Project Director

Professional Development Director

Sharlene Yang is the professional development director for the project. She has ten plus years of experience as both a science educator and researcher that includes teaching biology, environmental outreach education, and research in biopsychology. Prior to joining the EiE team, Sharlene was a founding teacher at an alternative school for “at risk” teens; she understands the challenges of working with children that struggle in a mainstream school environment and the importance of creating a classroom that fosters inquiry and student-centered learning. With that in mind, Sharlene conducts teacher professional development that not only teaches content, but models strong science pedagogy so that elementary school teachers can experience for themselves the power of inquiry-based and open-ended learning. Sharlene received her B.A. in Biology and Psychology from Cornell University, her M.S. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan, and her M.A.T. in Science Education from Tufts University.

Research and Evaluation Director

Dr. Cathy Lachapelle currently leads the assessment efforts for the EiE curriculum, designing assessment instruments, pilot and field testing them, and conducting research on how children use the EiE materials. She has worked on a number of research and evaluation projects related to K-16 STEM education, including the Women's Experiences in College Engineering (WECE) study of factors influencing the persistence of undergraduate women in engineering schools. She is particularly interested in how students learn science, engineering, and mathematics through collaborative interaction and through scaffolded experiences engaging in disciplinary practices. Cathy received her S.B. in cognitive science from MIT, and her Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University.

Professional Development Staff

Valerie Costa is the professional development coordinator for the project, creating and organizing professional development materials and resources for the EiE team. Valerie received her B.A. in History from Saint Anselm College. Prior to joining EiE, she worked as a senior research/evaluation assistant for the National Center for Technological Literacy at the Museum of Science.

Martha Davis is a program manager on the EiE Professional Development and Curriculum teams. Before joining the EiE team, Martha spent 10 years as a research associate for the elementary science team at the Center for Science Education at EDC in Newton. She also spent seven years as an elementary science program specialist in the Needham Public Schools and was a research assistant for Harvard Project Zero in the 1980’s. She received her undergraduate degree in Child Study from Eliot-Pearson at Tufts.

Erin Fitzgerald is a senior professional development/curriculum associate on the EiE Professional Development team. She received her S.B. from MIT in Literature with a Minor in Mechanical Engineering, and received her M.Ed. from Marquette University in Educational Policy and Leadership with a focus in Secondary Math Education. Prior to joining EiE, Erin was a corps member in Teach for America. While at Teach for America, she taught high school math in Milwaukee, WI in both the public and private school systems and led trainings for first and second year Milwaukee math teachers.

Kristin Sargianis is a program manager on the EiE Professional Development team. She has been a part of the EiE project for over six years, working on curriculum development as well as professional development and research/evaluation efforts. Kristin was previously a K-2 classroom teacher at Anova: The Massachusetts School for Science, Creativity, and Leadership. She received her B.S. in Biology from Cornell University and has worked as a research assistant conducting scientific research on ecological and marine systems.

Curriculum and Research Staff

Owen Berliner is a senior curriculum/professional development assistant for the project. He received a B.A. in Archaeology with a minor in Geology from Dickinson College and an M.A. in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining EiE, Owen spent four seasons excavating the ancient palace of Mycenae in Greece, as well as a year digging up sites in the American Southeast. He got his start in informal education working at the Congressional Youth Leadership Council in Washington, DC, which he followed up at the Oriental Institute Museum of Chicago by implementing and evaluating a new archaeological interactive exhibit.

Michelle DiIeso is a senior curriculum/professional development assistant for the project. She graduated with a B.S. in the Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration program, with a focus on Psychology and Equine-Assisted Therapy, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has worked in the K'NEX and Diabetes exhibits in the Museum of Science.

Melissa Higgins is a program manager for curriculum development aspects of the project. Melissa received her B.A. in Architectural Studies from Connecticut College and Master's degree in Museum Studies from the Harvard University Extension School. Prior to working with EiE, Melissa worked at the Museum of Science as an exhibit interpreter.

Katy Laguzza is a senior curriculum/research assistant for the project. She received a B.A. in Puppetry and Human Rights from the University of Connecticut. She previously worked as a curriculum development intern for the Overnight Program at the Museum of Science.

