Welcome aboard- Abby Ruby

GEM Environmental is excited to announce a new addition to the team! Please welcome Abby Ruby, who is our new AmeriCorps VISTA Member STEM Outreach Specialist, through Arizona Serve and GEM.
 
Abby is from Bel Air, Maryland. She went to school at the University of Alabama where she majored in Mechanical Engineering. She loves anything outside, whether it be hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing! Abby also played Ultimate Frisbee for four years at school and during summers. Her love for science and math has helped her reach her goals and has furthered her education. This is why she wants to use her passion and get other students excited about STEM and show them all the possibilities they can have for their future education. Welcome to the team Abby!

How did you hear about this service opportunity?
I became interested in working for AmeriCorps during my senior year of college when I realized I wanted to dedicate my work to volunteerism. I received an email from Arizona Serve that had information about GEM Environmental Program which sounded like a great way to combine my passion for STEM with my desire to serve a community.
 
Please provide a brief description highlighting your work/area of focus.
As a STEM Education Outreach Specialist, I will be working to give students in Prescott and surrounding areas education opportunities in STEM.
 
What do you plan to accomplish during your service term with GEM?
Through speaker series, field trips, fundraisers, and scholarships/ internships I hope to open students' eyes to the many possibilities they have through STEM Education. In addition, I hope to extend our reach to low-income areas where children may not have as many opportunities for education and growth.
 
What are your career goals?
While I'm not totally sure of how I want to use my degree in my career, I know that I want to spend my life creating change and improving people's quality of life. Biomechanical Engineering has always been very appealing to me because I will be able to use my engineering/ science background in a growing and beneficial field.
 
Do you plan to continue your education? If so, what programs or school are you looking into and what is the highest degree you plan to earn?
I'm not sure right now, but I would love to get a PhD in order to teach at a higher level.
Have you had any other internship or service opportunities before this? If so, how do you believe internships have benefited you so far?
Yes, I have had two engineering internships in the past. These internships taught me so much beyond just technical skills... such as responsibility, problem solving, and project management.
 
Anything else you'd like to share about your work, yourself, or the STEM fields?
I am so excited to use my combined passions for STEM and community empowerment to make a difference in Prescott!

​To learn more about Abby click here!