ABOUT US
The Shoulders of Giants is a nonprofit organization ...
TSoG was founded in 2013 on a vision that world class science education should be available to all students of all ages. Since 2015, The Shoulders of Giants has offered an immersive, ongoing mentorship programs for dedicated students who would like the opportunity to study more closely under the guidance of Dr. Steven J. Foland.
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Mission: To share the thrill of scientific discovery.
Vision: To strengthen communities by providing future leaders with a firm foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering.
DR. STEVEN J. FOLAND
With thousands of hours or recorded teaching experience, Dr. Steven Foland's primary teaching philosophy is that one should never stop being of student and that learning opportunities become abundant only with the existence of hard work. He has made it his personal mission to demystify, destigmatize and democratize education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for K-12 students. Together with The Shoulders of Giants, he works to provide a place where passionate technical mentors can share their field of expertise in a meaningful way with the inquisitive minds of our future.
Meet Our Team
Lauren Foland
Raul Maldonado
Jiaojiao Wang
Lan Bui
Aakaash Duggal
Meha Magesh
Ananya Iyer
Margo Feuer
Gemela Lewis
Saeed Saeed
Prem Gangalakunta
Kareena Chawla
Samuel Chang
Chantz Anderson
Priya Santhanam
Sandra Younis
Brett Skyllingstad
Ranjan Misra
Nurudeen Agbonoga
Trevor Exley
Steven J. Foland PhD
Eyad Alrabbat
Sarina Ziv
Jason Lai
Grace Zhang
Osvaldo Cardona
Aditya Ojha
Pradeep Vundela
Lauren Foland
Personal Mission Statement: “TSoG is a place where cheerleaders are in abundance, and I believe in my heart that this kind of encouragement and empowerment will not just make the world a better place, but give any person within earshot a feeling that they can really do anything if they try.”
Raul Maldonado
Personal Mission Statement: I strive to better myself as an engineer not only for my own benefit, but so I can be a ladder for others to climb. This is because I believe we all benefit from learning about our world. TSoG has allowed me to accomplish this by helping inspire students and spur their excitement for learning. I look forward to many years working with them!”
Jiaojiao Wang
Personal Mission Statement: “When I see many of today’s youth need encouragement and guidance to get inspired and prepared for their career, yet lack such opportunities and personal connections, I can’t stop thinking about contributing. I want to do what I can to help them thrive and shine in their career path in the future!”
Lan Bui
Personal Mission Statement: “Not only do I want to help others live a healthier and enhanced life as a successful biomedical engineer, but I also want to help everyone reach their aspirations and be the best they can be as a mentor, friend, acquaintance, and friendly stranger.”
Aakaash Duggal
Personal Mission Statement: “During my time as a high school student, I always had the utmost enjoyment and passion in the field of science. However, I would have this passion without learning from my mentors from my school and TSoG. Along with pursuing a career in the field of medicine, I hope to encourage many other people to pursue a STEM field, whether in TSoG or throughout the world.”
Meha Magesh
Personal Mission Statement: “I’m hungry for knowledge. Whatever that’s there to learn, I want to learn. And I think the best way to learn new things is by teaching what you know and meeting new people. Every new person you get to know is a valuable learning experience.”
Margo Feuer
Personal Mission Statement: “Science is a powerful tool we can use to steward our environment and societies. Better yet, scientific progress is done best in groups of diverse thinking. I hope we further science to help people lead better lives: both in the result of the research and in the process of coming up with that result. I want to bring all kinds of thinkers into this process with me.”
Gemela Lewis
Personal Mission Statement: “The most important thing is to try and inspire those around you so that they can be great in whatever they do” Kobe Bryant. I want to continue to inspire youth in the wonders of STEM. It has unlimited possibilities, takes nothing short of imagination and hard work. Great things are on our horizon, and I want to serve as a bridge to success.”
