De La Salle Collegiate is committed to offering students cutting-edge opportunities in STEM education; that mission is only made possible by the dedication and drive of our faculty. 

Two De La Salle faculty members, Mr. Scott Husken and Mrs. Mary Balamucki, recently completed intensive training through Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nationally recognized provider of transformative STEM curriculum.

The ten-week online curriculum met for two hours, twice a week in the evenings (40 hours total), and the two teachers had a “lot of homework.” 

Mr. Husken completed his training in Principles of Engineering, a core PLTW course that provides students with a broad exposure to the field of engineering. 

In this course, students explore a range of engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Fluid, Materials, and Civil), uncover the work of professional engineers, and tackle real-world engineering problems.

From learning about forces and materials to applying systems thinking and critical design, students in Mr. Husken’s class will be prepared to think like engineers and develop innovative solutions that can make an impact. 

With Mr. Husken’s passion for hands-on learning and technical problem-solving, this class is set to be a foundational experience for any student considering a career in engineering.

Mrs. Balamucki completed her training in Introduction to Biomedical Science, a foundational PLTW course in the Biomedical Science pathway. 

This course introduces students to key concepts in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Epidemiology—all while applying these concepts to real-world cases and problems. 

Students will investigate health conditions, examine evidence, and think critically like scientists and healthcare professionals. 

Mrs. Balamucki’s enthusiasm for life sciences and her commitment to helping students see the real-world relevance of their learning will ensure this course is both rigorous and deeply engaging.

These newly-trained educators bring not only subject matter expertise but also a commitment to active, inquiry-based learning. Their efforts ensure that our students are not only college- and career-ready but are also inspired to explore paths in engineering, medicine, and beyond.

Mr. Husken joined the DLS faculty in 2024, and serves as the STEM coordinator; he teaches Introduction to Technology. 

Mrs. Balamucki came to DLS in 2021, and teaches Freshman Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. She began the DLS HOSA Club during the 2023-2024 school year, a group dedicated to helping students learn about the health field. This year, the DLS HOSA team is going to the state finals in Traverse City, MI April 17 - 19, 2025.

We celebrate Mr. Husken and Mrs. Balamucki for their dedication to continuous growth and for bringing new opportunities to our students. The future of STEM education at De La Salle is brighter than ever!

About STEM at DLS

De La Salle Collegiate already has a rigorous STEM curriculum with course offerings in engineering, Advanced Placement Computer Science, and digital graphic arts. Mr. Husken says the additional STEM courses are meant to enhance, not replace. See the DLS Curriculum Guide for details. 

During the 2024 - 2025 school year, Mr. Husken offered a new, one-semester Introduction to Technology course available to students at any grade level. 

The 2025-2026 course offerings include Introduction to Biomedical Science, Aviation Science, and Programming/Cyber Security. 

Construction of the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center began in June 2024 and is scheduled for completion in June 2025. 

Mr. Husken has worked closely with the DLS Advancement Office to secure funding for the cutting-edge Anatomage table. Read more