Speakers

Coming soon.

Speaker Name	Bio	Session
Corey Alderdice	The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees appointed Corey Alderdice as Director of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in 2012. He is now the school’s longest-serving Director. Since joining ASMSA’s community of learning, he has worked to bring national prestige to the state’s only public residential high school for talented students while developing new programs in computer science, entrepreneurship, global learning, and visual arts that underscore the unique opportunities available through the school’s “college bridge” experience. During his tenure, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post, and the Jay Matthews Challenge Index have named ASMSA among the nation’s top 25 and “public elite” high schools. His work in utilizing social media and technology for admissions and campus external relations has been spotlighted in Education Week and The Washington Post. Alderdice co-authored a chapter on public residential high schools as a form of academic acceleration in A Nation Empowered: Evidence Trumps the Excuses Holding Back America’s Brightest Students (2015), a follow-up to the landmark report A Nation Deceived (2004).
Robert Andrews	Rob Andrews joined the NCSSM Admissions Office as an admissions counselor in the fall of 2001. His primary territory for admissions has been Western North Carolina, but he has visited all 100 counties in his recruitment efforts. Rob specializes in rural recruitment and has a passion to make sure everyone knows about NCSSM. He has been the Student Ambassador Coordinator since 2001, and started the Online Ambassador Program in 2014. In 2018 Rob was promoted to Associate Director of Admissions responsible for recruitment and selection. He has been a club sponsor for a variety of clubs and has helped assist or lead student trips to Charleston, South Carolina and New York City. Rob was also the Head Softball Coach, a position he began in 2009, after being the assistant coach from 2005-2008. Rob stepped down after 2020 in that role to focus on admissions and the opening of the NCSSM Morganton campus. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bethany College, where he began his admissions career as a Student Ambassador and the Student Assistant to the Director of Admissions. After graduation, he was an Admissions Counselor at Bethany for two years before moving to North Carolina.
Kristen Angierski	Dr. Kristen Angierski received her PhD. in English from Cornell University in 2020. Her dissertation– titled “Fictions of Empathy: Embodied Ethics in Contemporary Anthropocene Literature”– examines the ethical promise and limitations of climate change fiction, or “cli-fi.” She is a published scholar in the environmental humanities and has presented papers at the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment (ASLE) conference, the Modern Language Association (MLA) Conference, and the Northeastern MLA (NeMLA) conference, among many others. She was ASLE’s scholar of the month in June of 2020 and won several competitive teaching fellowships while a doctoral candidate at Cornell. She is currently teaching “Ecofiction” to a bright group of 11th and 12th grade students at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.
Dr. Sowmya Anjur	Dr Sowmya Anjur holds two Masters Degrees (Clinical Biochemistry and Microbial Biochemistry) and a doctorate in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Her undergraduate specialization is in three fields: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Nutrition and Dietetics. She has a diploma in Civil Engineering, has worked in industry, and holds three national/international patents. Sowmya has been teaching Chemistry and Biology at the high school and college graduate and undergraduate levels for 25 years, currently teaching Biology at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) where she is also the Lead Scientific Inquiry and Research Coordinator, placing students in scientific research projects on and off campus. Her courses at IMSA have been developed to be student-centered with hands-on activities that nurture student creativity and enhance articulation. She incorporates high tech, challenging and inter-disciplinary projects, such as the construction of heart models and Arduino heart rate monitors, into her Pathophysiology course. Dr Anjur is the 2021 recipient of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA): Northrop Grumman Foundation Excellence in Engineering Education Award, Promising Projects Award (IAGC, 2017-2019), Principal’s Teaching Award, Online Teacher Professional Development Award (American Physiological Society), and APS Teacher Fellow. Annually she presents her work at the Experimental Biology conference, and has published her teaching research in journals. Sowmya has also presented her classroom research at the IAGC Conference and ISBE Classrooms in Action Conference. She is a National Board certified reader and has participated in National Board content validation surveys and a standard setting panel.
Rey Niño Baguio	Rey Nino N. Baguio is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University with degrees in Physics and Computer Engineering and is currently taking his Master’s Degree in Teaching Physics at the De La Salle University. He has had 11 years of experience teaching Physics, Integrated Science, Earth Science, and Mathematics to Rural, Private and Special Science secondary school students. He is currently an Integrated Science and Earth Science Teacher at the Philippine Science High School Main Campus. He is passionate about making science more accessible and nurturing the storyteller in every teacher.
Amanda Baskett	Amanda Dyann Baskett is the Director of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology in Conyers, Georgia. Before becoming an administrator she taught Research and Microbiology to 9th-12th graders. She is passionate about helping students experience hands-on science and serves as a co-director for the Rockdale Regional Science and Engineering Fair. She was a founding teacher for Georgia Tech’s K-12 InVenture Prize, an innovation competition for Georgia high schools. She has organized a summer STEAM camp for 4th-8th graders for the past 14 summers. She received the Georgia Junior Science and Humanities Symposium’s Science Teacher Award in 2012 and was selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year for 2012-2013. She served as a board member, research committee chair, and awards chair for the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools. She co-authored an article on computational biology education that was published in the August 2013 issue of Science and has presented her research at the American Society of Microbiology and the National Association for Gifted Children annual meetings. Amanda graduated with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology where she served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Technique. She earned her masters of curriculum and instruction in science education from the University of Texas Arlington and her specialist in educational leadership from Georgia College. She is the proud mom of eight-year-old Evelynne who loves reading and legos. Amanda and her husband, Kenny, do their best to keep up with Evey as she investigates new things everyday.
