FREEDM’s lab manager, Hulgize Kassa, has a passion for STEM education. He regularly volunteers with multiple organizations including MaaQef, a nonprofit based in Morrisville that hosts summer camps focused on STEM topics and sponsors visits to local universities. MaaQef is an Amharic (the national language of Ethiopia) word meaning “embrace.” The goal of the organization is to encourage young minds to embrace a love of learning and unlock their potential. “I have been an instructor and board member with MaaQef for 4 years and bring a group to visit FREEDM every year,” said Kassa. “It brings me joy to see their eyes get wide when I explain that we work with 15,000 volts of electricity.” [Editor Note: Hulgize is also responsible for safety procedures in our lab and there were no high voltage experiments during the lab tour!] After learning about renewable energy and power electronics at FREEDM, the students and chaperones explored other areas of Centennial Campus and NC State. “It makes me really happy that some of the campers from years ago are now attending NC State in electrical engineering and computer science.” Thanks, Hulgize, for all you do for FREEDM and for the local community. Learn more about Hulgize’s previous outreach efforts and more about MaaQef at their website here.