Our latest STEAM Connect Pop Up took a group of Next-Gen Pros behind the scenes of Portland’s iconic Lan Su Chinese Garden on May 13, 2026. Led by Haley, Volunteer Coordinator, and Patrick, the Head Gardener/Horticulturist, our students/guests spent 90 minutes exploring how 16th-century Ming Dynasty artistry intersects with modern science and engineering.

The Science of the Scenery

The tour revealed that maintaining a “living museum” requires constant scientific monitoring and unique structural solutions:

• Ancient Structural Engineering: Patrick pointed out that the garden’s buildings contain no metal fasteners. Following traditional Chinese techniques, each structure is held together by precision wood joinery and pegs, allowing the buildings to remain flexible.
• The Art of Rain: Haley drew attention to the intentional design of the roof tiles. The convex shape and the specialized “drip tiles” feature small nubs at the edge. These are designed to disperse water constantly, creating a fantastic visual effect where rain streams down in decorative, curved patterns rather than a flat sheet.

• Urban Nature: Nestled in the core of Portland’s urban Chinatown district, we discussed the ecosystem’s frequent other visitors, from the hummingbirds in the blossoms, the duck family from the waterfall story Patrick shared, to the herons that occasionally visit the pond (and sometimes even eat the koi!).
• Balancing the Ecosystem: Patrick shared some of the other very real scientific challenges: testing the pond water and managing pH levels, challenges of maintaining a water level and in doing so, the impact of adding chlorinated city water, which damages the important biology of the pond. Koi fish have to be constantly monitored (monthly testing) for parasitic infection and treatment, including a quarantine tank he showed us in one the non-public areas. Planting locations also matter, for example, rhododendrons and azaleas are highly toxic to fish, so they cannot be placed near the water’s edge.

• The “Foot Massage” Pathways: Students were fascinated by the beautiful stone pathways. The varied textures and specific placement of the stones were traditionally designed to provide a therapeutic “foot massage” to those walking through the garden.

Career Pathways: Non-Linear Journeys

A core part of the STEAM Connect mission is showing students that there is no single way to enter a STEAM field. Our hosts each shared their own inspiring, non-linear career stories, rooted in family, curiosity, and community:

• Patrick’s Path: Patrick grew up with a mother involved in geology, volcanoes, and construction. However, he originally taught English in Turkey, New York, and London. He eventually followed his passion for plants, transitioning into horticulture through self learning and building deep community relationships.
• Haley’s Path: Originally from Indiana, Haley’s background was in public art exhibits and volunteer coordination. After navigating pandemic-era challenges, she moved to Portland and utilized her skills in community organizing and now leads volunteer efforts at Lan Su, and has expanded her role to include serving as a regular guide.

The Business and Operations of STEAM

The event concluded with a lovely tea service, where we discussed the professional operations of the site:

• Organizational Scale: Many were surprised to learn that Lan Su employs 40 people. Beyond the gardening and hospitality staff, there is a dedicated team nearby managing finance and marketing. Lan Su depends on an important volunteer network to help guide the garden’s regular visitors and facilitate the numerous events that happen throughout the year (Note: volunteering provides excellent opportunities to make new contacts for networking and career exploration! Check it out here)
• Future Growth: The garden is looking toward the future with long term plans to expand into the block currently used for parking and a greenhouse, creating new opportunities for future professionals.

By connecting with professionals like Patrick and Haley, our Next Gen Pros saw firsthand that STEAM careers are built on human connections and curious explorations around personal passions. A huge thank you to the Lan Su team for hosting our STEAM Pathways Coalition and community members!

Date: April 22, 2026

Our latest STEAM Connect Pop-Up was a journey through time! We went behind the scenes at the historic Oaks Park, and our “Next Gen Pros” discovered that an amusement park is actually a giant, living laboratory.

📜 The “Trolley Park” Legacy Joshua kicked off our tour in the Dance Pavilion with a fascinating history lesson. Did you know Oaks Park is a “Trolley Park”? Back when trolleys ruled the city, they sat empty on weekends. To boost ridership, companies built amusement parks at the end of the lines. Oaks Park, opened in 1905, just two days before the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, is one of the few remaining examples of this urban engineering in the country! In 1985, the Bollinger family ensured the park’s future by donating the entire 44-acre site to a local non-profit foundation, preserving this historic ‘Trolley Park’ for future generations instead of allowing it to be lost to redevelopment.
Joshua also shared that Oaks Park has frequently experienced floods, and the beautiful floor of the Dance Pavilion was salvaged from the roller skate rink’s floor, damaged in a prior flood. 

