Paul Klenk

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About

Paul Klenk is an influential figure in K-12 STEM education outreach, with a primary focus on designing hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that bridge engineering and everyday life. His most notable contribution is the creation and development of **Techtronics**, an after-school science enrichment program that partners Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering with Rogers-Herr Middle School in Durham, North Carolina. Funded by a three-year grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Techtronics introduces students in grades 6–8 to the fundamental principles of technology through direct, exploratory activities. Klenk’s work has been disseminated through two key publications (2003, 2020), which together have accumulated over 20 citations—a meaningful impact for the niche field of engineering education. By making abstract technological concepts tangible and accessible, Klenk has helped shape a model for university–community partnerships that inspire early interest in STEM careers. His research stands out for its practical, replicable framework that directly addresses the need for engaging, real-world science education at a critical age.