Aurora Lipper

I attended Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California, where I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (with a minor in Mathematics and senior project in Rocket Science) in June 1996. While in California, I received an Air Force sponsorship to pursue further studies in a Master's program with Edward Air Force Base in Dryden, California. I was also a student pilot and shortly thereafter received my pilot license.

In June 1997, I completed a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly State University, with a thesis in flow patterns of F-15 engines and with 4.0 GPA and was awarded Graduation with Distinction.

In Fall 1997, I became one of the youngest instructors in the engineering department at Cal Poly State University, where I taught lectures in Statics, Dynamics, Engineering Systems, and labs in Fluid Mechanics, Vibrations, and Engineering Design.

Thinking I was going to teach university classes for the rest of my life, I needed to obtain a PhD. I began doctorate studies at Stanford University in the High Temperature Gas Dynamics Lab (Combustion) and spent my free time at the local children's museum in the San Francisco Bay Area.

After six months, I realized that studying in a dark corner about a subject no one really cared about for the next seven years was not the fastest track to making the biggest impact on young minds. I returned to the university and taught for several years as an instructor while creating my own unique set of physical science lessons. Then I had a radical idea: what if I packaged my university classes into something school kids could learn?

Teaching elementary schools about supersonic combustion did not seem like a good idea at first. But after awhile, I realized how much physical science was really needed in all levels of public schools, and was able to create an amazing program that inspired thousands of kids to experiment with science on their own.

I have now taken the opportunity to have a wider range of students as I dedicate my life to educating and inspiring kids and educators through my science experiment products.

Many parents and teachers have learned the teaching strategies needed for self-motivated learning through my intensive workshops and seminars. I share a unique perspective on overcoming the stressful and overwhelming tasks of teaching science in a meaningful and impactful way through my experiences as an instructor, speaker, and rocket scientist.