🌳 Engineering the Future The park isn’t just staying in the past. Joshua shared their plan to shift several rides into the beautiful forested portion of the park under the tree canopy. Even more exciting? They are preparing for a brand new “Drop” style ride later this year! (Mike later invited us back for a 2027 STEAM Pop-UP to tour that ride!)

Our “Next Gen Pros” got an exclusive look at the “hidden” side of the park. Here is the breakdown of what we discovered:

📐 The Physics of the “Rush”

Tom took us behind-the-scenes of the Adrenaline Peak ride (UNDER the ride), where we got to see the computer systems and sensors logic (including “PLCs” – Programmable Logic Controller) that run the Adrenaline Peak coaster.

Back outside around the track and under the cars, Tom explained:

• The Drop: A 97^o vertical drop (it actually slopes backward slightly!).

• The Loop: It uses a Clothoid (teardrop) shape to keep the G-forces comfortable for the human body.

• Safety First: The cars have a three-wheel system (runners, guides, and upstops) and are completely disassembled and rebuilt every single year for safety! During operation, the coaster is also inspected 3 times per day.

🎠 100 Years of History

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Carousel (technically a Menagerie, since it contains not only animals), built in 1912 by Herschell-Spillman Company, and arriving at the park in 1926!

• We saw the Sea Dragon, one of only three in the world.

• We learned that carousels actually started as training tools for medieval knights to practice jousting!

• The Oaks Park Menagerie is listed in the National Historic Register.

While walking to the skating rink we took a stop at the Scooters (aka bumper cars) and learned about how the electric current flows from ceiling to the floor via the metal collector touching the ceiling, through the tube in the car, and then through one metal wheel on each car, and the motor driven by that current driving 2 rubber wheels.

It was pointed out that the kiddie coaster was made by Miler, a company based in Portland!

🎹 The 100 Decibel Heartbeat

Inside the skating rink, Keith showed us the 1926 Wurlitzer Organ.

• It is an 18-rank pneumatic marvel (1200+ pipes!) that uses specialized sheep leather to control air flow to the pipes. A Rank is a “row” of pipes, each rank is designed to have a unique sound (i.e. classic “church organ, flute, trumpet, string)

• The Floating Floor: The entire rink floor is engineered to float up to 6 feet high to survive Willamette River floods without damage!

💼 The “Non-Linear” Career Path

The best part? Hearing how the team got there. It’s not always a straight line!

• Tom (Maintenance): Went from fixing motorcycles and jet skis to managing park engineering. He shared that he had to fix a toilet even during our tour.

• Joshua (Development Director): Has worked to support fundraising at several other non-profits, schools and healthcare foundations before coming to Oaks Park.
  

• Celeste (Rides Manager): Was studying to be a nurse when a side job as an operator turned into a career managing 100 employees’ schedules.

• Keith (Organist): Combined a background in electrical/mechanical working on digital copiers with a lifelong love of skating. He now maintains the organ and plays it 2 days a week (Th, Sun).

• Sarah (Food/Bev Manager): Also started as a ride operator at age 16, she now oversees all food, catering, and beverage operations at Oaks Park.

A huge thank you to the Oaks Park team for showing us that STEAM careers are everywhere.

Want to join our next adventure?
Sign up here: 👉 https://steampathways.org/steam-connect/

(full photo album from this event)

What happens when you combine a broken-down Fiat, a trip through Europe, and a passion for engineering? You get the world-famous Leatherman multi-tool.

This week, our STEAM Connect “Next Gen Pros” went behind the scenes at Leatherman’s Portland headquarters to see exactly how these iconic tools are born—from raw metal sheets to the finished products in our pockets.

From a “Fiat Fail” to Global Innovation

We kicked off our tour in the hallway of history. We heard the story of Tim Leatherman, who was inspired to create his tool while traveling Europe in a cranky Fiat. He needed something more than a scout knife; he needed pliers and a toolkit that fit in his pocket. It was the perfect lesson for our students: STEAM starts with solving a problem.

The Magic of the Manufacturing Floor

Stepping onto the manufacturing floor, the first thing we noticed was how incredibly clean and organized the facility is! We watched in awe as:

The Lab: Where We Try to Break Things

A highlight for many was the testing lab. We saw machines designed to whack, bend, and stress-test tools 10,000+ times to ensure they exceed their specifications. We also visited the Design Hub, where 3D printers allow engineers to hold a “prototype” of a new knife or tool within hours to test how it feels in the hand.

Career Pathways: No Two Journeys are the Same

We wrapped up in the conference room for a Q&A that proved there is no “one way” into a STEAM career:

• Charlie (Mechanical Engineer): Shared his journey from designing rocket parts and for Whirlpool appliances, and to becoming a Technical Project Manager, before landing as Senior Design Engineer at Leatherman.
• Jillian (Product Business Management): Proved that you can pivot! She started as a Rockette dancer before going to engineering school, working in Engineering, and eventually transitioning into Product Management.
• Kimi (Industrial Design): Shared how she blended her love for fine arts and graphic design with 3D product design to bring products to life. She’s now a Senior Industrial Designer.

The common thread? They all spoke of Leatherman as a “family” and a place where creativity is valued just as much as technical skill.

A Huge Thank You

Every student walked away inspired (and with a lovely small multi-tool of their own!). A massive thank you to Kimi, Jillian, and Charlie for being such incredible guides and mentors for the afternoon. Thank you also to Leatherman, and especially all of the amazing hard-working associates in the factory, who went out of their way to keep us safe, but also show us the Leatherman way! So thankful!

The Heart of the Hangar: Maintenance & Math

Led by Maintenance Director Nate VanDeMark, our tour started in the shop. We dove deep into the AMP (Aviation Maintenance Professional) pathway.

Key Highlights:

• Hands-on Sleuthing: Students used technical documentation to troubleshoot spark plug issues.
• The Magneto Challenge: We learned about the importance of a teardown, part replacement, and how the rigorous timing test of a plane’s 2 Magnetos are performed. The testing framework vividly demonstrated how a plane generates its sparks for firing the engines.
• Math in Action: When asked about school subjects important for his career, Nate smirked and responded, “I still use SOH CAH TOA“, explaining how trigonometry is sometimes essential for precision sheet metal cutting during airframe repairs. (Cue the student head-slaps!)
• The Future of Flight: Nate discussed the shift toward electric planes, including the eBeaver retrofit, but also shared the engineering challenge of battery weight versus fuel efficiency from traditional piston-based aircraft.

From Dispatch to the Flight Deck

After the hangar, our Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) took us through the operational nerve center of HAA:

• Dispatch: Where pilots are assigned planes and analyze weather patterns.
• The Debrief: We saw where students learn from their CFIs, reviewing their flight actions and communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
• The Simulators: We toured FAA-certified simulators where trainees are instructed and practice emergency procedures before doing them in the air. HAA also had set up four Microsoft Flight Simulator stations where our students got to test their wings—resulting in some successful landings and a few “spectacular” crashes!

Around the classrooms, we learned that flight training revolves around building knowledge about: Airframe, Powerplant, and General. General covers a very broad set of topics, including safety, laws and ground operations, weight and balance, and so much more. It seems that most time will be studying in this area.

Up Close with the Cessna 172

Outside, Maddie demonstrated a walk-around inspection of a Cessna 172, inspecting fully the airframe, including moving and non-moving airframe components/systems and sensors. It was eye-opening to see how the flaps are controlled entirely by physical wires and pullies rather than hydraulics or motors. We were also encouraged to stick our head inside the cockpit to view the controls.

Pathways to the Skies: From Zero to Professional

Back in the classroom, Keren Williams shared that you can start your journey at HAA with zero experience. Whether you want to turn wrenches or take the controls, there is a clear path forward.

Aviation Maintenance (AMT)

Aviation Maintenance students at HAA focus on a 12-month program leading to the essential FAA “A&P” certification.

Flight Training

The academy curriculum guides students through the following progression:

• Private Pilot (PPL): Your foundation in flight.
• Instrument Rating (IR): Mastery of all-weather flying.
• Commercial Certificate: Single and Multi-engine qualifications.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): The key to your first professional job.

Choose Your Pace: Choose an accelerated 14-month program for a fast track to the cockpit, or the standard 18-month program for a more traditional pace.

The Goal: As a CFI, you’ll gain the professional experience and flight hours needed to reach the 1,500-hour requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

Industry Partnerships that Pay Off

A major highlight was learning about HAA’s partnership with Alaska and Horizon Airlines. For qualified students, these airlines may pay for a significant portion of training costs, creating a direct and affordable pipeline into a career with a major carrier and the ATP certification.