Research and Evaluation Staff

Jennifer Jocz is a senior research and evaluation assistant for the project. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, and Harvard University with an A.M. in Biology and an Ed.M in Education. Previously, she worked at the Museum of Science as an exhibit interpreter. At EiE, Jennifer works with the team in testing, implementing and evaluating curricula.

Chantez Neymoss is a data entry assistant for the project. She graduated from Emerson College with a B.F.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing. Previously, she worked at the Emerson College Library and plans to get her masters in library science. With the EiE team, Chantez processes evaluations and assessments in electronic as well as print form.

Preeya Phadnis is a senior research and evaluation assistant for the project. She recently graduated from MIT with a B.S. in physics, and is planning to attend graduate school in statistics.

Stephen Sullivan is a research staff assistant for the project. He graduated from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in History and Anthropology. He is currently a candidate working toward an A.L.M. in Museum Studies from Harvard University Extension School. With the EiE team, Stephen is responsible for processing evaluations and assessments in electronic as well as print form.

Multimedia Staff

Bharat Battu is a multimedia research associate for the EiE project. Bharat graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in Clinical Psychology, and is currently an Ed.M Candidate in Technology, Innovation, and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining EiE, he worked as a research coordinator for Massachusetts General Hospital. At EiE, he designs online instructional multimedia to aid teachers in using EiE in their classrooms.

Michelle Mizner is a multimedia research associate and classroom video producer for EiE. She studied Cinema at CSU Northridge on full academic scholarship, and since graduating, has focused on producing documentary films. Her film “The Last Elephants in Thailand” screened domestically and internationally, including the UN Film Festival and the San Antonio Film Festival, where it won Best Short Documentary. In addition to working with EiE, Michelle is the owner of Field Work Media, a video production company in Boston.

Store Coordinator

Emily Young is the store coordinator and point person for EiE sales. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puget Sound with a focus on marine ecology. She has worked with Broadreach Marine Accredited Programs, Blue Ocean Society, and the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman’s Association. In addition to her biology experience, she has worked in the retail management industry for over three years, working with Pacific Sunwear as well as Lucky Brand Jeans.

Partnerships, Outreach, and Dissemination Staff

Jeff Odell is the outreach program manager for EiE, a position that brings together his experience in graphic design, communications, and eleven years teaching at the elementary level. He hopes his daughter Sophie, 8, can envision engineering as a viable career option and can attest that his son Tad, 3, already sees himself as an engineer. Jeff received a B.A. from Swarthmore College, an M.A. in American Studies from the University of London, and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University.

Previous Team Members

Mike Arquin, Teacher Educator
Keri Cunningham, Program Assistant
Ryan Doucette, Office & Materials Assistant
Laura Fallon, Office & Materials Assistant
Gretchen Fougere, Strategic Projects Manager
Liz Fox, Assistant Store Coordinator
Vladimir Guerrero, Data Entry Assistant
Colin Hansen, Office & Materials Assistant
Branwen Hardebeck-Durso, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Kate Hester, Content Development Director
Alison Kay, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Kris Keenan, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Meredith Knight, Teacher Educator
Lacy Kosier-Sylvia, Program Assistant
Anna Lindgren-Streicher, Senior Curriculum and Research Assistant
Harriet Mabikke, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Shadia Marhaban, Research Assistant
Jeannette Martin, Illustrator
Araceli Ortiz, Lead Content Developer
Euridice Oware, Professional Development Partnership Director
Justin Poppe, Office & Materials Assistant
Ben Schersten, Senior Curriculum and Research Assistant
Darshita (Dipa) Shah, Program Manager for Curriculum Development
Fern Supawanich, Senior Curriculum and Research Assistant
Ellen Takata, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Gloria Tower, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Jetta Walker, Data Entry Assistant
Jeremy Wertheimer, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Ruth Wishengrad, Lead Content Developer

Campbell-Kibler Inc., External Evaluator of Curriculum Materials Development

Previous Interns, Volunteers, and Teachers in Residence

A number of summer and part-time interns, volunteers, and Teachers in Residence have helped with the development, editing, revisions, and logistics for the project. These include:

