Introducing the new technology integration team at Stuart

At Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, we are committed to ensuring that our students are equipped with the technological skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. Goal V of the Sacred Heart directs schools to ensure that “Student and adult members of the school community model, practice, and teach safe, ethical and responsible use of technology.” To further this mission, we are excited to introduce our new technology integration experts. Leading this charge are Nina Austria, our new Middle and Upper School technology integration specialist and computer science teacher, and Kate O’Brian, our new Lower School STEM teacher and technology innovation specialist. Together, they will play a vital role in enhancing our students’ engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness in using technology.

Meet Nina Austria: Stuart Alumna and Passionate Technology Educator

Nina Austria, Class of 2020, is no stranger to the Stuart community. As a proud Stuart alumna, she returns to campus with a deep understanding of the school’s values and a commitment to empowering students through technology. In her new role as Middle and Upper School Technology Integration Specialist and Computer Science Teacher, she will focus on integrating innovative digital tools into the curriculum while fostering problem-solving, creativity, and computational thinking. She earned her B.A. in math-statistics, graduating summa cum laude from Lawrence University, where she worked as a T.A. and tutor for various statistics courses. She also helped build a community of data enthusiasts as a founding leader of Lawrence's Data Science Club. Her previous experience includes working as a marketing analyst at Afforai, an AI-powered platform for summarizing, translating, and answering questions about documents. Nina is thrilled to rejoin the Stuart community as an educator and inspire the next generation of students. 

With a strong background in computer science and educational technology, Ms. Austria is eager to help students and faculty integrate artificial intelligence into their learning and work in a responsible and meaningful way. She is committed to ensuring that technology enhances–rather than replaces– deep thinking and creativity, empowering students to engage critically with emerging tools and technologies. Her passion for STEM education aligns with Stuart’s mission to develop confident, tech-savvy young women who can navigate and lead in the digital age. She looks forward to collaborating with faculty to create technology-driven learning experiences that foster critical thinking and innovation.

Meet Kate O’Brian: Inspiring STEM Exploration in the Lower School

Joining Ms. Austria is Kate O’Brian, our Lower School STEM Teacher and Technology Innovation Specialist. Ms. O'Brian is thrilled to return to the Princeton area from which she hails, and she brings a wealth of experience in STEM education, having worked extensively with young learners to spark their curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning experiences. 

In her role, Ms. O'Brian introduces Stuart’s youngest students to foundational STEM concepts and technology skills in innovative and developmentally appropriate ways. She centers her curriculum around hands-on, project-based learning experiences specific to the Stuart community. Whether students are coding robots with block-based programming, problem-solving through the engineering design process, cultivating a native plant garden, producing their own podcasts, or leveraging technology to support inquiry-based learning, she ensures that Lower School students develop the confidence and enthusiasm to become future leaders in STEM.
“The strength of Stuart’s STEM program is in large part due to our dedicated faculty and incredible campus environment,” Ms. O'Brian shared, “and I’m proud to collaborate with our IS team, STEM department, and Lower School teachers to create really immersive and meaningful STEM opportunities for our girls.”

Ms. O'Brian joins us after two years of special education experience teaching Lower School MakerSpace and Middle School STEAM. Kate earned a B.A. in studio art at Georgetown University, where she also minored in education, inquiry, & justice, and later received an M.S.Ed. in learning sciences & technologies from the University of Pennsylvania. Kate is passionate about applying her creative background to help students cultivate a life-long love of STEM through hands-on projects inside the classroom and outdoors. 

Innovation in the MakerSpace: A Hub for Creativity and Exploration

One of the most exciting aspects of Stuart’s technology program is the MakerSpace, a hub of creativity and innovation equipped with cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, 3D pens, and more. Under Ms. Austria and Ms. O'Brian's leadership, the MakerSpace will continue to be a dynamic environment where students can engage in hands-on learning, problem-solving, and design thinking.

The MakerSpace provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, from designing and printing 3D models to turning their ideas into tangible creations. With this team’s guidance, students will learn how to use these tools effectively, fostering skills in digital fabrication, electronics, and computational design. The space will serve as a collaborative environment where students can take risks, iterate on their ideas, and bring their creative visions to life. 

This year, a big focus is bringing more classes into the space. There’s already excitement about incorporating MakerSpace tools into humanities classes. Whether it’s designing artifacts for an English class or creating visual storytelling elements, the goal is to make the MakerSpace a resource for all students, encouraging exploration and experimentation across disciplines.
“The MakerSpace gives teachers the opportunity to step outside of their usual classrooms and explore creative ways to integrate technology into their lessons," shared Ms. Austria. "It’s been so much fun hearing the diverse and innovative ideas from our incredible educators, and I’m excited to help bring them to life in this space.”

Empowering Students Through Technology Integration

At Stuart, we recognize that technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for deeper learning and engagement. Kate and Nina’s collaborative efforts will ensure that students at all levels—from Lower through Upper School—experience meaningful technology integration that enhances their learning journey. By providing faculty with the support and resources to incorporate digital tools into the curriculum, Ms. Austria and Ms. O'Brian will play a crucial role in preparing students for the future.

Stay tuned for updates on the exciting initiatives they will bring to Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, and be sure to visit the MakerSpace to see innovation in action!