Passionate about creating a dynamic learning environment, Vaishali brings over 17 years of experience in technology and strategic project management to her role as a STEAM Program instructor, having worked across IT consulting, Fintech, energy, government, retail, and real estate. With dual MBA degrees in Management Information Systems and Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, she is committed to making STEAM education engaging for elementary and middle school students. Vaishali’s extensive background includes managing multi-million-dollar projects and leading digital transformation initiatives for prominent organizations, such as the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation. She has been an entrepreneur and investor in business consulting and retail initiatives. She is founder of a FinTech company called Katalyst Payments.

Certified as a PMP, Salesforce Consultant and a SAFe 5 Agilist, Vaishali integrates the latest technological advancements and agile methodologies into her teaching. Her hands-on approach to STEAM education, including robotics, coding, and engineering, fosters curiosity and problem-solving skills in students. Passionate about creating a dynamic learning environment, Vaishali also dedicates her time to community service/fundraising with organizations like Hindu Samaj Temple, CRY and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Outside the classroom, she enjoys singing, hiking, and swimming with her two daughters, she often incorporates the same spirit into her lessons to make learning both fun and interactive.

She looks forward to guiding students on her STEAM journey and helping them discover her passions and potential in these exciting fields. 

For more information: steam@hindusamajmandir.org 

Sundays: 2:00pm - 2:50pm

STEAM Program Summary (2024-2025)

·         September: Introduction to STEAM and Basics

·         October: Engineering and Design

·         November: Scientific Exploration

·         December: Technology and Coding

·         January: Mathematics in Action

·         February: Artistic STEAM Integration

·         March: Environmental STEAM

·         April: Advanced Projects and Collaboration

·         May: Showcase and Reflection

Learn to program in Java!

Open to students from 7th - 12th Grade, No experience necessary!

About the Instructor:

Amruth Kumar is a distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Ramapo College of New Jersey. He holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Buffalo and brings over 30 years of teaching experience to his role. His research focuses on developing and evaluating AI-driven intelligent tutors designed to enhance programming education.

About the course:

Introduction to Java Programming:

This course will cover the basics of Java programming: data forms, data types, control structures, functions and basic data structures. It does not assume any prior knowledge of programming. Knowledge of algebra required. 

Please bring your own laptop that connects to the Internet.

For more information:  java@hindusamajmandir.org 

Starting September 8, 2024

Sundays: 3:00 PM