Serena Koopmans Email & Phone Number

I'm a dedicated student skilled at leadership, research, and collaboration. I am interested in technology and psychology, which I pursue through extracurriculars.In Fall 2023, I served as the Co-Captain for the FTC Burlingame Robotics Team. Leading a 25-member team, I developed a 12-week introductory curriculum on engineering design principles, CAD, and game strategy. I integrated students, set achievable goals, and communicated effectively within large groups, increasing member retention by 5x. In Spring 2024, I took on the BHS Robotics Team's Co-captain position. I manage ~50 members 6 times a week, communicate to run competitions and outreach events, lead strategy discussions, solve intrapersonal conflicts among the team, and manage competition logistics for 6 competitions per school year.I spread STEM to my community as the Creative Director of STEMpathize, a 100 person nonprofit. I lead 12 interns in designing free STEM lessons for students in grades 3rd - 8th.In fall 2023, I founded the BHS Artificial Intelligence Club to educate students on machine learning, as it is increasingly incorporated into daily life and our future careers. I lead weekly discussions on machine learning applications, host debates on its ethics, and reach out to professionals to explore outside perspectives and connect with companies. I attend forums on the future of AI and have conducted extensive surveys on my school to create AI policies and share the results with outside organizations. I also created an informative guide for teachers on AI usage in the classroom and am planning a workshop on this for students. As of Summer 2023, I am on the Youth Advisory Board for allcove San Mateo, a drop-in center where youth can access free mental health and community services. I interview potential staff members, collaborate with state-wide organizations, develop consumer experience, and represent the center at community events.Additionally, by studying psychology (PSYC 100 and PSYC 200) at Skyline College, I deepen my understanding of the modern mental health crisis.I am passionate about social justice, mainly regarding the lives of women - I am a board member of the BHS United Feminist Club and recently pursued a fellowship for gender equity in STEM.Through four years of Italian study, I've connected to my cultural heritage and family overseas. I scored a 5 in AP Italian and participated in a credit-based exchange program in the spring of 2024. In Winter 2024, I won a national Italian writing competition through the Italian Consulate.