Omar Vera

Jan 16, 2025 | simonsfoundation.org | Thomas Sumner |Omar Vera

On a chilly, crystal-clear autumn night, you can see the farthest object visible in the universe without the aid of a telescope or binoculars. Just to the northeast of the Great Square of Pegasus, it appears as a spindle-shaped patch of haze with a bright center. It is the nearest galaxy to our Milky Way, the magnificent Andromeda galaxy. The faint light you are seeing left the spiral galaxy 2.5 million years ago to cross the immense gulf in intergalactic space toward Earth.

Dec 2, 2024 | simonsfoundation.org | Omar Vera

Jayden Reynoso understands that our environment shapes us “like the way a tree grows toward the light.” Growing up in Washington Heights, one of the busiest and most traffic-congested areas of New York City, Reynoso grew alarmed about the pollution near his home. Then he learned about Futures Ignite, an organization based in Washington Heights working to analyze the community’s environment and empower students to take steps to improve things. Reynoso knew he had to get involved.

Feb 14, 2024 | simonsfoundation.org | Omar Vera

For many, math is a distant memory — one of classrooms and tricky equations. But math is also a gateway to many things, including careers in STEM, and many young people often don’t have access to the schooling or enrichment programs necessary to excel in the subject. This is where organizations like Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) prove invaluable. BEAM connects students to advanced mathematical studies and builds community, resilience and joy in learning.

Oct 31, 2023 | simonsfoundation.org | Omar Vera

Embedded in the programing of an inclusive theatrical organization called Chickenshed is something many wouldn’t expect: STEAM concepts that inspire performances. Emboldened by visits from STEAM professionals like marine biologists and food waste experts, young people like Chickenshed youth intern Caroline Fish are using science and performance to express themselves and communicate the change they hope to see in the world.

Sep 7, 2023 | simonsfoundation.org | Omar Vera |Mara Johnson-Groh

By Omar Vera September 7, 2023 How can math help us understand the world we live in? How do we get more people to relate to it? These are just some of the questions that Tracy Drinkwater, president and founder of the Seattle Universal Math Museum (SUMM), has been grappling with for years. To help answer them, and to share the beauty and real-life applications of math in our world, Drinkwater founded SUMM.