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.
Brett Skyllingstad
Prem Gangalakunta
Steven J. Foland PhD
Eyad Alrabbat
Kareena Chawla
Lauren Foland
Trevor Exley
Ranjan Misra
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Margo Feuer
Samuel Chang
Grace Zhang
Sandra Younis
Aakaash Duggal
Raul Maldonado
Saeed Saeed
Jiaojiao Wang
Aditya Ojha
Meha Magesh
Osvaldo Cardona
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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!”
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!”
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.”
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.”
Trevor Exley
Sandra Younis
Raul Maldonado
Nurudeen Agbonoga
Lan Bui
Aakaash Duggal
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.”
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.”
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!”
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.”
Pradeep Vundela
Kareena Chawla
Lauren Foland
Eyad Alrabbat
Chantz Anderson
Jason Lai
Priya Santhanam
Lan Bui
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Jason Lai
Aditya Ojha
Lauren Foland
Brett Skyllingstad
Lan Bui
Meha Magesh
Kareena Chawla
Saeed Saeed
Margo Feuer
Pradeep Vundela
Steven J. Foland PhD
Grace Zhang
Chantz Anderson
Trevor Exley
Ranjan Misra
Samuel Chang
Ananya Iyer
Jiaojiao Wang
Sandra Younis
Priya Santhanam
Osvaldo Cardona
Raul Maldonado
Eyad Alrabbat
Aakaash Duggal
Prem Gangalakunta
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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!”
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.”
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!”
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.”
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.”