Project Director

Content Development Director

Kate Hester has over ten years experience as a science and math educator in both middle and high school where she developed original science curriculum and offered professional development to teachers. Her extensive background in both formal and informal education settings allows her to creatively integrate hands-on learning experiences into formal curriculum. Kate received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of New Hampshire and an M.A.T. in Science Education from Cornell University.

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 engineering education. 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

Dr. Gretchen Fougere is the Strategic Projects Manager for the EiE Project. She has worked for thirteen years in industry, designing batteries, capacitors and jet engines. Gretchen holds B.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Materials Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Her doctorate, in the field of nanotechnology, was granted by the department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University (NU). While at NU, Gretchen helped found an engineering outreach program for middle school girls and minorities and also worked with a high school group of the Engineering Explorers at Argonne National Laboratories. Gretchen’s most recent experience was teaching and developing curricula for elementary science.

Valerie MacEachern is the professional development systems 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.

Curriculum and Research Staff

Melissa Higgins is a curriculum and research associate for the project. Melissa received her B.A. in Architectural Studies from Connecticut College. She has worked at the Museum of Science as an exhibit interpreter.

Kristin Sargianis is a curriculum and research associate for the project. Kristin received her B.S. in Biology from Cornell University. She has worked as a research assistant conducting scientific research on ecological and marine systems.

Dr. Dipa Shah is a curriculum and research associate for the project. Dipa received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University and her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her doctoral research focused on the development of polymeric biomaterials for heart valve tissue engineering. Prior to joining the team at the Museum of Science, Dipa was on the education staff at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport, CT.

Research and Evaluation Staff

Harriet Mabikke is a senior research and evaluation assistant for the project. Harriet received her M.S.W. from Boston College. Prior to joining EiE, Harriet worked with orphans and other vulnerable children in Lusaka, Zambia. At EiE, Harriet works directly with educators, overseeing the data collection process.

Kris Keenan is a data entry assistant for the project. She graduated with a BFA in Writing for Performance, Publication, and Media from Pratt Institute with a minor in Cultural Studies. She was editor-in-chief of the campus literary and arts magazine, Ubiquitous. Kris is currently a contributor to Shakefist Magazine, a local magazine based in Cambridge. She helps out EiE by processing evaluations and organizing data in electronic and print form.

Multimedia Staff

Bharat Battu is the Multimedia Research Associate for the EiE project. Bharat graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in Clinical Psychology. Prior to joining EiE, he worked as a research coordinator for Massachusetts General Hospital. At EiE, he designs and develops online instructional multimedia to aid teachers in using EiE in their classrooms.

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.

Office and Materials Assistant

Elizabeth Fox is the Office and Materials Assistant for EiE. She is a graduate of Emerson College with a B.S. in Print and Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Science. She has also worked for the science documentary series “NOVA” as both a web intern and production secretary.

Teachers in Residence

EiE has collaborated with two teachers who developed math connections to EiE units:

Carolyn Townsend
Leslie McRobie

Interns

A number of summer and part-time interns help with the development, editing, revisions, and logistics for the project. These include:

Rebecca Barra
Elissa Chin
Matthew Cohen
Mark Dohle
Rebecca Graber
Krista Hollis
Sharon Kam
Allison Kay
Chad Lewis
Jonathan McLeod
Danielle Miller
Brandon Orszulak
Erica Wilson
Lily Zhang

Volunteers

Accenture employees
Lisa Burton

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.

Previous Members

Mike Arquin, Teacher Educator
Keri Cunningham, Program Assistant
Ryan Doucette, Office & Materials Assistant
Laura Fallon, Office & Materials Assistant
Dick Gladstone, Volunteer
Vladimir Guerrero, Data Entry Assistant
Colin Hansen, Office & Materials Assistant
Branwen Hardebeck-Durso, Senior Research and Evaluation Assistant
Meredith Knight, Teacher Educator
Lacy Kosier-Sylvia, Program Assistant
Anna Lindgren-Streicher, Senior Curriculum and Research 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
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
Ruth Wishengrad, Lead Content Developer

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

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.