Student STEM Innovation: From Code to Cardiovascular Care

In this episode of the WAB Podcast, we take a look at STEM learning at WAB. Grade 9 student Zane and Grade 10 students Anna, David, and Xander take us behind the scenes of their robotics, game development, and biomedical engineering projects. What they share isn’t just about technology, it’s about creativity, collaboration, and learning with real-world impact. 

Building, Breaking, Rebuilding: Robotics in Action 

Xander and David have been working together to design a competition robot using the VEX V5 system. David focuses on 3D modeling with Onshape, while Xander brings the mechanical build to life. 

"Dex V5 is an educational platform where students design, build, and program the robots to compete in yearly challenges," explains Xander. "Every new season, a new game is released, which means teams must create brand-new robots to match updated growth in the field and objectives."

When asked about challenges, David shares, "Testing parts and different designs of robots takes a lot of time, especially when you physically have to swap parts in and out. To solve this problem, we started using 3D modeling code Onshape, which has helped us reduce a lot of errors during the actual building process."

Using AI for Health Innovation 

Anna's project is a low-cost cardiovascular risk detection device that uses AI to assess and rank heart disease risk factors. “The device uses an AI algorithm to analyze your risk factors that we’ll be extracting using the same device,” she explains. “It analyzes this risk factor and also ranks them in importance.” 

The hardest part, she says, was sourcing reliable training data. “Algorithms need an unbiased and balanced dataset. Patient data is hard to get due to patient privacy, but at last we found two, one from Kaggle and another from UCI.” 

Anna believes that accessible AI is opening doors. “A lot of the algorithms are open source, so you can get them from the internet, and you don’t have to code them on your own. With the help of AI language models, for example, ChatGPT, you’re able to code these things on your own.” 

Code, Graphics, and Game Design 

Zane is creating a top-down RPG using GameMaker Studio. “It’s free and it’s really easy to learn and use,” he shares. “It’s comfortable coding software that can be picked up pretty easily.” 

His biggest early challenge? "Getting used to the coding software. It has a lot of functions that are convenient once you learn how to use them, but don’t make much sense initially."

Working in a two-person team, Zane focuses on programming while his friend Nick handles the graphics. “In the last month or so, we’ve kind of switched around, which is a good experience for me, and I think he’s having a good time working on his programming skills.” 

Reflecting on the process, Zane says, “Developing using code, I learned that mistakes are going to happen, and if you expect them, then it’s easier. Expecting mistakes, one of the best things I’ve learned.” 

Learning That Feels Real 

All four students shared how these projects have pushed them, technically and personally. They’ve built new skills, worked through challenges, and found confidence in solving problems that matter to them. 

They also spoke about how this learning is shaping their futures. For some, it sparked a clear career interest, robotics, game design, or biomedical engineering. For others, it’s the mindset that’s sticking with them: creativity, resilience, and the power of working with others. 

“I think more people can do this than they realize,” Anna says. “With open-source tools, AI models, and even things like ChatGPT, you don’t need to be an expert to start creating something meaningful.” These stories reflect the kind of purposeful, real-world learning happening all across WAB. Students are exploring big ideas, applying what they know in new ways, and connecting their passions to real-world challenges. 

STEM at WAB isn't about following a textbook, it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and creating with purpose. 

Listen to the full conversation in Episode 5 of the WAB Podcast.