Taylor Belcher	Taylor graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 with Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education and a Master’s of Pure Mathematics from Bowling Green State University in 2016. He has been teaching mathematics to high school and college students since 2012. He is currently a math instructor at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and a part-time doctoral student in Computer Science at the University of South Carolina. Previously he has presented on using Standards Based Grading in College Classrooms and Techniques for Teaching Algebra I at various conferences.
Katie Berger	Katie Berger serves as IMSA’s Chief Student Affairs Officer. In this role, Ms. Berger oversees departments including Residence Life, Safety and Security, Health Services, Counseling, Food Services, Athletics, Campus Activities, Leadership Education, Service Learning and Student Conduct. Prior to becoming the Chief Student Affairs Officer, Ms. Berger served first as Assistant Director of Student Life for Leadership Education and Service Learning and then as the Associate Director of Student Life at IMSA. Before IMSA, her career in Student Affairs included experience in Residence Life, Leadership Education, Service Learning and Fraternity/Sorority Life at the college level and in the non-profit sector, which earned her recognition and awards for service to students and innovative professional practices. She also has experience as adjunct faculty teaching undergraduate Leadership Studies courses. Ms. Berger earned her Master of Arts in Leadership in Human Service Administration from Bradley University and serves as the President of the Bradley University Alumni Association. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at Northeastern University.
Anna Carmela B. Bonifacio	Anna Carmela B. Bonifacio has been teaching at the premier secondary school of the country, the Philippine Science High School for 19 years. She has handled Integrated Science I & II and Earth Science. Currently she teaches Physics I and Physics II. Ms. Bonifacio have served the institution in different capacities including National Competitive Examination (NCE) test developer, Physics Club head, Curriculum Instruction officer, and Batch Adviser. She also serves as team leader for the Philippine delegates to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). As an outreach, she has given presentations and workshops to public school teachers in primary and secondary levels.
David Bowker	David Bowker is the Director of the Office of Future Engineers at Purdue University. David is responsible for directing and implementing recruitment activities for the College of Engineering. Prior to being at Purdue, David spent three years as Recruitment Coordinator at Ivy Tech State College-Lafayette and a year advising in the School of Education at Purdue. David received his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision in 1994 and his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 1997 from Purdue University. David is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and conducts workshops with students and staff across campus. He also regularly teaches EDPS 105 Academic & Career planning for new freshmen in the undergraduate studies program at Purdue. David has presented on a variety of topics across the country including Purdue Engineering, Why Be An Engineer and Succeeding with Learning Differences. In 2015, he presented a local TEDx talk on college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8ngVzGx0Q
Aaron Brazelton	Aaron holds an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Alabama, an advanced certification from Harvard University in School Leadership and Management, and a Masters in Enrollment Management and Policy from The University of Southern California. From working with students in-person in Iraq to presenting at The University of Nis in Serbia, Aaron’s work in education touches almost every corner of the globe. In 2015, he won the International Exchange Alumnus Award from the U.S. Department of State and was quoted as “One of 50 People Changing the South” by the Southern Living Magazine. Aaron has been involved in admissions programs for the past 7 years. Most recently, Aaron was named a member of The University of Alabama’s 2021 “40 Under 40” cohort and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama. Aaron currently works as the Director of Admissions and Advancement for The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering.
Sonja Calderara	Dr. Calderara holds her doctoral degree in Science Education from NC State University in Raleigh NC. She has 20 years of experience in science education including teaching, mentoring, curriculum desing, grant management, and both school and district level science curriculum leadership. She has presented at NCSTA conferences multiple times and science educational conferences at NCSU.
Antonino Carnevali	I received my doctoral degree in physics from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1985. I worked as a research scientist in fusion energy for four years and then I taught physics for 32 years at the college level and currently at GSSM. I have authored or co-authored about 20 publications, including two in physics education: one in The Physics Teacher and the other in the American Journal of Physics. I gave dozens of presentations both in physics and in physics education.
Adrienne Coleman	Dr. Adrienne Coleman, a nationally recognized speaker/researcher, serves as the Director of Equity and Inclusion at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). In this role, she is responsible for developing strategies focused on diverse talent acquisition, support, and retention, as well as implementing IMSA’s equity and excellence plan. Not only has she influenced diversity, equity and inclusion practices at IMSA, she has assisted educational institutions, social-service organizations, law enforcement, and government in moving this work forward for approximately 20 years. Resulting from her contributions to the equity space, Dr. Coleman was the recipient of the 2020 ISU Alumni of the Year Award, 2018 IMSA Presidential Leadership Award, the 2018 Top Ladies of Distinction Hidden Figures Award, the 2016 NAACP Trailblazer in Education Award, the Leon Lederman Scholar’s Award for year’s 2013 – 2017 and the IMSA 2012 E = MC2 award. Her areas of interest include public health, social justice/DEI education and higher/gifted education. She has examined the racial inequities that exist in the STEM education to career pipeline. Her research has informed STEM programs throughout the nation including the University of California – Berkeley NIH Scholars Program, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Statistical Association; and recently shared in the global space at the Athens Institute for Education and Research STEAM Symposium. Dr. Adrienne Coleman possesses a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and a Master of Science in Public Health and Higher Education, both from Illinois State University.
