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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

 Using a micrometer, senior Nathan Thompson measures a keyguard made out of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a type of durable and elastic plastic. Thompson was able to turn a 3D model for his independent studies class into a tangible object by using a 3D printer. “It’s a slow but rewarding process. Without a 3D printer, it would have been very difficult to complete this project,” Thompson said.

Engineering for accessibility

Opal Kadam, Staff Writer April 28, 2025

As problem-solvers, engineers often design solutions to help improve people’s quality of life; in fact, the device you are using right now to read this article was designed by an engineer with these...

On March 2, West High’s Robotics team competed in the state competition, in which the B team placed ninth and the A team qualified for the world championship. Senior Lillian Dwyer is a notebooker and strategist in robotics. “Robotics is one of the many STEM opportunities offered at West High that is an enjoyable experience for anyone looking to go into engineering or science. I highly recommend joining it, because outside of school, it is fun to talk and hang out with people who are also excited about STEM and willing to dedicate time and energy to work on engineering projects,” Dwyer said. (Photos are courtesy of Mikalah Owens)

STEM mayhem

Audrey Ghosh, Opinions Editor March 25, 2024

STEM is a highly popular field, garnering interest from more than 75% of Gen Z students in the United States. Despite this large majority, only about a quarter are exposed to careers in STEM and real-world...

A strong foundation for engineering

A strong foundation for engineering

Hannah Hoffmann, TECHNICAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF February 24, 2015

Freshman Jack Burraston works on a lathe to thin and break an aluminum rod for a project in Cliff Amen's Principles of Engineering class. "We are studying the strength of materials and how size and structure...