Shreeniket Bhat ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Northwood School encourages students to explore the realm of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The school has established an environment where students not only absorb and thrive in learning but actively engage in research and critical thinking, turning education into a lived experience.
Shreeniket Bhat ‘25 stands out as a great example of student-driven exploration. Shreeniket has been dedicated to working on a soft robotic gripper designed for optimizing fruit harvesting. This innovative project dives into the emerging field of soft robotics, where flexible materials like silicone are used, enabling the handling of delicate or irregular items more effectively than traditional hard robotics.
The mGrip soft gripper earned its reputation by picking and placing fragile yellow and pink marshmallow Peeps without damaging them. Photo: Soft Robotics.
“Although I appreciate the independence this course offers, I initially struggled with having a clear plan for my project,” Bhat said. “Especially as I wasn’t accustomed to steering my initiative. However, this course has taught me how to set and constantly amend short- and long-term goals based on the ideas I research and explore as I progress,” he added.
Ms. Jill Walker’s class requires students not just to consume information but to engage in their educational journey actively, fostering independence and adaptability.
The emphasis on student-driven projects like Shreeniket’s soft robotic gripper illustrates the school’s role in providing a platform where innovation is not just encouraged but expected. The journey through STEM education at Northwood is not limited to textbooks but allows students to navigate their paths, set goals, and bring their ideas to life.