Leo Andrei Crisologo	Leo Andrei Crisologo teaches Mathematics in the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus and has done so since 2008. He has conducted teacher training programs on STEM and the Engineering Design Process for public school teachers under the STEM+Ph initiative of Unilab Foundation, the Department of Education, and the Philippine Science High School System. He is one of the writers for the General Mathematics Learning Guides, a project of the Commission on Higher Education K-12 Transition Program to provide ready-made lessons to new Senior High School teachers during the transition. He has served as Curriculum and Instruction Division Chief for the Philippine Science High School Main Campus from 2017 to 2018 and is currently heading projects to produce educational video content for PSHS students. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a fellow of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers (Fulbright DAI) last 2020.
Daniel Crowe	This is Daniel Crowe’s 16th year teaching at the Academy of Science, which is now part of the Academies of Loudoun. He teaches AP Physics C: Mechanics, Integrated Science 3 (physics, chemistry, and Earth science), and Sophomore Science Research. This is his 28th year teaching. He is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers, having served on the Board of Directors, the Committee on Physics in High Schools (including being chair), the Committee on Research in Physics Education, and several other committees. He has presented at AAPT meetings, including a poster on this topic, a poster and an oral session on a proposed change in the label for what is traditionally called potential energy, and an oral presentation on a module that he helped to develop with the American Physical Society on nuclear forensics. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Forum on Education of the American Physical Society.
Ashley Deason	Dr. Ashley Deason is the research coordinator at Wheeler High School’s Center for the Advanced Studies in Marietta, Georgia. Ashley attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where she earned a B.S. in Biochemistry. After college she joined Teach for America which is where she discovered her true love of STEM education. She received her M.Ed. in Instructional Accommodation from Francis Marion University and Ed.D. from Kennesaw State University in Secondary Chemistry Education. Her graduate research was based in increasing the representation of teachers of color in STEM classrooms. As research coordinator, Ashley works closely with students and mentors to seamlessly integrate research into offsite internships. She is excited to be attending her 3rd professional NCSSS conference and is honored to be presenting for the second time.
Erin K. Fox	Erin Fox is the Director of Advising and Academic Operations at NCSSM. In this role, she oversees the Center of Advising and Academic Success (CAAS) and supports academic operations including special events planning and coordination of annual AP testing. Erin has centered her 18-year career in holistic, strengths-based student development, serving in professional roles and building campus programs for academic coaching and success, student leadership and engagement, and orientation and first year experience as well as teaching courses in peer coaching, first year experience, leadership development, and academic strategies. Erin has previously presented at NACADA, NASPA, and NACA and chaired the 2013 NCCPA LEAD Conference; she has also held several leadership roles with the NASPA Region III Board. Erin came to NCSSM in 2021 from UNC Charlotte where she was Assistant Director for Advising and Student Success. Erin earned a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration/Student Development and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was recognized by NCCPA in 2012 for Outstanding Professional Contribution, by ACPA in 2009 as a national Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professional, and as winner of the inaugural 2007 NODA-SROW Graduate Case Study competition.
Mitch Frye	Mitch Frye is the Academic Dean at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, where he taught English for seven years before becoming an administrator. His essays on literature have been published in Critique, Nabokov Studies, The F. Scott Fitzgerald Review, and other venues. Recently, he has presented papers at the 2021 NCSSS Conference and the 2021 Northeast Pop Culture Association Conference.
Mattie Gaddy-Parks	Mattie Gaddy-Parks is a member of NCSSM’s Enrollment Services Department, with her primary focus since 2005 being the school’s Admissions Department. Prior to serving as the Director of Admissions, Mattie served as an Associate Director of Budgeting and Operations for NCSSM, covering most of eastern North Carolina and the metropolitan areas of the state. Since coming to NCSSM she has served on various committees to include Campus Security and Safety; Native American Advisory Board; Calendar and Scheduling; Summer Leadership; Campus, Climate, Culture, and Diversity; Staff Senate; and several external STEM Advisory Boards. Additionally, she is a 2019 Education Policy Fellow and serves as a mentor for NC Public Forum. While at NCSSM Mattie has been afforded the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most brilliant and creative young people by serving as a club sponsor for NIA, Legacy, Hope, and Africa Fest. She is passionate about empowering young people to see their true potential and in her role in admissions, she can do just that. Mattie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University.
Rebecca Gaillot	Rebecca Gaillot has her Master’s degree in math education and has been teaching various STEM subjects for 17 years. Most recently, she has focused on Engineering and teaches two courses in this field. One of the courses is dual enrollment with Louisiana State University. She has presented at NCTM and at NCSSS three times on various topics including Engineering, Statistics, and supporting LGBTQ youth.
