Paul Schaaf

Background

About Paul Schaaf

As far back as I can remember I have had, built, and played with LEGOs. This is what set me on my path both for a STEM centered education and now a STEM-focused career path. I have always been interested in, and exceptional at, designing and problem-solving. I was a part of a STEM Academy in High School and had the opportunity to work on and lead many engineering projects. My favorite, and best, of those, were architecture and construction based. During my freshman year, I helped lead a team of 15 people to create an administration building of the future for a school district. In my sophomore year, I designed an elephant habitat for the Fort Worth Zoo. Junior year I designed several different buildings: a home for Habitat for Humanity, a library for a local community, and an academy building for a school district. Then my senior year I lead a team of 3 people and we developed a magnet that could hold over 100lbs on a single 9-volt battery. The programs I used throughout my schooling were Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and Inventor. I have also done some graphic design work using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Aftereffects. In addition to those complex programs, I have certifications in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I have worked in more programs than those listed, and many of the ones beyond that share similar traits so it would not be difficult to acquire new skills. As a leader, I can accomplish any task, but if I have a team member who is a specialist in an area then I make sure they have the tools necessary to produce the best possible product. I am a people person; I love to interact with people and develop good relationships with them and encourage them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. I love helping others, in high school, I volunteered over 100 hours of my time to assist teachers and other students. I would love and thrive in a job that uses my people and leadership skills to problem solve, make better products, and help people.