Cynthia Kuhlman Enhances Lakeland STEM Education

Cynthia Kuhlman, a prominent figure in Polk County STEM education, has joined Lakeland schools to enhance classroom learning and support teachers and students. She will work with educators to reinforce math and science through spiral review and implement project-based learning. Kuhlman will also lead weekly classes for gifted students, providing hands-on access to programming, robotics, and computational tools.

Kuhlman brings a proven record of securing funding for educational initiatives. She previously obtained a $15,000 grant from the George W. Jenkins Foundation for laptops and support from the Polk Education Foundation and the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Splash! program. She also authored an advanced curriculum connecting magnetism with Central Florida industries.

A proponent of a growth mindset, Kuhlman views mistakes as learning opportunities. She participated in the Research Experiences for Teachers program at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Kuhlman is also planning the school's future STEM lab, which will feature hydroponics, laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing, and engineering exploration. She will launch an after-school Science Olympiad club in September and coach a competitive team for fifth graders.