Research Team

The 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.

Jennifer Heap, Project Manager

I am a project manager for SCALE K-12, and this is my second 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.

Hannah Garcia, Gift Guide Reviewer

TI am a fourth-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 second year as an Engineering Gift Guide: Microelectronics Edition team reviewer, though I’ve been actively engaged with Engineering Education throughout my time as an undergrad. 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 junior studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University, and this is my second 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.