🔄 The “Non-Linear” Career Journey

Perhaps the most impactful moment was hearing from our guides—Nate, Katie, and Maddi. Not one of them started out with aviation as their first goal! Their paths to the hangar and the cockpit took them through:

• Bio-engineering
• Pre-med/Neurosurgery
• Real Estate
• Pharmacy
• Teaching

Their stories showed our nextGen STEAM pros that it’s never too late to pivot into STEAM. Our guides showed how aviation careers are achievable by all and can be very rewardarding.

A Massive Thank You

A huge thanks to the four HAA staff members who spent over 90 minutes inspiring our group. You didn’t just show us planes; you showed us a future.

Thank you Hillsboro Aero Academy!

Where It All Started: The VintageTEK Museum

Our journey began in the amazing VintageTEK museum, a fundamental resource that truly brings the history of the “Silicon Forest” to life. The museum, led by the exceptional Dave Brown, showcased why Tektronix is a foundational pillar of the high-tech industry, having literally given birth to many of the tech companies that now thrive in our region.

Dave shared some fascinating moments:

• Pop Culture Connection: We learned about Tektronix equipment’s surprising appearances in iconic films like Hidden Figures and Star Wars. We even got to hold the Grammy Award Tektronix earned for its role in audio technology!

• Visualizing Sound: Dave helped us understand the science of sound, explaining how audio is a wave that can be heard at different frequencies, and how that wave can be perfectly visualized on Tektronix equipment.

🌟 Plan your visit! The VintageTEK museum is a must-see for anyone interested in tech history. It is open every Saturday 10am-4pm and admission is free. It’s an amazing place to stop, explore, and learn.

The Ultimate Test: Behind the Scenes in the Reliability Lab

The adventure continued in the Tektronix Reliability Lab, where Christian showed us the intense testing required to ensure quality and durability. This is where products face brutal conditions before they ever reach a customer:

• Extreme Environments: We saw equipment tested under extreme heat and cold, humidity, and pressure chambers. Also we got to see the “Shaker Tables” that expose Tek equipment to 6-10G’s of vibration force!
• Durability and Shipping: We witnessed drop tests designed to simulate the bumps and stresses of the shipping process, and expose the probes and cords to extreme and repetative movements.
• Robot Testing: We ‘met’ the robots custom-built to automatically touch screens thousands of times, rigorously testing functionality and durability over time.

The Power of the Non-Linear Career Path

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway was the personal stories shared by the Tektronix employees and VintageTEK volunteers. Each person elaborated on a powerful truth: very few people experience a straight-line career pathway. We often take detours, right or left turns, and even U-turns to find our true calling. These real-life stories are the heart of the STEAM Connect mission—showing our “Next Gen Pros” that every journey is valid and unique.

How You Can Get Connected

Thank you again to the VintageTEK and Tektronix teams! If you missed this event, don’t worry: go visit the VintageTEK museum and join us for our next Pop-ups!

• Stay Tuned: Visit SteamPathways.org/steam-connect/ to Register for our upcoming destinations.
• Help Us Spread the Word: Know a student, family, or professional who would benefit from these experiences? Direct them to our website and share this post!

Erik Mace, an Electrical Engineering pro from Intel, kicked off our two-part series by introducing the history and vast opportunity of High Tech in the Silicon Forest.

In Part 1, we journeyed through the origins of Tektronix and the numerous spinoffs it produced. We explored how they helped seed and continue to grow the thriving semiconductor industry in the Portland Metro area, including giants like Intel, HP, Lam, and Mentor Graphics.

We got down to the “nuts and bolts”—learning about digital products (logic gates) and the complex process of making semiconductors. We covered the challenges of improving performance, the infrastructure demands of manufacturing and use (power and water), and how constant consumer demand for smaller, faster devices (from PCs to phones) and the rise of video, AI, and business automation have fueled the rapid growth of data centers. The Silicon Forest is deeply rooted in the businesses and people driving this demand.

(Full presentation for Part 1 here)

Join us next month on November 19th, when we return to the “tap-root” of the Silicon Forest—Tektronix—for our Part 2 Pop-up to learn about Test & Measurement.

Find about any of our other STEAM Connect Popups here.

We learned a lot about the industry, people’s paths to their STEAM careers, and we got to see and explore some awesome construction equipment!
Thank you Fulcrum team!

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