Challenged and Driven to Help

“Since I was little, I loved the idea of making a difference by helping people, thinking at that time I would have to be a doctor to do that. I realized that I could also help people as an engineer by creating things that could make their lives easier.”

Self-confessed math nerd Lena James has always liked a challenge, and is looking forward to her next step, in college. The Edmond Memorial senior has been making every day count in preparing to one day design things to help people. Lena was initially uncertain exactly what engineering was, but knew that Francis Tuttle’s Engineering Academy included high level math and science. “Since I was little, I loved the idea of making a difference by helping people, thinking at that time I would have to be a doctor to do that. I realized that I could also help people as an engineer by creating things that could make their lives easier.” She loves learning and found her niche in the hands-on work and prototyping she is currently involved in with her team on their capstone project—a self-erasing whiteboard, with which they plan to explore the patent process. From a brief discussion with her, one is left with no doubt Lena will remain diligent in her work and continue to take challenges head-on to make a difference for people!