How does STEM in the classroom compare to STEM in the real-world? Let's talk about it with amazing STEM professionals:
Dr. Lisa D. White
Dr. Lisa D. White is Director of Education at the Museum of Paleontology at the University of California, Berkeley. Past positions held during a 22 year career at San Francisco State University include Professor of Geosciences, Geosciences Department Chair, Associate Dean of the Graduate Division, and Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Dr. White has extensive experience with science education programs for underrepresented students and she leads multiple efforts to increase diversity in the geosciences. A micropaleontologist by training and Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and the Geological Society of America, Dr. White was the inaugural recipient of the GSA Bromery Award for Minorities, an honor bestowed upon a geoscientist who has been instrumental in opening the geoscience field to diverse communities. As Chair of the American Geophysical Union Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Dr. White works to create a culture that embraces diversity and inclusiveness in the Earth and space sciences. As the education director at the UC Museum of Paleontology, she develops and disseminates learning materials on evolution and the fossil record, virtual geological field trip experiences, and the nature and process of science. Dr. White holds degrees from San Francisco State University (B.A. in Geology) and the University of California at Santa Cruz (Ph.D. in Earth Sciences).
Dr. Jeffrey Bennett
Jeffrey Bennett holds a B.A. in Biophysics from the University of California at San Diego and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He specializes in mathematics and science education, writing for and speaking to audiences ranging from elementary school children to college faculty. His current projects include the Story Time From Space program, which features his six children’s books being read by astronauts from the International Space Station (see www.BigKidScience.com), the free Totality app that will help you and your students get ready for the upcoming solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024, and a free online textbook for middle school Earth & Space Science. Learn more about Jeffrey on his personal website.
Jen Collins
Jen is Manager of Ocean Education, leads education efforts in paleobiology and mineral sciences at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She is responsible for the development and implementation of programs and resources that inspire, inform, and empower connection to the natural history and works on exhibit teams aimed at fostering human connections to nature. Jennifer also oversees the Science Liaison program, which bridges the science and education communities at the museum, and is a member of the Smithsonian Conservation Commons team focused on Earth Optimism. Jennifer grew up in California where she spent countless hours running through forests and exploring the ocean. In fourth grade, a visit to see the Coelacanth at the California Academy of Sciences prompted a lifetime passion for scientific discovery. A decade later, an invitation to tutor at-risk youth fueled her passion for education. Jennifer has since spent her career in science education, both as a middle and high school science teacher and as an informal educator, contributing to the development of resources such as Understanding Evolution and Understanding Science, and working with amazing scientists and educators to inspire scientific understanding and appreciation for a wide range of audiences.
Toby Ratcliffe Bothel
Toby Ratcliffe Bothel, an early pioneer for women in engineering, retired after 35 years as a naval architect from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. She is an endorsed professional development provider for the Engineering is Elementary Curriculum (Museum of Science, Boston). Toby has conducted hundreds of workshops for teachers and students, judged US and International robotic competitions and introduced thousands of K-12 students to the wonders of STEM. She holds a BA Degree in Physics and a MS Degree in Marine and Ocean Engineering. Toby currently serves as the Director of Engineering, Design and Digital Fabrication for the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES).