XR in Action: Making STEM Visible, Empowering, and Achievable

For many students, especially girls and those from underrepresented communities, STEM can feel out of reach — until they see themselves in it. Extended Reality (XR) has the power to change that by making learning immersive, engaging, and personal. In this session, aerospace leader and IF/THEN Ambassador Sydney Hamilton demonstrates how XR can transform STEM education.

Drawing on her experience leading groundbreaking aerospace projects — from sustainable aircraft development to satellite engineering — Sydney shows how immersive simulations, virtual labs, and interactive experiences help students visualize themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and creators.

Attendees will discover:

• How XR bridges gaps in access and representation, making STEM more empowering for all students.
• Real-world applications of XR in classrooms, mentorship programs, and community initiatives.
• Strategies for educators, creators, and organizations to design experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and long-term engagement in STEM.

This talk highlights XR’s potential not just as a tool for learning, but as a catalyst for empowerment, opportunity, and the next generation of innovators.