Summer education programs at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and design. Through engaging activities, interactive tours, and collaborative problem-solving, students explore real-world concepts and advancements, helping shape the future of motorsports.
Reymundo Bernardino Jr. and Rodney McCarroll recently completed the museum’s inaugural seven-week Turn 9 STEM Education Internship Program. Bernardino is studying mechanical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and McCarroll is an electrical and computer engineering major at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Through this program, Bernardino Jr. and McCarroll gained valuable leadership experience, worked closely with experts in their fields, and built meaningful connections with students, museum staff, and motorsports professionals. They also helped facilitate and deliver dynamic, hands-on educational experiences and developed new ways to expand the program.
“Launching our first STEM Education Internship Program was an incredible milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of Rey and Rodney,” said Liz Johnson, Ph.D., education programs manager. “Their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication enriched every program we hosted, and watching them grow in confidence, develop professionally, and inspire students was very rewarding.
“We created this internship to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, giving undergraduate students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences while working with our education team and museum professionals. This internship program reinforced the power of mentorship, experiential learning, and inspiring future generations.”
The Turn 9 STEM Education Internship Program enhances skills in communication, education, and public engagement, while fostering a deeper understanding of careers in motorsports. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about STEM education, excited to engage with students, and eager to explore the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and motorsports.
PHOTO 1
Turn 9 STEM Education Program interns Reymundo Bernardino Jr. (middle) and Rodney McCarroll (right) pose with Liz Johnson, Ph.D., education programs manager, and Brandon Vaughn, education programs coordinator, at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
PHOTO 2
Turn 9 STEM Education Program interns Rodney McCarroll (left) and Reymundo Bernardino Jr. (middle) stand with Pierre Terblanche (right), resident mentor in the Barber Advanced Design Center at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, and the 1998 Ducati 900 Supersport he designed.