Elizabeth Gainsford	Liz Gainsford is the Internship Coordinator at Wheeler High School’s Center for the Advanced Studies in Marietta, Georgia. Liz attended Southern Methodist University and earned a BBA and a BFA. After college she pursued a successful career in broadcast technology and business marketing working for both large and small manufacturers of broadcast television equipment. By bringing years of business experience to the classroom, Liz adds a unique real-world perspective to the Internship and Research Capstone courses. She is currently working on her Masters in the Art of Teaching in Secondary Business Education. As Internship Coordinator, Liz works closely with students, mentors and the research coordinator to seamlessly integrate research into offsite internships. She is honored to be attending and presenting at her second professional NCSSS conference.
Diane Gerard	20 years teaching history, philosophy, and international affairs at ASMS. Doctor of Arts; NBCT Presented 4x at NCSSS/NCSS Current Research Interest New Urbanism, Urban Planning in Historic Cities
Justin Gildner	Justin Gildner has over 20 years of progressively more responsible positions in a sworn law enforcement capacity within municipal police and sheriff’s departments as well as non sworn public safety leadership positions on university and college campuses. His assignments as a sworn law enforcement officer have included patrol, narcotics, K9 and detectives. He has taught Criminal Justice in community college classrooms as well as in the Police Academy. He retired from his life as a sworn officer holding the rank of sergeant. He is currently the Director of Campus of Campus Safety for the North Carolina School for Science and Mathematics – Morganton. He holds an MS in Criminal Justice and and MS in Emergency Management. Justin enjoys collecting vinyl records and is an avid supporter of Manchester United, Boston Bruins, Red Sox & the Pats. He literally lives and dies with each win or loss, and is extremely proud that he has brainwashed his family to be as avid of fans as he is.
Evan Glazer, Ph.D.	Dr. Evan Glazer has deep experience leading high performing, specialized secondary STEM schools with rigorous academic programs, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology, as well as the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), where he currently serves as President. Evan is a student of STEM, and leading a STEM school is part of his core experience and identity. Prior to joining IMSA, Evan served as Head of School for Avenues: The World School in New York. Before Avenues, he served more than ten years as principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). Under his leadership, TJHSST received the Star Innovator for Science award and was named the number one high school in the country by U.S. News, World Report and Newsweek. Passionate about teaching, Evan also made time to teach math class and clubs, as well as offer seminars about leadership and social impact to students while at Avenues and TJHSST. Evan’s earlier school leadership experience includes serving as the director of Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology. Evan received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Illinois. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. Having spent most of his career in progressive schools with interdisciplinary and project-based curricula, Evan holds a deep regard for instructional and student-led innovation, diversity, equity and inclusion and ethics, all underpinned by a strong culture.
Tim Gott	Past President of NCSSS Retired Director of Gatton Academy Retired Principal of Palmetto Scholars Academy Presently teaching for SCGSSM Presently coaching and consulting with over 30 clients.
Deborah Gray
Scott Hanson	Scott Hanson is a 19 year veteran teacher at the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center who was told in his first year he would be teaching other inquiring minds how to do research. He has taught a wide variety of chemistry classes at the center (General Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry) and even a few electives (Research Methods, Food Science, Forensic Science). He is constantly looking for the next technological link to reach his students at a different level. When not being a technological innovator at school, he is busy wrangling his three young children who all happen to be born on the same date. Note, only two of them are twins.
Stuart Harmon	Stuart Harmon is an educator at The Academy for Science And Design. He currently teaches Senior Writing, Film Studies, and Public Speaking. He is also the director of the theatre department. He is a professional performer and presenter and is still very active in the performing arts community. He is regularly hired as an MC and presenter for professional and community performances and productions throughout New England. He also regularly appears in various professional shows and the occasional television spot.
William Hathaway	William Hathaway has a dual degree in English and Theater with certification in English. He has an MFA in Playwriting and has been teaching English and Playwriting and Journalism for 22 years at Bergen County Academies and every day in the classroom is a presentation experience.
Josh Headley	Josh Headley began teaching in the History Department at the Polytechnic Institute in the fall of 1999, and was appointed History Department Head in 2009. Since that time, he has taught each course offered within the department, and written curriculum for three additional courses. Under his leadership, the History Department has led both Baltimore City and the state of Maryland in academic achievement, demonstrated through Advanced Placement course offerings and Maryland standardized assessment results. Mr. Headley was instrumental in bringing the use of graphic novels to enhance content literacy to City Schools, through the innovative use of Maus in the Modern World History course. That led to the redesign of the Contemporary World Affairs course, into an international tour through the reading of contemporary graphic novels, addressing current political events through graphic literature. Mr. Headley is most proud of bringing the AP Capstone curriculum to the Polytechnic Institute 2015. An innovative course of study that teaches in-depth scholarly academic research on the student’s choice of topic, Mr. Headley wrote the curriculum for a sophomore level Introduction to Research Methods course, making the Capstone curricular pathway a three year experience, equitable with the two existent science research programs. In 2021, Mr. Headley was appointed as the AP Capstone Coordinator at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and the AP Capstone program lead for Baltimore City Schools, as twelve additional high schools adopted the AP Capstone program. He routinely leads professional development for his peers, and has presented consistently at professional conferences.
