Darra

Darra Snow, M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics; Math and STEM Teacher, including engineering, coding, robotics and physics

Darra joins the Cajal Academy team as a STEM teacher, bringing a rich background in math, science, and engineering.  She is passionate about inspiring curiosity and helping students of all ages explore the wonders of the natural world.

Darra has dedicated her life to STEM, building expertise across a wide range of subjects.  She conducted optics engineering research during her undergraduate years at Brown University, and later taught physics and environmental science while earning her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  In her teaching, Darra connects theoretical concepts with hands-on, practical applications, helping students understand not just the "how," but also the "why" of the scientific world.

In the classroom, Darra brings high energy and enthusiasm, whether building robots, creating foaming chemical reactions, or guiding students through engineering challenges.  She loves making science both exciting and approachable.

A lifelong student of music, Darra also weaves in lessons on the physics of sound, from the mechanics of the inner ear to the design of musical instruments.  She believes that learning should be joyful, inclusive, and rooted in curiosity, encouraging every child to explore at their own pace.

Originally from Massachusetts and New York, Darra now lives locally with her wife and their cat.  Outside of teaching, she enjoys playing card games competitively, baking fresh breads and pastries, and exploring new hobbies.