FAB Lab Mahtomedi

08/11/2026

From the Mahtomedi Fab Lab to Vanderbilt Medical Robotics 💛💙

This year, our students had the opportunity to hear from 2019 Mahtomedi High School (MHS) graduate Ethan Wilke. Currently a Ph.D. student at Vanderbilt University, Ethan is at the forefront of surgical innovation, developing needlescopic robots designed for minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures.

The talk was hosted by the Mahtomedi STEM Club and Mr. Bryan Farmer during a Flex Time session. During the session, Ethan focused on the impact of the Mahtomedi Fab Lab on his current research at the Vanderbilt MEDLab.

He shared with students that the technical fluency he gained at MHS, specifically the ability to move a concept from a digital design to a physical, functional prototype, shaped his success in higher education. Ethan emphasized that the "fail fast" mentality and the hands-on troubleshooting he practiced at MHS are the exact same skills he uses today when engineering robotic systems for the operating room. He also connected his early experiences with 3D modeling and hardware to his current work in medical robotics. His experience transitioning to college-level engineering felt seamless because he had mastered the core principles of design thinking and fabrication at Mahtomedi.

Ethan helped students see how their work in the Mahtomedi Fab Lab connects to the potential careers of tomorrow. Ethan is an inspiring example of the impact of our STEM programs, and we are grateful that he shared his experience with our students!

05/18/2026

On behalf of the Mahtomedi High School STEM Club, I'd like to invite you to our annual STEM EXPO, Thursday, May 21st, from 5 to 7, with a possible rocket launch at 4:30 (weather dependent).

The STEM EXPO is our yearly event to share the amazing things the Mahtomedi Fab Lab has been doing with the community. Stop in the high school Fab Lab and surrounding classrooms to see this year's Engineering Capstone projects, the Rube Goldberg device attempt by Engineering 3, and the STEM related extracurricular clubs showing off their work from the year.

For the current list of events and activities, check out this link (https://sites.google.com/view/mahtomedi-stem-club/events/stem-expo-2026) or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.

Hoping to see you here on Thursday, May 21st.

05/12/2026

Bryan Farmer Named Air and Space Forces Association Minnesota State Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year ⭐️

💛💙Congratulations to Mahtomedi High School Engineering and Science teacher Bryan Farmer on being named the Rawlings Chapter Teacher of the Year, Chapter Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year, and Air and Space Forces Association Minnesota State Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year.

The Chapter Teacher program recognizes classroom teachers at the chapter and state levels for their accomplishments and achievements in engaging K-12 students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and in preparing students to use and contribute to tomorrow’s Technologies. The State Teacher of the Year award honors exemplary K-12 educators and Chapter Teacher of the Year winners at the AFA State level who make a profound difference in the lives of their students and in their community.

Congratulations to Mr. Farmer on these honors!

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Mr. Farmer on being named AFA Minnesota State Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year.

04/28/2026

https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/jim-lane

Mr. Lane is in the the running for America's Favorite Teacher. If he win he will get a chance to have Bill Nye visit the school. You can get a free vote for him every day, please consider clicking the link and supporting Mr. Lane. Thank you.

I love authentic discovery, sparking curiosity through LARPs, and building connections that fuel student growth.

04/08/2026

Mahtomedi Students Build Fuel-Efficient Race Car From the Ground Up 🚗

💛💙Supermileage is a new STEM club at Mahtomedi High School, advised by science teacher Mr. Bryan Farmer, where students design and build a working car to compete at the Brainerd International Raceway. This club grants students a unique experience of the engineering design process through the perspective of automotive engineering. Students take the initiative in designing, constructing, and testing their car, allowing them to play an active role in their learning. This club acts as a gateway into a future in engineering and the sciences. In addition to preparing students for their future, this club benefits students working on projects outside of school. “Working in Supermilage Club has helped us get skills we can use outside of the Club,” shares club leader Blake Udelhofen (Class of 2027). “It helps us with our own personal projects.”

⭐️Currently, the team of about 15 students is focusing on welding the steel frame, which they modeled after a weaker aluminum frame they received as a donation. In addition, the team is working on preparing the car’s safety features for testing and painting the car’s shell in school colors. The car’s complex design involves an eclectic motor, safety systems, and a steering control system. Although there’s plenty to work on, the team has been making great progress in the construction of their car. The primary focus of their work is fuel efficiency, which is a key component of how their car will be judged at the competition in May.

✏️Written by Norah Jansen, Class of 2028 student at Mahtomedi High School and Mahtomedi Public Schools Communications Intern

02/25/2026

Jim Lane Honored with 2025-26 Recognition Award for Outstanding Leadership ⭐️

💛💙Congratulations to Jim Lane, science teacher at Mahtomedi High School, who was recognized by the Mahtomedi School Board for outstanding leadership at Mahtomedi Public Schools. The Mahtomedi School Board awards recognize the leadership and contributions of staff members across our district in advancing our strategic plan.

🌳This year, Mr. Lane is the Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year and was recently announced as a semifinalist for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Mr. Lane has taught courses in life science and engineering at the high school over the last 13 years, including biology, field ecology, biomimicry, and engineering. He is the advisor for the MAPS team, the Eco Club, the Ethical Debate Club, and the Power Walking Club. He served as the Student Leadership Council advisor for nine years. Mr. Lane has been recognized by the National Association of Biology Teachers as a Biology Teacher of the Year, and has presented at National and International venues highlighting innovative teaching, and has been published numerous times.

⭐️Ann Garry, Mahtomedi Education Association President and Spanish teacher at Mahtomedi High School, gave the award presentation and shared this with the Board, “He helps his students to build a deep understanding of the concepts they are learning through thought-provoking discussions and challenging assignments. He encourages both students and colleagues to think critically and embrace learning. Amongst our staff at the high school, he actively inspires and supports his fellow teachers to continually improve their teaching, practice, and really think about new innovative ways that we can collaborate and continually improve our teaching practices.”

02/14/2026

Mahtomedi Teacher Named Semifinalist for MN Teacher of the Year Award ⭐️

💛💙Congratulations to Mahtomedi teacher Mr. Jim Lane, who was named a semifinalist for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award!

Mr. Lane is now one of 30 semifinalists for the award. An independent selection panel of 22 community leaders chose the semifinalists from an initial field of 128 candidates from across the state. The panel will review the semifinalists’ portfolios and video submissions again in mid-March and will select 10 finalists.

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program has recognized excellence in teaching in Minnesota for 62 years. Eligible candidates include pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers, ECFE, and ABE teachers from public or private schools.

⭐️Mr. Lane is the 2025-26 Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year. Mr. Lane is known for building meaningful relationships with students in the classroom, through activities, and across the community, exemplifying how educators shape meaningful learning experiences and inspire students to grow academically and personally.

01/13/2026

New welcome sign for the Fab Lab. Great work Maht-O-Make-It.

08/06/2025

“Alicia's teaching style and personality brings out the best in her students.”

Mahtomedi Teacher Impact: Personal Success 💛💙

Alicia Wilma is an art teacher at Mahtomedi High School. Ms. Wilma is known as a deeply caring educator who builds strong, trusting relationships with her students. Through encouragement, hands-on mentorship, and a passion for student voice, she inspires learners to explore their creativity and grow in confidence both as artists and individuals.

Mahtomedi parent, Tim Lorinser shared “I would like to recognize, and say thank you to, Alicia Wilma for her outstanding effort in getting my daughter, Sophie, to love art again. Alicia's teaching style and personality brings out the best in her students. Alicia lets each artist explore their art journey individually, but then guides and build their skill sets through hands on instruction and mentoring. Thank you Alicia!”

A Mahtomedi High School student shared this message, “Mrs. Wilma has constantly been there to answer questions or to just encourage me/provide me with opportunities related to the arts. I’m grateful for her persistence and willingness to help. It’s definitely encouraging when someone is there telling you you’re great and can achieve what you love.”