learning. I’m passionate about providing children with high-quality toys that nurture their curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. When I’m not working at Purdue University, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.
Joshua Clement, Gift Guide Reviewer
I am a first-year reviewer for the Engineering Gift Guide and am currently studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University. From a young age, I was always building things—whether it was with Legos, coding, wood, or circuits—and this hands-on approach fostered a deep curiosity about how things work. With this year's Gift Guide, I hope to inspire the next generation of engineers to explore the world of design, problem-solving, and creative exploration. In addition to my studies, I spend my free time developing software applications to deepen my understanding of coding and engineering principles. Outside the classroom, I’m an active member of the Purdue climbing team, competing in USA climbing competitions. This past summer, my team and I had the privilege of competing at collegiate nationals. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in research and development for the government, contributing to innovations in aerospace and engineering.
Daisy Coble, Gift Guide Reviewer
This is my third year as a reviewer for the Gift Guide. I am an Industrial Design student at Purdue University with a deep passion for creating educational toys that inspire young minds to explore STEM fields. My experiences with the Gift Guide have reinforced my career goal of designing products that blend creativity, learning, and fun, much like the innovative toys featured in the Guide. In addition to my academic work, I am also the president of Purdue's 3D Printing Club, where I apply my skills in 3D modeling and prototyping. I am constantly exploring new ways to integrate technology into design, and I believe that interactive toys can be a gateway to a deeper interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. When I'm not reviewing toys or designing, you'll likely find me carrying around an assortment of custom 3D-printed fidget toys, a personal collection I've developed over the years.
Hannah Garcia, Gift Guide Reviewer
TI am a third-year undergraduate student at Purdue University double majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health, with a goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. I am deeply passionate about nutrition education, and I thrive on exploring and experiencing education in an immersive, hands-on way. Outside of my studies, I enjoy working out, cooking, traveling, and watching Korean dramas. This year marks my first year as an Engineering Gift Guide: Microelectronics Edition team reviewer, though I’ve been actively engaged with Engineering Education for the past year. Through the process of reviewing toys for the Guide, I’ve gained fresh perspectives on how to think about and interact with educational tools. My exposure to microelectronics and the challenge of reviewing such innovative products has been both enlightening and rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to learn from this experience.
Virginia Hawkins, Gift Guide Reviewer
I am a sophomore studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University, and this is my first year reviewing toys for the Engineering Gift Guide. Growing up with a music teacher for a mom and an engineer for a dad, I was exposed early on to the intersection of education and engineering. This unique combination sparked my passion for outreach, especially in fostering creativity and inspiring young students in STEM. In high school, I had the opportunity to formally develop this passion by coordinating and executing a local STEM fair. In my free time, I enjoy learning to bake, exploring the outdoors, and seeking out new adventures around Indiana. After graduation, I aspire to continue making quality STEM curricula and resources more accessible to those in early education, both locally and globally.
Kayla Phillips, Gift Guide Reviewer
I am a sophomore studying Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, and this is my first year contributing as a reviewer to the Engineering Gift Guide. As a child, I loved playing with cars and Legos, but I wasn’t introduced to many circuit- or coding-based toys. With this year’s focus on microelectronics, I’m excited to help showcase the field's vast applications and demonstrate how thrilling it can be to learn about them. In my free time, I still enjoy building with Legos, baking, and experimenting with breadboarding. After graduation, I hope to work in trusted microelectronics, contributing to innovations that can shape the future of technology.