STEM 101 - IN ACTION BLOG

Lauri leads STEM101 as the Director of Logistics. She has been a part of STEM101 since 2020. She works with the management materials and delivery of STEM kits.

Lauri comes from a long career of education. She is a holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Families studies and a Masters’ degree in Guidance and Counseling from University of Wisconsin-Stout. She strives to see students and teacher succeed.

Lauri resides in Watertown, Wisconsin, where she raises her daughter and three sons with her husband. She enjoys being outdoors, helping others, and spending time with her family.

Thomas leads STEM101 as the Chief Technology Officer. He has been part of the STEM 101 team since 2008 and manages our online web presence. He and his team are responsible for our digital content ranging from the Corporate Connections program to our LMS (Learning Management System) which houses the STEM curriculum.

 Thomas came from a long career in Information Technology Systems. Prior to joining our team Thomas worked for an Autodesk Educational Reseller where he trained and consulted with Universities, Colleges, and High Schools promoting and maintaining their Computer Aided Drafting programs. He attended Glendale Community College and Arizona State University in the early 90’s when CAD technology courses was in it’s infancy.

 Thomas lives in Goodyear, Arizona where he raised two amazing boys. He likes to spend free time traveling, off-roading, and motorcycle riding around the southwestern states.

Jennifer Steiner serves as an Academic Advisor on the STEM101 leadership team. She collaborates with teachers and school teams to support the implementation of STEM101 programs. Her experience teaching the middle level STEM101 courses, her previous work as a STEM101 curriculum consultant, and her instructional coaching experience has provided her with an extensive knowledge of innovative pedagogical methods for project-based learning.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from The Ohio State University where she specialized in middle level math and science education. She earned a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and is currently working on her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at Liberty University.

Jennifer taught middle school math and science at White Knoll Middle School before becoming a STEM teacher and robotics coach at Meadow Glen Middle School. After nine years in the classroom, she became a Digital Learning Coach at River Bluff High School where she served as an instructional coach, assisted teachers with the impactful use of technology, and led professional development on EL Education strategies. During this time, she sponsored the Girls Who Code club, hosted Women in Science and Engineering conferences for students, presented at ISTE, was a pilot member of Digital Promise’s Dynamic Learning Project, and became a Google for Education Certified Coach.

Jennifer currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina. She is an assistant principal at White Knoll High School where she heads the Office of Accountability. When she is not at school or writing for her doctoral program, she enjoys competing in marathons and triathlons, and has even completed a full Ironman.

Russ leads STEM 101 as the Director of Academic Programs.  He has been part of the STEM 101 team since 2010.  He works closely with many institutions across the country. His responsibilities include Consulting, On-Boarding, Curriculum Development and Support & Professional Development Program.

 Russ comes from a long career in secondary education.  He is currently in his 27th year teaching CTE at a high school in southern Wisconsin.  He received his Bachelor’s degree in Technology and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and his Master’s in Educational Technology from Marian University in Wisconsin.  His district adopted STEM 101 in 2010 and has been very successful since.  His Technology and Engineering department was named Wisconsin’s high school Technology and Engineering department of the year in 2012.  Russ was also given the “Award of Excellence” from WTEA (Wisconsin’s Technology Education Association) in 2017

 Russ has presented on STEM 101 at the WTEA conference as well as the WSST (Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers).  He attends state and national conferences talking to school leaders and instructors about the benefits of STEM 101.

 Russ resides in Lomira, Wisconsin, where he has raised three beautiful daughters.  He enjoys following their athletic aspirations and watching them grow into young adults.  Russ spends much of his free time at his cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Katie leads STEM101 as the Director of Community and Government Relations bringing a wealth of knowledge in online systems and social media. Her experience working with local, national and international groups ensures STEM programming will continue to be provided to communities, institutions and companies across the country.

Katie comes from a long career in Higher Education and Public Sector work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree from Texas A&M University. Her expertise is in Government Procedure and Regulation, Real Estate and Economic Development and Higher Education Data Analytics.

Katie is currently a guest lecturer for Bryan ISD’s Career and Technology Education center, and has created a Women in CTE program, with outreach focused on young women looking to forge their way in a variety of trades, business ownership and management.

Katie resides in College Station, Texas, where she has built her life and community service. She has served on boards for both Brazos Valley Counseling Services, and the Aggie Pride LGBTQ+ Ally Former Student Network. She fundraises for and volunteers at the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Katie spends free time with her family, animals, gardening and as an accomplished runner, participating in both marathons and ultra running.

Alan Gregory Gomez, PhD, is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer for the nonprofit STEM Academy (STEM101). Dr. Gomez leads the award-winning STEM Academy team and oversees STEM Academy projects, upgrades and new initiatives.

Throughout his career Dr. Gomez has worked diligently and effectively to raise achievement for all students in every endeavor. He believes that all students can succeed in education and in life with proper guidance and mentorship.

Dr. Gomez has published materials in professional journals and in the Proceedings for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and keynoted or presented in over 40 states at major conventions and conferences. Alan has reviewed for the ASEE conference proceedings and the National Science Foundation and is a former NASA Astronaut Selection Candidate.