Meet the Manager of Next Engineers at UAlbany’s CNSE
Mary Bayham brings an educator’s passion for STEM to her role as program manager of Next Engineers for the New York Capital Region.
She has taught science at both high schools and middle schools, most recently at Robert H. Gibson Technical School in Troy, N.Y. In addition, she holds a master’s in teaching in biology and a bachelor’s in ecology and evolutionary biology.
As program manager, Bayham coordinates an Engineering Academy for high schoolers at UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) and an Engineering Discovery for middle schoolers at the Museum of Innovation & Science (miSci) in Schenectady, N.Y. An initiative of the GE Aerospace Foundation, Next Engineers aims to spur more young people to pursue engineering education and careers in the region.
As she prepares for the launch of the Engineering Academy in April, Bayham shares why she loves science and how she hopes to support the first cohort.
What first sparked your interest in STEM?
Growing up in Phoenix, I was captivated by the beauty of sunrises, sunsets and vast desert landscapes. I remember staring at the sky and wondering, How can something so stunning even be possible? That curiosity — wanting to understand the how and why behind the natural world — led me to science. When you encounter beauty that feels almost magical, you naturally want to understand it and, in some way, protect and preserve it.
Who nurtured that?
I had great teachers but the scientist that inspired me was Jane Goodall. She revolutionized the science of animal behavior. Amazingly, last year I was lucky enough to meet and talk with her in New York City with my daughter, Montana, who’s an ecologist. A highlight of my life!
What drew you to Next Engineers?
The opportunity to guide high school students toward a future that includes higher education. The University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) is a big deal, and I can encourage them discover the possibilities in engineering and higher ed.
What did you learn teaching science that will help you as program manager?
That high school students are amazing, thoughtful, capable thinkers who need to feel empowered to make a meaningful difference in their community and the world. They’ll get there through study, inquiry and continued learning.
Beyond developing skills, how do you hope to support them?
I want them to recognize the power within themselves to explore, discover and create new and better solutions for our world. How? By continuing their education and being inspired by educators at CNSE. I certainly have been.
As launch day nears, what excites you the most?
Welcoming the students and watching them begin a new direction in their lives — one that can open doors, build confidence and help them shape successful futures. That’s powerful. Also, as educators, we can help them realize their dreams.
What else?
I’ve always believed deeply in the value of higher ed. It builds a kind of renaissance knowledge: a broader understanding of the world. In short, it’s the why behind how things work and the ability to think critically across disciplines.