Larry Hodges	Larry Hodges is Chair of Computer Science for the Durham, Morganton and Online Campuses of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. During his career he has served as the C. Tycho Howle Endowed Chair and Director of the Clemson University School of Computing, Chair of the Computer Science Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and was a founding faculty member of both the College of Computing and the GVU Center at Georgia Tech. His published research and presentations have been cited over 19,000 times in journals and conference proceedings. He is also a co-founder of two companies: Virtually Better, LLC in Atlanta, and Recovr, Inc. in Clemson, SC. Dr. Hodges completed his PhD and MS in Computer Science at North Carolina State University, the Master of Arts in Religion at Lancaster Theological Seminary, and the BA with a double major in mathematics and physics at Elon University. In 2017 he was inducted into the NCSU Computer Science Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2018 Elon University honored him with a College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.
Joshua Hunter	WCPSS Science Core Leadership Team, WCPSS 6th Grade Science PLT Facilitator, Reading Apprenticeship Online Course Designer/Moderator, NCSTA Conference Presenter, NSTA Conference, WCPSS Science Professional Learning Facilitator; Chemical Hygiene Officer, AIG Trainer, School Improvement Team, Leadership Team, Science Department Chair, WCPSS Science Curriculum Writing Team, Common Core Certification, Middle School ELA Common Core Lesson Plan Design, Magnet Technology Team, Digital Portfolio Committee, Discovery Education Network Ambassador, Literacy Workshop Creator/Facilitator, Flinn Science Safety Training, Citizen Science, Getting To The Core of Secondary Literacy, Reading Apprenticeship Training, Grade Level Chair, Media & Technology Committee, Differentiation Training, Beginning Teacher Mentor, District Science Fair Coordinator, School Webmaster, Virtual Professional Development Coordinator, Online Course Mentor for Aventa Learning, NCCAT Connections, Duplin County ILT Program, North Carolina Teacher Academy (Framework for Understanding Poverty/Digital Teaching), NCDPI Train-the Trainer: Asking Better Questions, NCDPI Getting to the Core of Mathematics, PBIS, RTI, NCDPI Middle Grades Institute, SIOP training, Applebaum Training, CPI, CPR, Think Tank Creator, Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Science Olympiad Coach, NCSU Science Club, Media Committee; NAGC Conference, BASF Business Partner
Megan Johnston	Megan Johnston has been teaching high school language arts for four years, specifically with North Gwinnett High School. She is currently the school’s 11th Grade LA Course Team Lead and she teach AP Language and Composition with her co-teacher, Katie Massey, who teaches AP US History. She is always excited to learn about new and innovative ways to support her students in their STEM journeys, and she is so excited for the conference to be held in Atlanta this year! Megan is looking forward to attending and potentially having the opportunity to share our knowledge with other educators. Megan recently presented a session on digital book circles at the Georgia Council of Teachers of English (GCTE) conference this year and she helped present a session on inquiry-based learning at a Georgia State University conference for educators in 2017.
Diana Kennen	Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU). Master of Education from University of Massachusetts. Recently completed the Data Science Bootcamp at Georgia Tech. Diana Kennen has been working as a teacher for 26 years, the last 17 at the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology teaching chemistry, oceanography, research, engineering, and computer science classes. She has been an AP chemistry reader for many years. Prior to teaching, in her early career, she worked as a process contact engineer for Exxon Plastics. She has presented at NCSSS, NSTA, ChemEd, and for Collier County and Rockdale County professional development on topics related to chemistry education, assessment, admissions, serving gifted students in AP courses, and on integrating engineering practices into science classes.
Jamie L. Lathan	Jamie Lathan is a secondary social studies teacher who received his Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A National Board Certified teacher, he has worked with high school students of diverse abilities and backgrounds during his 21-year career. His leadership and involvement in state and national social studies and distance education organizations mirrors his research interests – racial equity in social studies curriculum and teaching in online and face-to-face school environments. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Extended Learning at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in Durham, N. C. where he received the 2020 University of North Carolina Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching. He resides in Durham with his wife, Lucinda, and their three young children.
Walt Levisee	Employed as math teacher at ASMSA since 1997 Department Chair since 2006 Courses taught: Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Calculus 3, Differential Equations, and Precalculus. I have also taught a number of developmental classes. I have made a number of presentations at T-Cubed conferences, and ACTM Conferences.
Ashley Loftis	Ashley has had the privilege of teaching at her alma mater, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, for the past five years. She has earned a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.Ed. in Mathematics Education both from North Carolina State. She is in her third year of a Ph.D. program at N.C. State where her research interests include the professional development of secondary and undergraduate mathematics teachers. While at NCSSM, she has taught Precalculus, Calculus, and Civic Mathematics. Ashley has also taught for the Duke Summer School and served as a visiting lecturer for schools in both Thailand and Cambodia. Additionally, she has presented at numerous state and national conferences, including the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Teaching Contemporary Mathematics Conferences. Her most recent presentations focus on providing activities for teachers that illuminate the mathematics behind real-world issues. Finally, through her work at NCSSM, she has been able to pursue her passion for providing enriching mathematical experiences to underrepresented populations of middle and high school girls. As both a product of the public school and the university system, Ashley strongly believes that every student deserves an exceptional education regardless of their background.
