On March 6, 2025, IGNITE Students from Skyline High School took part in a hands-on Field Trip at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute (SKERI), where they explored the intersection of technology, research, and accessibility in STEM.
Students were greeted and guided through activities by Nasif and Catherine, and participated in a Discord-based simulation activity that kept them actively engaged.
A highlight of the day included University of Michigan Professor Sile O’Modhrain providing the keynote speech for the event, providing her professional and personal perspectives as a blind haptics and interface researcher.
According to IGNITE Educator Dr. Ayo Akatugba, the simulation was a standout element of the day, allowing students to experience practical applications of STEM concepts in a virtual environment. Providing an additional layer to the learning experiences, students got the chance to interact with vision language models to learn about the capabilities and limitations of current accessible artificial intelligence implementations like Microsoft’s Seeing AI.
Small group leaders Jade, Anish, Pushpita, Sofia, and Ryan supported students throughout the visit, offering insights into their roles and research paths. The visit concluded with a panel discussion featuring Pushpita and Haydee, where students asked thoughtful questions like: What courses did you study to be in this profession? What is the most challenging part of your job? How did you cope with challenging classes in high school?
Panelists shared advice on embracing opportunities, staying open-minded, and building networks. They reminded students that everyone encounters setbacks, and that communication and persistence are key to growth and success.
“This field trip gave us ideas of the many different careers in STEM. We learned that there are many different ways to assist disabled people. My favorite thing I learned today was that AI can be used to help people with disabilities.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“With today’s event, I was able to better understand women in STEM. I also heard about many different opportunities. My favorite thing was learning how the panelists got to where they are now.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me to go deeper into researching the technology and AI aspects of STEM. It’s super interesting that there’s an entire field focused on helping people with disabilities. My favorite thing I learned today was about advances in technology that help people with disabilities have equal access to tech and other opportunities.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event has inspired me to seek out opportunities in STEM. I also felt uplifted knowing there are more opportunities out there for women.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
88%
INTERESTED IN STEM
81%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
81%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
80%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Today’s event showed me different perspectives on careers in STEM. I learned about using AI with different apps.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“This showed me there are a lot of options for women looking to find a career in STEM. I learned about how important accessibility is.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to pursue a research career and to be open about career choices overall. My favorite thing I learned today was about disability tools.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked how people didn’t sugarcoat their experiences and encouraged us to try STEM. My favorite thing was how everyone came from different places.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was cool to see real people in these positions. It makes it feel more attainable.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to hear different perspectives from STEM professionals about their struggles, high school, advice, etc. My favorite thing I learned was messing around with Seeing AI and hearing from the STEM professionals.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked seeing different people talk about their perspectives. It was eventful. My favorite thing was the AI learning tools for blind people. I thank the volunteers!” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I know that even if you don’t know what job you want yet, people eventually find something they enjoy. I’m inspired to try not to worry so much about jobs I’m afraid of doing. My favorite thing was the Seeing AI app. Comparing it to Discord was enjoyable. I liked doing it with the volunteers andthe group.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel like I can work in STEM and help expand what STEM is. I liked how we’re developing technology to make it more accessible.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Women who pursue STEM face many barriers and challenges. The panelists were very encouraging. I learned about accessibility.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to take any opportunity I have. My favorite thing was hearing about the volunteers’ high school and college experiences, and what they want to do.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“The two panelists were neuroscientists — neuroscience is something I’m interested in majoring in. Talking about everything inspired me to actually take more classes. Learning about AI was interesting, and learning about what the panelists do was interesting too.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Nasif
- Catherine
- Jade
- Anish
- Pushpita
- Sofia
- Ryan
- Haydee
- Bailey
- Natela
- Dr. Ayo Akatugba
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at igniteworldwide.org.