field notes — who we are
Preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges.
Austin STEM Center (ASC) is a nonprofit STEM education and innovation hub dedicated to making STEM accessible, exciting, and hands-on for learners of all ages.
We adamantly believe meaningful learning happens through experience. When people are given the opportunity to launch curiosity through fearless exploration, they not only gain technical skills, but also become empowered to think critically, solve problems creatively, and shape their future. We break down barriers to help every learner discover that STEM is a mindset that applies to the things they already love.
Working alongside educators, schools, families, and industry partners, Austin STEM Center is building a community where learners discover their passions, develop their skills, and prepare for the rapidly evolving future of technology and robotics. As the leading robotics hub in Central Texas, we connect students with competitive robotics, engineering, and hands-on experiences that inspire innovation and lifelong learning.
Together, we’re creating a future where everyone has the confidence to build, innovate, and shape the world around them.
the crew
Meet the team.
Leadership
Leah Silen
Executive Director
Lexi Little
Director of People and Operations
Luke Spence
Director of Technical Programming
Programming
Adrian Perez
Program Development & Curriculum
Meason Wiley
Program Development & Curriculum
Rylee Lippenholz
Administrative Specialist
Joseph Williams
Technology Specialist
Zane Lewin
Prototyping & Fabrication
Kian Childs
Tech & Shop Assistant
Steering Committee
Peter Wang
Co-Founder
Leah Silen
Executive Director
Evan Marchman
Co-Founder
how it started
The history of the Austin STEM Center.
Austin STEM Center’s history began with ATX Robotics, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Evan Marchman to expand access to robotics, engineering, and hands-on STEAM education. In 2025, Evan met Peter Wang and Ken Hawthorn, who shared a vision: to create a place where students could truly experience STEM through hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world opportunity. Each founder brought different skills, experience, and perspective to the table, along with foundational support and investment from Peter Wang.
Within just a few short months, ATX Robotics, Inc., d/b/a Austin STEM Center was created. A building was secured, an incredible team was assembled, and ASC began building programs designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence in students of all backgrounds.
Today, Austin STEM Center exists to inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, engineers, and leaders by making STEM education accessible, engaging, and impactful for the community.
Support this work
If our mission resonates with you, we’d love your support. Your donation expands access to hands-on STEM learning and gives more learners the chance to explore, build, and discover what’s possible.
Donate here →