Matt Massey	Matt Massey has been the President of The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) since 2019. Prior to this position at ASCTE, Mr. Massey served as the Superintendent of Madison County School System leading over 19,000 students and 28 schools in North Alabama. His commitment to providing great educational experiences to Alabama students has been evident in his 20+ years in Education. Mr. Massey earned the prestigious National Board Certification and through the National Math and Science Initiative, he often traveled the nation providing professional development for Math teachers and working directly with students in underserved communities. His dedication to redefining the metrics of achievement has recently led him to present at national conferences sharing about ASCTE’s innovative mastery grading system. Mr. Massey has guided the development of the unique curriculum, programs, and internships ASCTE offers to students across the state of Alabama. He brings together academia, industry, government, and nonprofits to support the successful integration of cyber technology into the engineering life cycle – securing ASCTE as a state and national model for other programs. Mr. Massey believes that every student has the potential to achieve great things and reflects that in the school’s mission to ensure all students achieve high levels of learning.
Rheo Morris, Ph.D.	Dr. Rheo Morris has been the Dean of Students at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) since 2017. Prior to her role at ASMSA, she had the opportunity to serve in various roles within Residence Life at the university level for 17 years. Rheo specializes in student affairs and is a staunch advocate for students’ growth and development through educational outcomes. She believes that teaching doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Instead, Rheo knows that opportunities for teaching and development exist everywhere on campus, and it is her responsibility to seize these moments and promote positive interactions.
Shani Ortiz	Shani has been working in education for nearly 20 years, beginning her career in the test prep industry, where she rose from department assistant to manager of course and tutorial programs. She has been a part of the Ingenuity team since 2006; she worked as the admissions coordinator for five years and then spent several years tackling college counseling and special projects. In 2016, she became a full-time team member again as the Dean of Student Engagement and College Advisement. Whether working in admissions or student services, as an adjunct professor or college counselor, her belief in the intrinsic value of education has been her North Star. She is committed to providing the best possible support to students and she’s passionate about helping them and their families navigate the journey to and through college. Along with her Executive Director, Shani presented at the 2021 NCSSS conference in Kansas City, discussing equity tools that they developed for their organization.
Jody Paramore	Jody Paramore is an Instructional Coach who works at Wake Early College of Health & Science. He leads and supports instructional growth with individual teachers, PLTs, & schoolwide. Jody believes education should be student-centered and prioritize real life preparation via building the 4Cs of Collaboration, Creativity, effective Communication, & Critical thinking. Jody has served as a public school educator for over 22 years mostly in the capacity of a high school science teacher. He has received multiple recognitions/awards for his work with bringing STEM student research into the classroom. He holds a B.S. & M.A.Ed. in Science Education from East Carolina University. You can often find Jody spending time with his family and horses, swimming laps, or at his church.
Karen Payson	Karen Payson has been a math and science teacher at Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center for 20 years. She has filled a variety of roles, including student internship coordinator, and teacher of advanced physics, AP Physics, AP Statistics, Advanced Statistics, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus. Her major focus has been helping students develop a sense of curiosity and awe about the world around them. When not in school, Karen enjoys observing birds, riding horses, and hiking with her family.
Lottie Peppers	Teacher
Kornellie L. Raquitico	Ms. Kornellie L. Raquitico has been teaching various English courses for learners of different ages, cultures, and interests for 17 years. She finished her Bachelor in Secondary Education (Major in English) and Master of Arts in Education (Specialization in Literature) degrees at the Philippine Normal University. She taught grade school and high school English subjects in Assumption Antipolo and undergraduate and graduate English and Literature courses at Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College. She co-revised the Phoenix Learning Package Skill Builders for Efficient Reading 7 and 8 (3rd Edition) and co-wrote Converge: 21st Century Literatures from the Philippines and the World (Phoenix Publishing House). Currently, she is a Special Science Teacher V at the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus teaching Senior High English courses. She is also currently the president of the Literature Educators Association of the Philippines or LEAP.
Philip Rash	Philip is in his 18th year as a member of the NCSSM Mathematics faculty. A NC native, he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in western NC and has high school and university teaching experience prior to NCSSM. At NCSSM Philip teaches Calculus and several post-calculus elective courses. He’s also very involved with math contests, including co-chairing the NCCTM State Math Contest committee. Some of Philip’s awards include the 2016 UNC Board of Governors teaching award and a 2008 MAA Edyth May Sliffe Award. Presentation experience includes presentations at NCSSM’s annual Teaching Contemporary Mathematics conference as well as Phillips Exeter Academy’s summer week-long Anja S. Greer Math, Science, and Technology conference.
