Explore. Educate. Engage.

Two young women working together on electronics repair tools on a cluttered brown work table.
A young man interacts with a large interactive map display at an educational exhibit about project operations, with a group of people in the background observing a presentation.

Our Mission

BEAM is a nonprofit organization committed to educating students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields by encouraging, supporting, and preparing students in the Buffalo area to pursue a career in a STEM or technical related field.

BEAM was founded in 1982 by a consortium of the UB School of Engineering, Linde-Union Carbide, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Buffalo Public Schools.

BEAM provides hands-on math, science, engineering, and technical experiences through Saturday Academies, Summer Programs, and other related activities for students in K-12th grade.

BEAM is dedicated to increasing the number of bright young minds entering engineering and technical careers and the importance in helping to provide highly skilled technical workers to these fields has never been greater.

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A young boy is assembling a LEGO mechanical structure at a table in a workshop or classroom, with various LEGO pieces and tools spread out on the table. In the background, two other kids are standing and working, surrounded by shelves with boxes and supplies.

Our Students

Our K-12 programs and events are specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders. We recognize that the unique perspectives and developing skills of these students are critically valuable to the future of innovation. Our central objective is to enable their educational and career aspirations by translating their dreams into tangible realities. Our students are characterized by their intelligence, drive, and commitment, sharing a profound enthusiasm for exploring the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. By significantly increasing student participation in STEM, we are directly investing in their long-term success and strengthening the future competitiveness of our nation.

A group of young people gathered outdoors around a man using a theodolite or surveyor instrument on a tripod, with some holding notebooks and papers. Trees and a large building with banners are in the background.
A classroom with children and an adult working on a hands-on project. The blackboard in the background has words and diagrams related to strength measurement and height. Students are engaged with materials on desks.

BEAM Leadership

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Kathy Heinle

Executive Director

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Robert Harris

President

Jessica Begiers

Vice President

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Matt Ziemba

Social Media Coordinator

Erin Selig

BEAM Consultant

Becca McGowan, P.E.

Secretary

Ellen Moffat

Treasurer

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Bailey Nardone

Robotics Coordinator

Kristen Stoczynski

Program Coordinator

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BEAM Board Members

Peggy Gust-Anger

Azar Design Co.

Julie Stearns

DiDonato Associates

Jill Sawyer

LaBella

Stephanie Altherr

GHD

Tim Hughes, P.E.

C&S Engineering

Abel Plazola, P.E.

P.Max Engineering

Judith Beckwith

Lu Engineers

Deborah Izatt

GPI

Joseph Daham

Buffalo Engineering

Becca McGowan, P.E.

Cannon Design

Jessica Henschel

Watts Architecture and Engineering

Jared Threat

Moog, Inc.

Jessica Begiers

JMDavidson Engineering

Jennifer Witnauer

Nussbaumer & Clarke

Beverly Sekera

M/E Engineering

Sheila Ransbottom, P.E.

Wendel Companies

Robert P. Stelianou, P.E.

Trautman Associates

Mary Uselman

Linde P.L.C.

Alex Collichio, ESQ. SPHR

Allied Motion

Erich Ely

Olin Chlor Alkali Products

Cherelle Syph

Turner Construction

Kevin Opp

Encorus Group

Katie Lopez

EATON

Jeff Tudini

AECOM

Jason Messenger

ABCD, WNY

Gerald May

ASPE - Buffalo Niagara Chapter