ABOUT US

OUR STORY

STEM Academy, an esteemed pioneer in STEM education with a profound history of commitment and innovation. For over six years, STEM Academy has been instrumental in delivering comprehensive STEM education across the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Notably, STEM Academy was among the first charter organizations to embrace the STEM Scouts program, an initiative by the Boy Scouts of America designed to ignite a passion for learning in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Since its inception in Irvine four years ago, STEM Academy has significantly contributed to the academic and personal growth of countless youths. Through a diverse offering of classes, our dedicated team has nurtured the potential of young minds, guiding them to excel in various disciplines within STEM. Our efforts have culminated in remarkable achievements in the VEX IQ Championships, where our mentored teams have triumphed at local and regional levels and have even qualified for the world competition. We are proud to share the journey, accomplishments, and memorable moments from our VEX IQ Competition adventures through the video below.

Meet the Founders

Dr. Samy Sidky - aka Gedo Samy

After starting his career in academia for over a decade, Dr. Sidky spent the next 30 years in business, industrial, and information technology fields, serving as the CEO of Multi Media Egypt, one of the largest software technology and CD production factories in the Middle East.

With 13 grandchildren, Dr. Sidky, also known as Gedo Samy, wanted to bring his experience to the K-12 educational world. In 2017, he leveraged his years of experience to found the STEM Academy, aiming to introduce real-world challenges and engaging STEM education to his grandchildren and their friends.

Dr. Yasser Shoukry

Currently head of one of the robotics labs at the University of California, Irvine. Yasser received his Ph.D. from the UCLA and worked as a researcher at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and the University of Pennsylvania. At UCI, Yasser teaches advanced robotics, programming, and autonomous systems courses while leading research projects funded by the government and the industry to build next-generation autonomous systems. Outside his academic career, Yasser has been teaching robotics and programming to elementary and middle school students while leading several student teams through international robotic competitions.

Meet the Team

Aadil Rashid

Hello, I'm Aadil Rashid, a graduate in Computer Science from CSUF. My journey in the world of technology has been nothing short of exhilarating. From delving into complex algorithms to unraveling the mysteries of software development, I've found my passion in the realm of computing. Beyond the screen and keyboard, I thrive on the excitement of the outdoors. Camping under the stars, surrounded by nature's symphony, rejuvenates my spirit like nothing else. But don't let my love for nature fool you—I also have a passion for combat sports. Wrestling and jiu jitsu are not just hobbies for me; they're avenues for personal growth, discipline, and pushing the boundaries of my physical and mental capabilities.

Dina ElSissy

Dina earned her Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Ain Shams University in Cairo. With 6 years of experience as an Embedded Software Engineer in two multinational companies, she later moved to the US, taking a break from her industrial career to focus on her family. During this time, Dina actively volunteered in public schools, collaborating with her children's teachers as classroom support. This hands-on experience with large groups of children fueled her passion for helping them unlock their creativity and reach their full potential.

Amr Mostafa

Amr Mostafa, a UC Berkeley Mechanical Engineering graduate with a focus on robotics and automation, now excels as an automation engineer at VEQTOR. His passion for robotics was ignited in youth, leading to a first-place win in Egypt's First Lego League and participation in the world championship in the US. Beyond engineering, Amr is an avid soccer fan, especially of the legendary player Abotrika. His journey from academic success to professional achievement, coupled with his sports enthusiasm, showcases a blend of technical prowess and personal passion.

Mohamed Osama Youssef

With over two decades of experience in tech and education, I am a Senior Product Manager with a rich background in both software engineering and educational technology. Holding a Master's degree in Education, Learning Sciences & Technologies from the University of Pennsylvania, I've effectively combined technical expertise with innovative teaching methodologies. My early career as a software engineer laid the groundwork for a deep understanding of technological problem-solving, enhancing my role in developing and launching impactful educational programs, including a significant Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and teaching robotics with LEGO Mindstorms. As a VEX robotics instructor, my goal is to inspire students to embrace technology and innovation, equipping them with the skills to succeed in a digital future.

ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Meet the Founders

Meet the Team

BECOME PART OF THE TEAM

We are always looking for instructors, assistants, and youth counselors

STAY UPDATED