On March 5, Science Mill Homeschool Days learners aged 5-17 had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on Learning Lab led by mechanical engineering graduate student from the University of Texas at Austin, Collin Haese. Haese, together with his adviser Professor Manuel Rausch and other graduate advisees, led the kids through a pig heart dissection and the marvels of anatomy and engineering.
Meet this month’s STEM Role Model
Collin Haese is a PhD student in mechanical engineering at UT Austin, where he currently focuses on the tricuspid valve—one of the heart’s four valves responsible for ensuring one-way blood flow. His research combines laboratory experiments and computational tools to study the valve in both healthy and diseased states, with the goal of improving repair techniques. Recently, he has been working on refining transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, a minimally invasive procedure that offers significant advantages over traditional open-heart surgery.
When asked about his research, he explained, “I’m fascinated by the heart because it’s such a vital organ. By studying the tricuspid valve, I hope to contribute to better treatments for patients with heart disease.”
Advice for Aspiring Scientists and Engineers
For kids who are curious about STEM or interested in pursuing a similar career path, Haese had some thoughtful advice:
Keep an open mind. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Interests evolve, and that’s okay.
Work hard in school. A strong foundation in math and science is essential for almost any STEM career.
Explore engineering. If you enjoy problem-solving and want a career that’s both creative and impactful, engineering is a fantastic option. It’s a versatile field that touches everything from medical devices to space exploration.
He also emphasized that engineering can be a great way to combine different interests. “For example, if you want to improve human health but don’t necessarily want to become a doctor, or if you are fascinated with space but don’t see yourself as an astronaut,” engineering is a way to explore those interests in surprising ways.
A Journey of Discovery
One of the most reassuring messages from the interview was that it’s okay not to have everything figured out early on. Haese shared that he didn’t decide to pursue engineering until the end of high school, and it wasn’t until graduate school that he discovered his passion for biomedical engineering and the heart.
“For any kids unsure of what they want to do when they are older, just know that you have plenty of time to discover what excites you,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of mentors and role models in shaping his career. “My biggest influences were those who fostered my curiosity—including my parents, teachers, and mentors. My current advisor, Professor Manuel Rausch, has been instrumental in helping me develop my research skills and my ability to identify knowledge gaps. He also taught me how to conduct experiments and present findings. Most importantly, he leads by example, embracing curiosity and excitement in research while remembering to have fun.”
The Joy of Teaching and Inspiring Kids
“The best part [about the Learning Lab] was seeing the kids’ reactions when they touched a real heart for the first time. They were surprised by how slimy and heavy it was! I also loved watching how each student interpreted the anatomy and physiology of the heart in their own way. Many of their questions were about things I had never thought about before.”
When asked why he chose a dissection for the Learning Lab, Haese said it was a two-fold decision. “One, for the kids, it’s a pretty cool opportunity to get their hands on a real organ. The second reason is that my research focuses primarily on heart valve disease, so I work with hearts every day.” Bridging his passion and expertise with an immersive experience for the students led to one of the most engaging Learning Labs of the year!
The Importance of Collaboration
Manuel Rausch also recounted the history of his department’s collaboration with the Science Mill, which goes back several years. It began with a conversation with one of the Science Mill co-founders, Bob Elde, about their shared passion for science and science education. “The original plan was to just kind of come in and test a couple of concepts, and see how the kids like it.”
Starting in 2022, Rausch and graduate students in his department have come out once a year to lead an activity at the Science Mill Homeschool Days. The objective was to bring hands-on lab experiences to homeschooled students in the Hill Country area who may not have had the opportunity to engage in such experiences, and to do so in a way that is fun and engaging.
“We know that the pipeline to STEM careers is very leaky,” remarks Science Mill co-founder Robert Elde, PhD. “A big part of fixing that is enabling kids to imagine themselves in STEM careers, and their ability to imagine themselves in these careers is greatly influenced by seeing these young role models they can look up to. It becomes easier for the students to imagine themselves following the same STEM pathways. They can see it’s possible for them, too.”
Last year’s forensic-themed blood lab Learning Lab was led by Grace Bechtel, a PhD student in biomedical engineering. While this year’s dissection Learning Lab was largely organized by Haese, it was the team effort that made the experience truly rewarding. Each student table was assigned a graduate student who could answer all the students’ questions, creating an intimate learning environment that connects the learners to a STEM role model. At the same time, this experience turned out to be grounding for the graduate students like Haese: “I sometimes take for granted the cool work I get to do, but working with the kids resets my perspective and reminds me how fun science is.”
Key Takeaways for Young Scientists
STEM is for everyone. Whether your child is interested in health, space, computers, or something else entirely, there’s a place for them in STEM.
Curiosity is key. Encourage your kids to ask questions, explore their interests, and stay open to new possibilities.
Mentors matter. Seek out opportunities for your children to connect with teachers, scientists, and engineers who can inspire and guide them.
Hands-on learning is powerful. Experiences like dissections and workshops at places like the Science Mill that can spark a lifelong passion for science and engineering.
Support the Science Mill’s mission
Making STEM accessible, nurturing curiosity, providing hands-on learning experiences, and introducing kids to STEM careers – these are the foundational values of the Science Mill. We invite you to visit the museum and check out our upcoming events! Museum admissions and memberships help keep our doors open to ensure we can continue serving our Hill Country community.
Looking to donate or support other programs? Learn more about how to support the Science Mill below.