Ask Me Anything: STEM Insights & Opportunities

Upcoming opportunities for the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologist to problem solve.

The goal of the AFRL STEM Outreach Program is to foster a new generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technologists who will one day discover, and problem solve in the nation’s defense laboratories and other supporting U.S. companies. In order to achieve this goal, there must be a concerted effort to connect business, government foundations, institutions of higher education, professional organizations, schools, teachers and students.

Jeffrey DeMatteis is the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate Test Lead and will be leading us on the opportunities offered in the past and where they lay for our community in the future. Throughout his entire time at the Information Directorate in Rome, New York, Mr. DeMatteis has served as the STEM Outreach Program Manager. He was responsible for the creation of the Information Directorate STEM Outreach Program in 2008. In six years it went from start-up to nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer selected the Information Directorate as the sole recipient of its 2014 STEM Award out of 300 entries.

Jeff acts as the technology directorate’s focal point for all test processes and procedures, and provides expert technical and programmatic leadership, consultation, management of the Information Directorate test program. He manages the technology directorate’s independent technical review process and performs independent technical reviews of test plans. In addition, he monitors tests to ensure satisfactory progress in accordance with capability metrics and goals of the test. He has overseen 30 flight and ground tests since 2019. He helped establish a Memorandum of Agreement with Oneida County to allow Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate researchers to utilize the NY UAS Test Site for testing.

Kelly Poynter is a Project Coordinator who started with the Griffiss Institute (GI) in April 2021. She oversees two programs for the GI. As coordinator for the Business Incubator at Griffiss Institute (GIBI), Kelly is responsible for the coordination and operations of the GIBI - a NYS certified business incubator - which combines our region’s numerous high-tech, information, and cybersecurity assets with business development programs and services to support our local entrepreneurs. Kelly is also the program lead for the AFRL STEM Outreach Program, coordinating the annual Challenge Competition every spring and STEM camps during the summer months. Kelly brings 10 years of entrepreneurial experience as a Mohawk Valley business owner along with 15 years of service in community outreach and public relations. She was recognized as a CNY Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient and is an award-winning photographer, published many times over. Kelly enjoys spending time on her hobby farm, mountain-biking, snowboarding, and cheering loudly at her kids’ sporting events.

Corporate leaders in and around the Mohawk Valley are invited to join the STEM Pledge. Invest in our communities’ next generation of scientists + engineers by becoming a sponsor of our STEM programming and encourage your employees with STEM backgrounds to volunteer. 2022-2023 STEM sponsorship opportunity levels will be discussed during the Ask Me Anything.

STEM Programs:

Competitions | High school competitions that address real world problems defined by senior Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) researchers. During the annual Challenge Competition, students compete for paid summer internships at AFRL/RI and local companies.

In School Programs | In School Programs consist of Access to Engineers, Career & Science Fairs, the CyberPatriot Competition, DimensionU Competition, Lab Tours, the Stay Safe Online initiative, and Teacher Training.

Summer Programs | Summer Programs provide opportunities for students to further their education beyond the classroom. Students learn real skills that can be directly applied to STEM careers and education. All Summer Programs run Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm.