About Us
We love to inspire and guide you through any subject, develop new skills or upgrade your educational background.
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.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Steven Foland
President – drfoland@tsogiants.org
Technical Mentor
Samuel Chang
Technical Mentor – schang@tsogiants.org
Operations
Katie Olivier
Director
Katie Olivier
As a leader and advisor, I want to encourage others to think differently and see the opportunities in STEM, which has the ability to solve some of our greatest challenges in today's world. This is why I believe it?s vital that children, young adults, and university students are encouraged to pursue STEM-related degrees and careers.
LinkedIn
Pradeep Vundela
Web Developer – pvundela@tsogiants.org
Dr. Steven Foland
President
Dr. Steven Foland
My go-to icebreaker question when I meet other scientists or engineers is simple: ‘What inspired you to pursue your field?’ Their answers, nearly invariably, have one element in common: a parent, grandparent, or someone else close to them worked in a related field. It’s no wonder – the people close to us inspire us, support us, and provide us with access to resources that will help us in our pursuits. But what is supposed to happen to all those bright students out there who lack that personal connection? It is my mission to do whatever I can to provide that same kind of inspiration, support, and access for any student who wishes to seek it out.
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Ranjan Misra
Director
Ranjan Misra
Measure success by the impact made on the lives of others. Make a difference in this world.' This is the Misra family mantra by which we live. Combined with TSoG sharing the thrill of scientific discovery and strengthening communities by enhancing learning, and you have perfect alignment. Reaching large audiences of all ages, crossing geographic & demographic boundaries, and the global impact is huge by reaching anyone, anywhere, anytime, and with a common purpose. I want to help TSoG provide this STEM knowledge and experience, especially to those that cannot receive this readily or affordably.
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Eyad Alrabbat
Director
Eyad Alrabbat
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.
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Lauren Foland
Director
Lauren Foland
In my early experiences, there were few but precious moments where I had a sudden realization that I really could do something amazing. It always started with someone saying 'you've got this' or 'give it a shot.' From becoming a crane operator in the Navy to that moment in college where I mistakenly signed up for the more advanced Calculus class (for engineers), there happened to be a friend close by who listened to my moans of frustration and had the courage to say 'Lauren, you’ve got this.' TSoG is a place where these kind of 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.
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Brett Skyllingstad
Director
Brett Skyllingstad
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.
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Hauke Schupp
Vice President
Hauke Schupp
I believe in the power of 'Why?'! Asking this simple question drives us to understand the reasons behind any outcome. It teaches us how to solve problems and improve outcomes. STEM knowledge has improved my curiosity and problem solving skills to understand the 'Why' behind any problem I have encountered in life and business. I believe that my passion for understanding 'Why' and TSoG's mission and vision align very well. I am excited to be a part of the TSoG Board of Directors and look forward to grow TSoG's ability to share the thrill of scientific discovery with a global audience and to develop a firm foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering in future leaders.
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Ian Reynolds
Talent Management Professional
Ian Reynolds
It's exciting to contribute to an organization that is creating avenues to learning opportunities for the community. A continued appreciation and promotion of math and the sciences will be a catalyst in strengthening and sustaining a healthy, productive workforce that will in turn enhance our economy and its constituents. I support TSoG and its innovative approaches to offering 'hands on' learning experiences for all generations and demographics.
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Gemela Lewis
Director
Gemela Lewis
"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.
LinkedIn
Sarina Ziv
Director
Sarina Ziv
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.
LinkedIn
Prem Gangalakunta
Director
Prem Gangalakunta
TSoG is a unique non-profit organization with a mission to democratize quality science and engineering educational content. The shortage of STEM skilled resources in today's workforce is a significant problem which needs to be addressed by making radical changes in our educational methods. I believe it is very important to get kids exposed to science and engineering education early on and make them aware of the tremendous impact they can have by choosing it as a career. I am confident that TSoG enables and equips students to achieve great things that make the world a better place.
