“Designing inclusive, hands-on STEM experiences that inspire future engineers.”
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Hi, I'm Nixie Stein, a creative project developer and outreach specialist with a passion for engineering education. I’ve spent over eight years designing hands-on STEM kits, leading K–12 outreach programs, and empowering the next generation of learners through playful, accessible tech.
From arts-inspired engineering kits to student-led coding workshops, my projects are shaped by curiosity, empathy, and the belief that learning should be joyful. Whether I’m partnering with schools, mentoring students, or building curriculum from scratch, I bring a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to everything I do.
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What I Value:
• Learning through play
• Inclusive design & access
• Storytelling through circuits
• Empathy-driven engineering
• Curiosity as compass
• Community-centered outreach
• Failing forward
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Awards and Achievements:
• 5 time STAR Award recipient, UC San Diego
• Created and designed Welcome Kits for 1,000+ incoming students
• Led outreach efforts across 30+ K–14 schools
• Advised 1000+ student engineers through Project-in-a-Box
• Twice spotlighted on CBS 8’s “Innovate” for original educational robotics projects
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A curated collection of hands-on STEM kits and outreach projects designed to spark imagination and deepen understanding.
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These compact projects were designed to welcome new students to UC San Diego's ECE community. Whether they lit up, played music, or reacted to sunlight, each one offered a hands-on way to connect art, tech, and curiosity.
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A set of beginner-to-intermediate Arduino-based robots and gadgets designed to feel like educational "furniture kits"—modular, playful, and easy to assemble. Students build, code, and customize everything from color-sensing robots to programmable dancers.
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These bite-sized builds were created for outreach events, cultural celebrations, and soldering workshops. Each one is approachable, affordable, and designed to spark a sense of wonder—whether it’s a flickering lantern or a glowing snowflake pin.
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A versatile mix of technical know-how, creative problem-solving, and education-forward expertise shaped by years of outreach and innovation.
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| 🧠 Technical Skills | 🎓 Educational Strengths | 🔧 Tools & Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino (C/C++), Python | Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning | 3D Printing & Laser Cutting |
| Circuit Design & Prototyping | Hands-on STEM Instruction (K–14) | Vinyl Cutting & CNC Tools |
| 3D CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape) | Student Mentorship & Advising | Soldering (SMD & Through-Hole) |
| Electronics Troubleshooting | Inclusive Program Development | Notion, Canva, Tinkercad |
| Project-Based Learning (PBL) | Outreach Event Planning | GitHub, Google Suite |
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A glimpse into the creative and technical work that brings my projects to life—from behind-the-scenes design to the final product.
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Instructional resources including classroom slide decks, step-by-step build guides, and visual aids developed for hands-on STEM education.
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https://nixie-education.netlify.app
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