Power Systems Research has provided its annual $2,000 STEM Scholarship (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to 2026 Eagan High School graduate Ryan Houth.
The STEM scholarship is made through the non-profit Eagan Community Foundation, which has donated more than $3 million in scholarships, grants and initiatives to the Eagan community since it was founded in 1990.
Power Systems Research, a global data research and intelligence company, has been providing a STEM scholarship annually to the Eagan Community Foundation since 2013.
“Power Systems Research has been promoting engineering-based research since its founding in 1976,” noted Joe Zirnhelt, PSR president, in discussing the scholarship program. “We believe it’s extremely important to encourage and support STEM education at the high school level.”
PSR also is a major supporter of the internationally recognized Experimental Vehicle Team (EVT) program at St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul, MN, and has supported the Lightning Robotics FIRST teams at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN.
Power Systems Research monitors global equipment production in 13 industry segments across 12 countries. The focus of Power Systems Research in the powered products industry highlights a close tie to STEM, since technologies requiring continued advancements in science, engineering and mathematics are critical elements towards ensuring a thriving industry well into the future.
“Ryan Houth has demonstrated excellence in the classroom, the laboratory, and in his extracurricular activities throughout his high school career,” notes Zirnhelt, “and we’re proud to help fund his collegiate studies and activities.”
During his four years at Eagan High School, Ryan particularly enjoyed his chemistry classes and his extracurricular activities on the swimming team, as a member of several science clubs and as a tutor for students in pre-calculus, chemistry, and history.
Chemistry was especially appealing to Ryan because, “it really applies to all the fundamentals of life,” he says. “Our entire life is built on chemicals.”
He also works as a lifeguard in the District 196 Aquatics program and the Cascade Bay Water Park in Eagan. “I particularly enjoyed my lifeguard work,” says Ryan, “because it taught me to be assertive with customers without being rude. It teaches responsibility. And it teaches me how to tell kids what they can do and what they can’t do.”
Ryan plans to attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison this fall where he will pursue a double major in biochemistry and Musical Performance. After graduation from UW, Ryan plans to enter dentistry school and possibly join a musical organization, perhaps a jazz band. He hopes to continue his musical involvement because he’s developed a great passion for music after playing in bands for nearly eight years.
Ryan plays the euphonium, an instrument that looks like a miniature tuba but sounds more like a trombone. Ryan’s somewhat humorous description of the instrument: If a tuba and a trombone had a baby, it would be a euphonium.
One of Ryan’s most memorable high school achievements was winning a spot in the prestigious Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) band. “It was a huge accomplishment for me,” he says. Only about four candidates win the euphonium spots in the band out of the more than 20 who apply.
Of all his activities, Ryan especially enjoyed tutoring. ‘’I really liked doing that,” he said. “Watching students do well in tests makes me really happy, it makes me happy to see them do well, to succeed.”
“It sounds as though you might be headed for a career in teaching,” I suggested.”
“Maybe,” he said. “Maybe.” PSR
