Meet one of our Knight Authors: Kelly Shea ’23

Tell us a little about yourself!

Kelly Shea is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and author. At the age of 18, while studying elementary education at UCF, Kelly taught herself 3D printing and developed DripLock, her first patented product, which she successfully launched through raising money by crowdfunding and competing in pitch competitions. She was recognized by Orlando Business Journal in 2023 for the ’25 Innovators Under 25′ award. In the past year, she founded Innovation Station LLC, which creates kits designed to help educators teach kids the invention process through hands-on activities and problem-solving. She also serves as the Director of Special Events for the United Inventors Association, serving over 100,000 inventors across the nation, and is a Program Manager for Earmark Sourcing, where she helps inventors’ prototype and manufacture their ideas. Kelly is dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators through education and creativity.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Growing up, I struggled with reading and comprehension, but I had a teacher who believed in me and gave me the space to grow. That experience changed everything. It showed me how powerful the right kind of support and creativity can be. Now, my goal as a writer is to create tools and stories that reach all kinds of learners, helping every child discover their own spark and potential. I created the series “Bella and Toby’s Inventing Adventures” after creating a series of kits/activities that teach kids (K-5th) to invent. I wanted to incorporate all aspects of STEM + literacy in order to help young minds connect the subjects, learn empathy, and how to grow both in and out of the classroom.

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today?

As a Knight, I learned that this is a whole community that wants to support and uplift you! Some of my most amazing connections have come out of UCF and I couldn’t be more honored to be involved in the alumni community here.

Who are some of your favorite authors or books?

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Anything else?! What are you currently working on right now?

My books are included in a series of kits/activities to promote hands-on problem-solving skills for elementary aged students! InnovationStationKits.com