LinkedIn
Dimitri Antoniou
Director
Dimitri Antoniou
I am passionate about scalable models of education that can increase economic access and opportunity. Today's changing degree requirements and demand for STEM skillsets have lowered barriers to entry into impactful and fulfilling careers. By cultivating a diverse generation of problem-solvers today, TSoG can empower individuals to become the lever that moves the world tomorrow.
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Sachindra Kumar
Director
Sachindra Kumar
Growing up, I was always told by my parents that effective education is the way to succeed in life, and success was measured in terms of how much we give back to the community. I was lucky enough to pursue my dreams and formal, STEM education played a big role in it, I intend to provide opportunities to kids who with a little help and guidance can pursue their dreams and succeed.
LinkedIn
Rachel Marsh
Ambassador
Rachel Marsh
My general driving goal in life is for this world to be better for my presence and my actions. If I can look back on my life at eighty years old and know I've done good, then I'm happy. I see this program and this organization as a way to go back and help the world. I see it as a way to help others and to make this a better world. We all need to do our part. Others have helped me. This is my turn.
LinkedIn
Lan Bui
Ambassador
Lan Bui
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.
LinkedIn
Idil Soyarslan Toros
Graphic Designer
Idil Soyarslan Toros
I believe that I came to this life in the team "good people" and I am trying to be a valuable member of that team. The million-dollar question of my life is "Is this place different than the time I was not here and will it be different after I am gone?". I keep on asking and answering this question every day.
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Jason Lai
Web Developer / Database Programmer
Jason Lai
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.
LinkedIn
Chantz Anderson
SEO / Marketing Advisor
Robert Dooley
Ambassador
Robert Dooley
My goal in life is to create prosthetic body parts that greatly enhance the life and functionality of the user, and to have these prosthesis available to all.
Aakaash Duggal
Ambassador
Aakaash Duggal
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.
LinkedIn
Rudra Aiyar
Video Editor / Media Coordinator
Rudra Aiyar
As a lifelong learner, I hope to continue to expand my understanding of the world we live in. It's interesting to think that what you've learned minutes ago can be shared and passed on to many more people and potentially spark the next big thing. At TSoG, I aim to learn more about the video editing process while making educational content that expands the viewer's knowledge of the world.
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Jasmine De La Cruz
Video Editor / Media Coordinator
Jasmine De La Cruz
My work consists of bringing people’s vision to life through art. Whether it involves illustrations, writings, or videos I’m able to gather the pieces of their imagination and make it a clearer picture for them. TSoG provides mentorships for students by giving them the scientific pieces needed to go forth and bring their own visions to life with science. It’s something I’m excited to be a part of.
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Samuel Chang
Technical Mentor
Samuel Chang
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.
LinkedIn
Margo Feuer
Technical Mentor
Margo Feuer
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.
LinkedIn
Raul Maldonado
Technical Mentor
Raul Maldonado
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 together!
LinkedIn
Meha Magesh
Technical Mentor
Meha Magesh
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.
LinkedIn
Grace Zhang
Technical Mentor
Grace Zhang
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.
LinkedIn
Trevor Exley
Technical Mentor
Trevor Exley
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.
LinkedIn
Aditya Ojha
Technical Mentor
Aditya Ojha
I believe any student can learn anything if their 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.
LinkedIn
Nurudeen Agbonoga
Technical Mentor
Vineet Aziz
Technical Mentor
Vivian Nguyen
Technical Mentor
Vivian Nguyen
STEM has always and will always be crucial for our society to function. Because of this, we must tear down the barriers that prevent people from wanting to pursue careers in the STEM. TSoG is here to break down these barriers by allowing open-access resources and mentorship to curious students across the world. As a future microbiologist and infectious disease physician, I hope to educate students about STEM careers and teach people about microbiology in relation to other STEM-related topics.
LinkedIn
Jiaojiao Wang
Technical Mentor
Jiaojiao Wang
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!
LinkedIn
Saeed Saeed
Technical Mentor
Saeed Saeed
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.
What we Do
OUR FEATURED WORK
CONTACT US
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.
