The people of austin STEM Center

Peter Wang is a pioneering open-source technologist and learning advocate with two decades in scientific computing and visualization (Data Science Salon). As Co-founder and Chief AI & Innovation Officer of Anaconda, he steers the company’s AI Incubator and created the PyData global community along with projects like PyScript, Bokeh, and Datashader, empowering millions of developers and educators worldwide (Anaconda, X (formerly Twitter)). Holding a B.A. in Physics from Cornell and recognized as a Python Software Foundation Fellow, he is a sought-after keynote speaker on data literacy and open collaboration (Bluesky Social). At ASC he guides AI-driven curriculum publishing and strategic partnerships that fuse real-world data science with the Center’s hands-on fabrication experiences.

Ken Hawthorn is a maker-educator, prototyping engineer, and author with 20 years of experience translating ideas into hands-on learning. During16 years as an independent consultant he guided garage-stage firms and secured a U.S. patent for the Fixed Pitch Continuously Variable Transmission (FPCVT) Patent. He founded Austin School for the Driven and MakerAwaker.com, sharing open-source projects for classrooms worldwide. Hawthorn has built makerspaces for schools, advised the Foundry at ACC’s Make It Center, and led Student Racing Partners, a decade-long after-school engineering program. A former Autodesk National Teacher Advisory Council member, he delivers high-impact professional development on fabrication, electronics, and curriculum integration. As ASC’s co-founder he focuses on field trips and PD that raise the bar—and lower the age—for deep, interdisciplinary STEM learning.

Evan Marchman is an electrical engineer and STEM educator with nearly 30 years of experience in Austin’s tech sector. In 2016, he founded ATX Robotics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 STEM education. Serving as

President through 2022, Marchman remains an active board member and is currently Treasurer. Evan is also head coach and lead technical mentor for ATX Robotics’ original program, FRC 6377 Howdy Bots. Howdy Bots is the only FIRST Robotics Competition team open to all students in the Austin metro area, regardless of their demographics or educational status. From its humble beginnings as a tiny garage team, Howdy Bots has grown into a community powerhouse and is honored to become the flagship program of the Austin STEM Center. From startups to Fortune 500, Marchman has delivered hardware for audio, automotive networks, wireless VR, radar systems, and diagnostic platforms. He is currently Staff Electrical Engineer at Pattern

Bioscience, where he oversees electrical and PCB architectures, electrical and EMC compliance, and cross-disciplinary system debugging. Renowned for recruiting and mentoring high-performing teams, he will steer ASC’s robotics and hardware initiatives, turning classroom curiosity into industry-grade design and manufacturing workflows.

Danny Beesley is an innovator in workforce development and FabLab-based education, with over a decade of experience creating training programs that bridge technology and hands-on learning. He developed the first Digital Fabrication Certificate in the State of California and received the 2020 East Bay Innovation Award in Education from the East Bay Economic Development Alliance. Danny has designed and launched FabLabs and makerspaces in both education and industry, built pre-apprenticeship pipelines aligned with employer needs, and helped secure over $10 million in funding for educational initiatives. As Executive Director of ASC, he focuses on adaptive learning environments and industry-aligned skill building, empowering people with both digital and physical tools to create transformative opportunities.

Luke Spence is a precision-machining entrepreneur and motorsports innovator who turns bold CAD ideas into track-ready and industry-ready parts. As founder of Unicorn Design & Manufacturing—evolved from his drift-car startup Unicorn Racing Designs—he combines 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling, 3-D scanning, and reverse engineering to deliver small-batch prototypes and hard-to-find components for clients ranging from EV retrofits to heritage restorations. (Canvas Rebel)  A self-taught welder and SolidWorks power user, Spence first gained notice with globally sold BMW angle-kit suspensions and later mastered a brand-new Hurco 5-axis mill to produce stainless shift gates for Ferrari conversions—all before launching his own shop. Today he mentors teams on design-for-manufacture and rapid iteration, emphasizing accuracy, creativity, and real-world tolerances. As ASC’s CNC and scanning lab steward, Spence will guide learners from napkin sketch to precision metal reality—making advanced fabrication both accessible and exhilarating.

Adrian Perez is a part of Austin Community College as the Make It Center's Program Manager. His love of making mixes the traditional tactile forms with digital arts. Before joining the ACC team, Adrian was the Technology Librarian for the Austin Public Library. As Technology Librarian at the Central Library, he developed the library's video platform and led the library's technology programming - highlighting 3D printing, VR, AR, and other emerging technologies to the public. He has been recognized by the Urban Library Commission and Texas Library Association for his work in innovation.