By any measure, UAH alumnus Dr. Gary Maddux has enjoyed a successful professional career, culminating in his present position as director of the university’s Systems Management and Production (SMAP) Center. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots as a boy growing up in Jackson County, which like many rural areas of Alabama offers youths limited access to and participation in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. So a few years ago, he partnered with SMAP research scientists Norven Goddard and Dr. William Sabados to create an outreach program dedicated to building interest in STEM careers among the state’s youths.