Saeed Saeed
Personal Mission Statement: “Although it is important to learn science disciplines, it is just as important to connect and bring awareness to STEM fields to students. This may be difficult for many underprivileged or underrepresented students, making accessible education programs crucial. Providing future generations with the mindset that anything is possible, regardless of your background, is a goal worth striving for.”
Kareena Chawla
Personal Mission Statement: “Interdisciplinary innovation is the moment– it is now or never, and there is no organization that fosters the spirit of passion with practicality better than The Shoulders of Giants. I strive to kindle and nurture the same love for STEM education that this program has fueled me, with students all around me in an environment that transcends all barriers and views failures as a stepping stone to the next big success.”
Samuel Chang
Personal Mission Statement: “99% of people research the 1% of life’s mysteries. Why not be a part of that? Through TSoG, I strive to be a part of a movement that drives innovation, empowers students to reach their full potential, and molds students into socially aware thinkers.”
Sandra Younis
Personal Mission Statement: “In my endeavour to be a lifelong learner, I have always been in pursuit of the unfamiliar. In that pursuit, guidance and mentorship is what made the journey worthwhile. From my first day as an engineering student to my present day on the job, I have gained the most knowledge and the greatest experiences leaning on those around me instead of trying to master a subject.”
Brett Skyllingstad
Personal Mission Statement: “All that I have I owe to my parents, teachers, friends, and family members who always encouraged my pursuit of engineering. I wish only that TSoG be there for all those that don’t have anyone to encourage them to pursue a rewarding career in STEM fields. To be a constant ever-present border-less resource for all those searching and wondering what they should be when they grow up and Imparting those who engage with TSoG an endless desire to learn which will provide a steady stream of challenges that feeds you for a lifetime.”
Trevor Exley
Personal Mission Statement: “There are many boundaries in life that we need to break through to accomplish our goals. I see the affordability and accessibility of innovation as a test, that individuals in the community must come together to succeed for the benefit of people around the world.”
Eyad Alrabbat
Personal Mission Statement: “I’ve had the privilege to tutor many students over the years. Each time I sit with a student, I’m reminded of all the ones out there who wouldn’t be able to afford this session. There are students out there with a passion for learning and so much potential. However, their growth is limited by financial barriers. The Shoulders of Giants is working to bridge this gap and provide all students with a resource rich with STEM materials and mentors to guide them through it. The educational field is filled with price tags, from standardized test fees to tutoring to educational resources. It’s time for change, and we at TSoG are changemakers.”
Sarina Ziv
Personal Mission Statement: Having been fortunate to grow up with access to technology as well as the great outdoors, my ongoing goal is to disrupt education in such a way that it brings learning pedagogies into the 21st century, while still harnessing that which sets the human mind apart from the tools we use.
Jason Lai
Personal Mission Statement: “You never know what is going to happen until you try. Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to do in life, what I could accomplish or excel in. I was grateful to be given so many opportunities to learn and figure my passion. There are others out in the world who do not have the same opportunities that I did. TSoG provides that kind of experience for everyone and it is exciting to contribute to an organization that works hard to create many learning opportunities for the community.”
Grace Zhang
Personal Mission Statement: “STEM fields can be very scary to step into, especially as a student without any resources or support. As this same student, I was very lucky to discover TSoG and have the community support me through every step of my academic journey. Now, I want to be able to provide that same support to others who are interested in STEM, no matter their background.”
Aditya Ojha
Personal Mission Statement: “I believe any student can learn anything if they are given the right tools to do so. I want to get back to the TSoG community that has taught and mentored me in science and engineering by giving future students the tools to succeed.”
Pradeep Vundela
Personal Mission Statement: “Leave the world a little better than you found it” is the mantra I live by. In many ways that is exactly what TSoG has been doing. I wish there was TSoG while I was growing up to satisfy my scientific curiosity and since Time Machines are not a thing “yet”, helping such an organization gives me great satisfaction.”
Steven J. Foland PhD
Gemela Lewis
Brett Skyllingstad
Prem Gangalakunta
Ranjan Misra
Lauren Foland
Sarina Ziv
Eyad Alrabbat
Kareena Chawla
Gemela Lewis
Personal Mission Statement: “The most important thing is to try and inspire those around you so that they can be great in whatever they do” Kobe Bryant. I want to continue to inspire youth in the wonders of STEM. It has unlimited possibilities, takes nothing short of imagination and hard work. Great things are on our horizon, and I want to serve as a bridge to success.”
Brett Skyllingstad
Personal Mission Statement: “All that I have I owe to my parents, teachers, friends, and family members who always encouraged my pursuit of engineering. I wish only that TSoG be there for all those that don’t have anyone to encourage them to pursue a rewarding career in STEM fields. To be a constant ever-present border-less resource for all those searching and wondering what they should be when they grow up and Imparting those who engage with TSoG an endless desire to learn which will provide a steady stream of challenges that feeds you for a lifetime.”
Lauren Foland
Personal Mission Statement: “TSoG is a place where cheerleaders are in abundance, and I believe in my heart that this kind of encouragement and empowerment will not just make the world a better place, but give any person within earshot a feeling that they can really do anything if they try.”
Sarina Ziv
Personal Mission Statement: Having been fortunate to grow up with access to technology as well as the great outdoors, my ongoing goal is to disrupt education in such a way that it brings learning pedagogies into the 21st century, while still harnessing that which sets the human mind apart from the tools we use.
Eyad Alrabbat
Personal Mission Statement: “I’ve had the privilege to tutor many students over the years. Each time I sit with a student, I’m reminded of all the ones out there who wouldn’t be able to afford this session. There are students out there with a passion for learning and so much potential. However, their growth is limited by financial barriers. The Shoulders of Giants is working to bridge this gap and provide all students with a resource rich with STEM materials and mentors to guide them through it. The educational field is filled with price tags, from standardized test fees to tutoring to educational resources. It’s time for change, and we at TSoG are changemakers.”
Kareena Chawla
Personal Mission Statement: “Interdisciplinary innovation is the moment– it is now or never, and there is no organization that fosters the spirit of passion with practicality better than The Shoulders of Giants. I strive to kindle and nurture the same love for STEM education that this program has fueled me, with students all around me in an environment that transcends all barriers and views failures as a stepping stone to the next big success.”
Aditya Ojha
Saeed Saeed
Jiaojiao Wang
Grace Zhang
Osvaldo Cardona
Samuel Chang
Margo Feuer
Meha Magesh
Aditya Ojha
Personal Mission Statement: “I believe any student can learn anything if they are given the right tools to do so. I want to get back to the TSoG community that has taught and mentored me in science and engineering by giving future students the tools to succeed.”
Saeed Saeed
Personal Mission Statement: “Although it is important to learn science disciplines, it is just as important to connect and bring awareness to STEM fields to students. This may be difficult for many underprivileged or underrepresented students, making accessible education programs crucial. Providing future generations with the mindset that anything is possible, regardless of your background, is a goal worth striving for.”
Jiaojiao Wang
Personal Mission Statement: “When I see many of today’s youth need encouragement and guidance to get inspired and prepared for their career, yet lack such opportunities and personal connections, I can’t stop thinking about contributing. I want to do what I can to help them thrive and shine in their career path in the future!”
Grace Zhang
Personal Mission Statement: “STEM fields can be very scary to step into, especially as a student without any resources or support. As this same student, I was very lucky to discover TSoG and have the community support me through every step of my academic journey. Now, I want to be able to provide that same support to others who are interested in STEM, no matter their background.”
Samuel Chang
Personal Mission Statement: “99% of people research the 1% of life’s mysteries. Why not be a part of that? Through TSoG, I strive to be a part of a movement that drives innovation, empowers students to reach their full potential, and molds students into socially aware thinkers.”
Margo Feuer
Personal Mission Statement: “Science is a powerful tool we can use to steward our environment and societies. Better yet, scientific progress is done best in groups of diverse thinking. I hope we further science to help people lead better lives: both in the result of the research and in the process of coming up with that result. I want to bring all kinds of thinkers into this process with me.”
