Creating opportunities for young people to learn about patents by introducing invention education and IP literacy is an important part of STEM learning.
Lauren Strechay and Nicolette Buonora, recently graduated high school students, developed the Battery Swap System as their solution in a classroom challenge. After continued iteration, their Battery Swap System was recognized at the US National Invention Convention, earning a patent sponsorship and a finalist award, propelling Lauren and Nicolette to the global convention and ultimately a USPTO patent approval. 
From the US Patent and Trademark Office, Juan Valentin is an education program advisor in the USPTO's Students and Learners Division in the Office of Public Engagement, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of educational projects of national and international scope, with a particular emphasis on directing and coordinating the development of STEM, design-thinking, or invention-focused projects infused with intellectual property (IP) concepts. A significant part of Juan's job is cultivating relationships and finding areas for collaboration with external organizations, academic institutions, and federal agencies.

Prior to joining the Students and Learners Division, Juan was a patent examiner at the USPTO for 12 years, specializing in the art of optical measuring and testing devices. Juan holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Clarkson University.

Resources & Opportunities mentioned by Juan:

• Kids, students, and educators | USPTO
• National Summer Teacher Institute | USPTO
• EquIPHQ (uspto.gov)
• Master Teacher of Invention and Intellectual Property Education Program (MTIP) | USPTO

Learn more about Lauren & Nicolette's Battery Swap invention in this news story

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