Our Stories
Lydia Brugere, PhD
Born and raised in a modest city in China, I always had a curiosity for the world around me. That curiosity led me to the United States, where I pursued my graduate studies on a life-changing STEM scholarship at the University of Memphis in Tennessee. There, I earned my PhD in Geography. Over the last eight years, I've worked as a data scientist, delving deep into machine learning modeling of satellite, UAV, and drone imagery, alongside various sensor data.
My journey in STEM has been transformative, not just academically but personally. It opened doors I never knew existed and ignited a lifelong passion for learning and innovation. However, this path wasn't easy for everyone. I've seen friends and colleagues struggle, sometimes overwhelmed or intimidated by technology, missing out on opportunities that could have changed their lives.
This realization fueled my commitment to education. I believe in the power of equipping the younger generation with technological skills, especially at a time when technology shapes so many career paths. This belief led me to found Papyrus Academy. The name "Papyrus" is a nod to ancient wisdom and scholarship, symbolizing our mission to combine traditional learning with the cutting-edge world of robotics.
My journey from a small city in China to leading Papyrus Academy reflects my deep-seated passion for STEM education. I am committed to giving back by empowering young minds, just as I was empowered, to explore, innovate, and succeed in a tech-driven future. My vision for Papyrus Academy is to provide research-based, forerunner STEM education that not only imparts technical skills but also sparks a love for learning, problem-solving, and innovation, ensuring that every child has an opportunity to excel in our vibrant digital world.
Let's make learning an adventure — with every lesson a new quest, every project a thrilling expedition, and every discovery a celebration of curiosity and creativity!
Aaron Brugere
I grew up in a rural area just outside St. Louis, Missouri, where my parents embraced a Green Acres lifestyle and chose homeschooling as the ideal approach to educating their children. Although neither of my parents pursued college degrees, they were deeply committed to providing the best education they could. While I was consistently motivated academically, I quickly realized that my education was limited by a lack of hands-on experience. As I matured, I understood that I would need to put in additional effort to succeed in higher education.
With gratitude, I earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, graduating debt-free through scholarships. After gaining valuable professional experience, I furthered my education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Maryville University, a respected small private institution. The knowledge I gained through both my undergraduate and graduate studies has been instrumental in shaping a successful career in corporate accounting and finance.
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to recognize the importance of providing young learners with a solid educational foundation to ensure their future success. I understand that educational gaps can exist even in the most well-intentioned homeschool communities, as well as in public and private schools. As a co-founder of Papyrus Academy, my mission is to help bridge these gaps and ensure that children in our community receive the highest quality education, empowering them to succeed in whatever they aspire to learn and become.
As technology and innovation continue to evolve rapidly, it is more important than ever to equip children with the confidence and hands-on practical skills necessary to shape the future. At Papyrus Academy, we are dedicated to supporting children at every stage of their educational journey, providing them with the foundation they need to become active participants in the technological advancements that will define the world for decades to come.