Meha Magesh
Personal Mission Statement: “I’m hungry for knowledge. Whatever that’s there to learn, I want to learn. And I think the best way to learn new things is by teaching what you know and meeting new people. Every new person you get to know is a valuable learning experience.”
Nurudeen Agbonoga
Aakaash Duggal
Lan Bui
Sandra Younis
Trevor Exley
Raul Maldonado
Aakaash Duggal
Personal Mission Statement: “During my time as a high school student, I always had the utmost enjoyment and passion in the field of science. However, I would have this passion without learning from my mentors from my school and TSoG. Along with pursuing a career in the field of medicine, I hope to encourage many other people to pursue a STEM field, whether in TSoG or throughout the world.”
Lan Bui
Personal Mission Statement: “Not only do I want to help others live a healthier and enhanced life as a successful biomedical engineer, but I also want to help everyone reach their aspirations and be the best they can be as a mentor, friend, acquaintance, and friendly stranger.”
Sandra Younis
Personal Mission Statement: “In my endeavour to be a lifelong learner, I have always been in pursuit of the unfamiliar. In that pursuit, guidance and mentorship is what made the journey worthwhile. From my first day as an engineering student to my present day on the job, I have gained the most knowledge and the greatest experiences leaning on those around me instead of trying to master a subject.”
Trevor Exley
Personal Mission Statement: “There are many boundaries in life that we need to break through to accomplish our goals. I see the affordability and accessibility of innovation as a test, that individuals in the community must come together to succeed for the benefit of people around the world.”
Raul Maldonado
Personal Mission Statement: I strive to better myself as an engineer not only for my own benefit, but so I can be a ladder for others to climb. This is because I believe we all benefit from learning about our world. TSoG has allowed me to accomplish this by helping inspire students and spur their excitement for learning. I look forward to many years working with them!”
Priya Santhanam
Chantz Anderson
Lauren Foland
Jason Lai
Pradeep Vundela
Eyad Alrabbat
Kareena Chawla
Lauren Foland
Personal Mission Statement: “TSoG is a place where cheerleaders are in abundance, and I believe in my heart that this kind of encouragement and empowerment will not just make the world a better place, but give any person within earshot a feeling that they can really do anything if they try.”
Jason Lai
Personal Mission Statement: “You never know what is going to happen until you try. Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to do in life, what I could accomplish or excel in. I was grateful to be given so many opportunities to learn and figure my passion. There are others out in the world who do not have the same opportunities that I did. TSoG provides that kind of experience for everyone and it is exciting to contribute to an organization that works hard to create many learning opportunities for the community.”
Pradeep Vundela
Personal Mission Statement: “Leave the world a little better than you found it” is the mantra I live by. In many ways that is exactly what TSoG has been doing. I wish there was TSoG while I was growing up to satisfy my scientific curiosity and since Time Machines are not a thing “yet”, helping such an organization gives me great satisfaction.”
Eyad Alrabbat
Personal Mission Statement: “I’ve had the privilege to tutor many students over the years. Each time I sit with a student, I’m reminded of all the ones out there who wouldn’t be able to afford this session. There are students out there with a passion for learning and so much potential. However, their growth is limited by financial barriers. The Shoulders of Giants is working to bridge this gap and provide all students with a resource rich with STEM materials and mentors to guide them through it. The educational field is filled with price tags, from standardized test fees to tutoring to educational resources. It’s time for change, and we at TSoG are changemakers.”
Kareena Chawla
Personal Mission Statement: “Interdisciplinary innovation is the moment– it is now or never, and there is no organization that fosters the spirit of passion with practicality better than The Shoulders of Giants. I strive to kindle and nurture the same love for STEM education that this program has fueled me, with students all around me in an environment that transcends all barriers and views failures as a stepping stone to the next big success.”
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Let's Work Together
We’re passionate about bringing together teams of dedicated volunteers to deliver a superb student mentorship experience. Have an interest in joining us? Inquire at info@tsogiants.org for more information on volunteerism.