Osman's Journey into Architecture
"It's been a roller coaster of projects" is how Osman Warfa describes his interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field.
He is particularly interested in aerospace engineering and architecture and his interest began as a third grade student when he participated in his first science fair at Gideon Pond. “I can remember my elementary science classes, which were taught by Mrs. Rau,” Osman recalled. “Her way of teaching us was hands-on and it was one of my first real experiences conducting observations in the name of science,” he added. Osman found success in many ways and also points to his “failed builds” as learning opportunities. Osman noted that when something does not work out the way he intended, he is able to deconstruct the problem to find different ways to approach it. His interest in science continued through middle school into Burnsville High School where took engineering courses as part of the Design, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies pathway. Osman graduated from Burnsville High School in spring 2021 and will enroll in the University of Minnesota to study architecture.
I can remember my elementary science classes, which were taught by Mrs. Rau. Her way of teaching us was hands-on and it was one of my first real experiences conducting observations in the name of science.
- Osman Warfa
3rd Grade
Osman participates in his first science fair at Gideon Pond Elementary in third grade and gets hooked on the STEM field. His project is focused on the solar system.
Elementary School
Osman loves his science classes at Gideon Pond taught by Mrs. Rau. He recalls the power of hands-on learning and scientific observation, including one assignment where he was asked to observe what he saw in the school’s butterfly garden.
6th Grade
In 6th grade, Osman discovers his interest in art and art history through exposure to a variety of different art styles. “Learning the history of art, and more importantly, respecting that history, will always be an interest of mine along with my interests in the STEM field,” Osman notes. He continues to pursue his interest in art and art history.
High School
Osman finds his civil engineering course to be particularly interesting because it is another opportunity to work with his hands on various projects.
10th Grade
Osman represents Burnsville High School and the state of Minnesota at the International Science and Engineering Fair in 10th grade. He is one of more than 2,000 student scientists from 15 countries to participate in the week-long event. His experiment focuses on the stability of varied winglets, which are devices on the tip of an airplane wing. Curious to learn more? Google “stability of varied winglets” and Osman’s description of his experiment will be one of the first to appear in the list.