THE ROAD
FULL STE ( A ) M
AHEAD
Innovative education on wheels .
BY RACHEL MCNELLIS ’ 18
ANY GIVEN DAY on the streets of Atlanta , a fleet of bright green trucks and trailers pull into public school parking lots , ready for another day of class . These mobile makerspaces bring scientists and scroll saws , artists and equipment , ideas , purpose , and the utmost possibility . The convoy is known as STE ( A ) M Truck , a nonprofit organization that proves you can put anything on a truck , even a classroom . And behind the wheel you ’ ll often find Melanie Tumlin , MS ’ 09 , bringing imaginative projects and a Triton spirit to students all across the city .
Originally from Atlanta herself , Tumlin came to UC San Diego in 2007 because of its renowned cognitive science program . “ UCSD is really the premier program for cognitive science ,” she says . “ I was completely enchanted and knew that was where I needed to go .” With plans to become an educator , Tumlin first prepared by working as a teacher ’ s assistant , conducting research on language and cognitive development with professors Marta Kutas and Sarah Creel .
No stranger to nomadism , Tumlin took on all kinds of roles after graduating . “ It was definitely a meandering path for me ,” she says , recounting adventures that varied from market research and data analysis to a transformative position building tiny houses . “ It absolutely inspired my passion for working with my hands , and teaching others to do the same ,” she says .
These varied interests and experiences would eventually coalesce with STE ( A ) M Truck . Founded in 2014 by former kindergarten teacher Jason Martin , the nascent organization was an uncanny fit for Tumlin . Her role would entail data analysis and research , designing a curriculum of hands-on projects , educating students ,
38 TRITON | FALL 2018