S.T.E.M. Works: How I built my Career in the USA (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781494762698)

Vahan Basmajian was born in Aleppo, Syria, from parents who escaped the Turkish massacre of the Armenians. He was brought up in a multi-cultural environment and began learning several languages in elementary school. His parents' history, along with the suffrage trying to build a new life in Syria, influenced him the most. He learned about Middle East history and attended Christian schools while having Muslim friends in high school. His exposure to the turbulent life in Syria, political upheavals, and war-time environment forced him to think about freedom. After graduating from Aleppo College, he was drafted to the Syrian Army, where he planned and succeeded to escape into the US Embassy in Beirut. Once free, he entered the United States alone with plans to build his future through American technical education. Mr. Basmajian followed a career path that earned him the "Invention of the Year" award from the Society of Professional Engineers in the US. He is committed to tell his life story to high school students and to teach them how to develop a sense of direction and follow his footsteps to become a productive citizen of the US. In the year 2000, Mr. Basmajian served in an advisory capacity with the Massachusetts Renewable Advisory Trust (MRET) by invitation of then Gov. Paul Cellucci. Additionally, he served on the advisory board of public schools and university engineering departments for graduate students. He has conducted seminars on the subject of alternative fuels for many years. He holds a Master's Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics with a major in Rocket Propulsion from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Mr. Basmajian traveled to many countries with the Governors of Massachusetts on Trade Missions and is a strong believer in education and training for all people. He is dedicated to bringing out the best in each student and motivating each one to future career paths.