Rachell Arteaga, intern
Rebecca Barra, intern
Lisa Burton, volunteer
Elissa Chin, intern
Matthew Cohen, intern
Julie DiPasquale, Teacher in Residence
Mark Dohle, intern
Dick Gladstone, volunteer
Rebecca Graber, intern
Krista Hollis, intern
Liz Jackson, intern
Sharon Kam, intern
Daniel Kuncik, intern
Chad Lewis, intern
Corrin Marquardt, intern
Jonathan McLeod, intern
Leslie McRobie, Teacher in Residence
Danielle Miller, intern
Daniel Nass, intern
Brandon Orszulak, intern
Sabrina Provencher, intern
Carolyn Townsend, Teacher in Residence
Jared Trotter, intern
Amy Severance, Teacher in Residence
Erica Wilson, intern
Bryan Wittstein, intern
Lily Zhang, intern

Consultants

Carolyn DeCristofano, Professional Development Resources Consultant, served as EiE’s Professional Development Director from 2005-2008. Although her work in science, engineering, and multi-disciplinary education has been varied-- including curriculum, exhibit, and program development; educational research; and writing children’s books--her efforts have always focused on creating empowering experiences for K-8 teachers and their students. Carolyn earned her B.A. in Biomedical Ethics from Brown University and her Masters in Education in Interdisciplinary Curriculum from Lesley University.

Martha Hass, Community College and Outreach Consultant, is the project manager of the Power Up! and Advancing Technological Literacy and Skills (ATLAS) grant programs. Through the Power Up! program, she is collaborating with community college faculty on enhancing and expanding engineering and technology programs. Through the ATLAS program, she is working to integrate engineering and technology curriculum and pedagogy in community college elementary education preparation programs. Martha was most recently the state Tech-Prep Director and Perkins Community College Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Education. Her work included the development of STEM course articulation agreements between high schools and community colleges across Massachusetts. For nine years, she taught and developed the English as a Second Language and Bilingual Programs in the Boston Public Schools.

Illustrators

Keith Favazza is a freelance illustrator who loves taking a story and bringing it to life! He lives south of Boston with his wife, Lelina, and their three sons, Joseph, Anthony, and Steven.

Ross Sullivan-Wiley is a freelance illustrator and artist. He enjoys creating pictures that entertain and inform. He currently lives in Hartford, Connecticut.

Jeannette Martin is a painter and illustrator with works in may collections around the country. She has four children and lives in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Braden Chang is a freelance graphic designer living in the Boston area.

Pilot Teachers

This effort would not be possible without the leadership of our pilot teachers. Pilot teachers are active participants in the development, pilot testing, and review of the lessons and units. They also assist in running the professional development workshops. Engineering is Elementary project pilot teachers are all in Massachusetts and include:

• Abigail Bannon, Countryside Elementary School, Newton, MA
• Kristen Blake, Johnson Elementary School, Natick, MA
• Christine Ciavarra, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Framingham, MA
• Jean Facchiano, Silvia School, Fall River, MA
• Margaret Gilleo, Roberts Elementary, Medford, MA
• Tim Harkins, West Elementary, Andover, MA
• Robert Imber, Rice Square Elementary School, Worcester, MA
• Alane Janulewicz, Chenery Middle School, Belmont, MA
• Kathleen Murphy-Garcia, Roberts Elementary School, Medford, MA
• Caitlin Newton, Horace Mann Laboratory School, Salem, MA
• Cheryl Sanderson, Summer Street School, Lynnfield, MA
• Pat Slater, Stapleton Elementary School, Framingham, MA
• Nancy Yocom de Romero, Barbieri School, Framingham, MA x

National Field Site Liaisons and Partners

National field testing is lead by partners at four educational organizations around the country. The national field site liaisons and organizations include:

• Tamara Araya, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA
• Gabriel Hammel, Falcon District #49, Colorado School District
• Greg Pepek, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA
• Liz Parry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
• Erik Russell, Falcon District #49, Colorado School District
• Maija Sedzielarz, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Project Evaluators

The EiE project is currently working with two external evaluation firms to gauge the success of our curricular materials and professional development programs.

• Horizon Research, Inc. is conducting an external evaluation of the development of our curriculum materials.
• Davis Square Research Associates is conducting an external evaluation of a professional development program.