Pine-Richland Middle School Holds STEM Career Exploration Event

October 30, 2025

The image shows a group of people, including several individuals in red uniforms, standing in front of a backdrop with various corporate logos, addressing an audience seated in front of them.

Twenty-five Pine-Richland Middle School GATE students had the opportunity to participate in a special STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) event on October 30, hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and featuring professionals from Wabtec.

The initiative is the product of a partnership between the Steelers, FedEx, Shell Polymers, US Steel and Wabtec, which aims to help kids navigate a future in STEM careers and empowers students throughout Western Pennsylvania to explore these fields through hands-on experiences and an interactive online curriculum. Former Steelers player Charlie Batch emceed the event at Pine-Richland Middle School library.

The goal of the event was to demonstrate the importance and real-world application of STEM education and its integrated, interdisciplinary, student-centered approach to learning.

A panel discussion featured three Wabtec employees: Emily Worster (information technology), Joe Bambraugh (supply chain management), and Max Limrick (mechanical engineer). They shared details about their career paths and how they incorporate STEM every day. Mr. Limerick, for example, discussed how he uses calculations and simulations to solve problems and analyze locomotives. Ms. Worster described her work with technology such as AWS and other cloud services and cybersecurity and how she seeks opportunities to save the company money. Mr. Bambraugh highlighted the use of AI in business and the importance of understanding open-source AI. Throughout the discussion, Mr. Batch connected STEM to football, using the analogy of a football call and snap count to explain professional lingo and processes, as one example.

A crowded classroom filled with students seated at tables, engaged in various activities and discussions, with colorful decor and furniture visible in the background.

All three panelists emphasized that their STEM education provided a foundation for their work. They pointed out the application of math for tasks such as staying on budget and timeline in project management and the constant need to optimize and evolve with AI and other new technology. They also talked about team dynamics, communication and the importance of compromise and collaboration.

Students had an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists, and each offered advice for the future. The panelists encouraged the students to dream big, embrace curiosity, take risks and understand that failure and changing paths are essential parts of the growth and learning process.

Following the panel session, Wabtec employees joined students in small groups for a breakout session. The groups discussed career goals, essential classes, tools used in their jobs and personal interests. Students connected their non-school interests—rock climbing, building computers, and playing sports—to transferable STEM skills such as teamwork and meeting a shared goal. They also talked about where they find STEM in their everyday lives, such as in video games.

Mr. Batch provided closing remarks, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations: "Dreams are nothing more than plans awaiting action, and sometimes you may be the only person who can see your vision."