Eric Rettberg	Eric Rettberg is an English teacher at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. He earned his Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Virginia in 2012, where he studied poetry, American Literature, sound, and the digital humanities. He has presented at national literary students conferences and an international Digital Humanities conference, and his work has appeared in fora including Comparative Literature Studies and Jacket 2. He is in the early stages of a book project about treating the internet as a cultural text in K12 and college classrooms.
Keisha Rheams
Nicole Rosen	Dr. Nicole Rosen is in her fourth year as the Research Director for The Ingenuity Project at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Poly). She is responsible for teaching sophomores and overseeing the junior and senior research and innovation practicum courses.
Nicole Ross	Dr. Nicole Ross is a Curriculum Writer and Professional Development Specialist at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). She writes new STEM curricula for the State of Illinois and provides professional development to classroom teachers. Dr. Ross received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neuroscience at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD., and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a focus on Chemistry from North Carolina State University. Her career began in academic research before moving into the field of education. While transitioning to Secondary Education, she worked as an Adjunct Professor at the Community College level. Upon receiving certification in the State of Illinois, she taught a variety of science courses at the high school level before moving into her current position at IMSA. Her educational passion at IMSA is in STEM integration, elementary through high school levels.
Drew Schrader	Drew Schrader, M.Ed., is a School Program Manager. He has worked to help educators across a wide range of contexts redesign their systems around deeper learning for all students with a particular focus on project-based learning and authentic assessment. Prior to working at Challenge Success, he served as the Director of Assessment and a School Development Coach for New Tech Network. He was also a founding teacher and local teacher advocate at The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship in Bloomington, IN. He has particular interests in improvement science and organizational change.
Jennifer Seavey	Jennifer Seavey has taught Humanities, CHUM (Integrated Chemistry and Humanities), IBET (Integrated Biology, English, and Technology) AP English Language and Composition and Journalism 1-4 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. She has a Masters in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted Education from the University of Virginia. Seavey is a twice DuPont Challenge-recognized teacher as well as a Distinguished Scholastic Writing Awards educator. She has been a Teacher Consultant in the Northern Virginia Writing Project since 2006. As a long-time journalism adviser, she recognizes the importance of making science writing accessible and understandable. As a debate coach, she understands the power of successful presentation skills. Seavey has presented at NCSSS several times, the most recently in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Mandi Sonnenberg	Dr. Mandi Fraley Sonnenberg is the Director of STEAM Projects and Education at St. Teresa’s Academy. She came to STA as a professor from the School of Education at Rockhurst University in the Summer, 2020. In Fall of 2020 Sonnenberg co-authored the published STEAM Studio Curriculum for K-8. All Design Thinking Activities are designed and written for learners to feel frustration and failure as they figure it out and have fun during the process. She co-authored the remarkable, research-based book, “Unleashing Creative Genius: STEAM Studio’s Impact on Learning,” in 2017.
Heather Stanfield	Heather Stanfield, BS Biology, MAT North Gwinnett High School, Suwanee, GA 30024 AP Environmental Science Course Team Lead, CHARGEnorth STEAM program teacher Teaching Experience: 6 years, Biology and AP Environmental Science Gifted Certified Due to my current leadership roles at North, I present weekly for my team, as well as for the New Teacher Induction Program I help lead. I am comfortable in various presentation environments, using Google platforms and Microsoft programs.
Shaquana Suggs	Shaquana Suggs joined NCSSM in July 2021 as a community coordinator for 3rd Beall Hall. She is a native of North Carolina and has taught English Composition at several colleges and universities in the area, including some public and private institutions. She is originally from Wilmington, N.C., but moved to Durham when she was in third grade. A fan of the arts and humanities, she attended Durham School of the Arts, and later UNC Greensboro where she double majored in English and studio art. She earned her master’s degree in English at UNC Greensboro as well. In her spare time, she enjoys writing novels, crafting, and some interior design. She also enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and camping. BA, English and Studio Art, UNC Greensboro MA, English, UNC Greensboro
Joyce Symoniak	As a visual art faculty member within a STEM school Joyce Symoniak was hired with the understanding of creating curriculum that is reflective of a STEM school within the visual arts. Now 7 years later we have enhanced the visual arts program by adding 6 new courses, created a new visual arts lab and a 20 seat digital darkroom. Joyce has a Master of Fine Art in digital media, a Master of Art in studio art and art history, along with a Bachelor of Fine Art in scientific illustration. Through the use of science her MA series was produced by using different levels of carbon to produce soft drawings. Her MFA was the progression of the carbon based works but the additive of digital media, creating a series of works along with a full dissertation. Joyce has taught for over 30 years, writing new curriculum each year and developing courses to keep up the changing technologies within the visual arts. Throughout this time she has shown her own works nationally and internationally, including artist talks and discussions regarding my process and understanding of the strong ties between the arts and STEM learning.
Angela L. Teachey	Angela Teachey is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs at NCSSM. In this role, she oversees a variety of programs including academic advising, academic competitions, and January Term. She implements policies including faculty reappointment, teaching awards, academic travel, code of conduct, and the academic calendar. She has also served as a leader in a graduate visioning initiative, strategic planning process, and implementation teams that resulted in major NCSSM policy changes for calendar, schedule, and graduation requirements. Angela has previously presented at NCSSS on academic advising in 2017 and 2021. She has presented at a number of conferences on topics in mathematics education and on strategies for supporting women in STEM fields. Prior to assuming her current position, Angela was a member of the mathematics faculty at NCSSM for nine years, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Kennesaw State University, and Coordinator of Academic Operations at the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Angela earned her BA and MAT at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her PhD at North Carolina State University.
Cathy Thomas	Cathy Thomas is a native of South Carolina and has been a Student Affairs/Services practitioner for over 15 years. Her Master’s Degree is in Student Affairs and Higher Education and her Educational Doctorate Degree is in Educational Leadership and management. She previously worked as a Residence Life Coordinator at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) for six years from 2005-2011. After receiving notification from a former supervisor about a position back at GSSM in Student Activities, Cathy returned to GSSM in 2015. That summer she began her new tenure at the institution. In 2018, she became the Dean of Students combining both the Residence Life Department and the Student Activities Department to form Campus Life. During her time at GSSM, she re-imagined the Community Engagement program, the Residential and Student Activities curriculum. These programs underwent changes to place a focus on student leadership development, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a part of and established membership for GSSM to the following organizations: NASPA, NACA, SACSA, and ACPA. Within these organizations Cathy has volunteered her time reviewing programs and presenting at SACSA. Other presentation experience includes a 2017 presentation at NCSSS.
Rebecca Thrash	Rebecca Thrash, Ed.S., currently teaches in the Math/Science specialty department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Courses taught include AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, and AP Environmental Science. She has previously taught both levels of ASFA’s research courses and is a Senior Research faculty advisor. She has presented curriculum development work at the AAAS Annual Conference and presented collaborative work on teaching ELLs at the TESOL International Conference. She has also led various workshops for teaching biology content for Alabama Science in Motion and A+ College Ready. She currently serves as the AP Psychology Content Specialist for A+ College Ready where she designs curriculum and develops professional learning opportunities for new AP teachers.
Wendy W Qiu	Relevant Presentation Experience: – Presented twice in the past five years at the NCSSS conferences Work Experience: – 12 years of teaching experience as a math and computer science teacher at the Bronx High School of Science. – Before teaching, worked on IT project manager, software developer and systems analyst roles at top investment banks including the UBS Investment Bank and Citigroup. Education Background: – Master of Philosophy, Mathematics and Education, Columbia University – Master of Art, Mathematics Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
Kara Whitney	Education: B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Alabama M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Alabama Previous Experience: Prior to ASMS, Mrs. Whitney worked at AltaPointe Health Systems for 9 years. First serving as a Child and Adolescent Therapist for a locked residential unit at BayPointe Hospital. She provided individual, group, and family therapy for adolescents in long term care with a significant history of trauma. In 2010, she was promoted within AltaPointe to Adult Residential Services to assist with the downsizing and eventual closure of Searcy Hospital. During that time, she supervised 8 group homes with a goal of preventing re-hospitalization of clients who had spent most of their lives in a state mental hospital. This involved a lot of creative problem solving to teach clients how to adjust to the local community. Prior to AltaPointe Health systems, Mrs. Whitney worked for the University of South Alabama in the Department of Housing for 6 years. Accomplishments: Mrs. Whitney has extensive experience working with individuals with a history of trauma and severe mental illness diagnoses (psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc). The bulk of her clinical work as a therapist involved treatment of adolescents with severe traumatic experiences.
Joshua Witten	Dr. Joshua Witten is the Director of Research & Inquiry at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM). GSSM is a public, selective STEM school based in Hartsville, SC that serves students from across South Carolina through residential (Grades 11-12), virtual (Grades 10-12), and outreach (K-12) programs. Dr. Witten has led the student research experience programming at GSSM since 2015. In that time, he has facilitated student research experiences for nearly 1000 GSSM students at research institutions across South Carolina, the US, and internationally. He earned his PhD in Molecular Cell Biology from Washington University in St. Louis studying cell models for genetic variation. Before joining GSSM, he was a Career Development Fellow at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK researching genome-wide regulation of alternative RNA splicing. To provide even more opportunity for students to directly engage in authentic research experiences, Dr. Witten has led an expansion of college-level research programs with GSSM faculty and is bringing a cutting-edge vertical hydroponic research lab to the GSSM campus.
Kim Yeager	Since joining Loudoun County Public Schools in 2008, Kim Yeager has served students in several capacities. As a Career and Technical Education teacher, Ms. Yeager taught at Freedom High School in South Riding, VA and served as Career and Technical Education Department Chair at John Champe High School in Aldie, VA. In 2014, Ms. Yeager joined the team at Monroe Technology Center as Placement Coordinator, focusing on admissions, dual enrollment and outreach. In the summer of 2018, she joined the flagship school of Loudoun known as the Academies of Loudoun as Placement Coordinator and is now solely focused on making meaningful connections with the Loudoun business community to facilitate enrichment opportunities for students. These include internships, mentorships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, service learning and practicums. Mrs. Yeager holds a B.A. in Communications and a certificate of Administrative Leadership K-12 from George Mason University, and a Masters of Education in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.