2024 JASON National Conference

Trailblazers of Tomorrow:

Innovation in STEM

July 1 & 2, 2024

Lansdowne Resort & Spa | Leesburg, VA

JASON Learning’s 2024 National Conference, “Trailblazers of Tomorrow: Innovation in STEM,” happened Monday, July 1 – Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, VA. 

The conference was designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and school leaders who want to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and empower their students and educators to become the trailblazers of the future. 

Trailblazers are individuals who break new ground, challenge existing norms, and forge new paths. They are innovative, courageous, and willing to take risks. Trailblazers inspire others through their originality, vision, and determination to create positive change. They often explore uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and opening doors for others to follow. 

Being a trailblazer means being at the forefront of innovative teaching and learning practices, driving progress, and shaping the future of education. 

At JNC 2024, attendees explored cutting-edge topics in STEM education through our dynamic breakout sessions and gained insights into our latest curriculum collections, including 

🌐 Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Cuebric, ROC, Conservation X Labs, and STEM Minds
💻 JASON’s technology curriculum, powered by STEM Minds
📶 Data center-focused curriculum developed with Infrastructure Masons
📚 Early childhood STEM
💼 Career exploration curriculum with Alexandria City Public Schools and Stafford County Public Schools
🖥️ Cybersecurity certifications with GCubed, Inc.
♻️ Recycling education with Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)

View the program here:

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Featured Presenters

President & CEO, Pharmacist Initiative Leaders (PILs) & Clinical Pharmacy Leader, UT Southwestern Medicine

Dr. Joshua Blackwell

Keynote Speaker: "Trailblaze Your Legacy: Understanding the Why Behind the Fire"

Dr. Joshua Blackwell is an esteemed figure in pharmacy, currently holding the roles of Clinical Pharmacy Manager for Ambulatory Services and Residency Program Coordinator for the PGY1/PGY2/MBA Health System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership (HSPAL) Residency Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Graduating with his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University and distinction from the University of Houston with his Master of Sciences, he refined his skills through rigorous training during his two-year health system pharmacy administration and leadership residency program at CommonSpirit Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Joshua's dedication to the pharmacy profession is evident through his leadership positions, serving as Chair for the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Council on Education & Workforce Development and Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Advisory Group on Frontline Leaders. At the state level, he chairs the Public Affairs and Advocacy Council and serves as the lead delegate for his affiliate.

A passionate mentor, Joshua is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in various fields. His guidance has empowered numerous professionals to excel in their careers. Joshua not only leads in healthcare but also pioneers change as the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Pharmacist Initiative Leaders, a social enterprise aimed changing the look, face, and feel of healthcare at every stage.

In addition to his pharmacy endeavors, Joshua embarked on his STEM journey through JASON, contributing as a trailblazer and Argonaut for the 2005 Disappearing Wetlands expedition in Louisiana. His multifaceted contributions underscore his commitment to exploration, leadership, and innovation across diverse domains.

Director of School and Community Safety, ROC

Dr. Adam Cheeseman

Keynote Speaker: "Trustworthy AI: Computer Vision Essentials"

Dr. Adam L. Cheeseman is the Director of School and Community Safety for Rank One Computing, where he "tells the school safety story" from a school leader's perspective and how ROC can help schools and other government agencies with their safety solution needs. Moreover, Dr. Cheeseman is a leadership consultant with RENEW Transformational Strategies, where he delivers keynote addresses, provides leadership consultation, and helps to offer leadership training and seminars. As the former Superintendent of Doddridge County Schools, he has closely partnered with JASON Learning to expand the science curriculum and send students to train with top scientists worldwide. Additionally, he spearheaded a localized curriculum initiative using public-private partnerships and watched his district become the first district in the nation to be named an AASA STEM Certified District. Dr. Cheeseman received his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Alderson Broaddus University, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Liberty University in 2011, and Doctorate in Strategic Leadership through Liberty University in 2023. He is married to his wife, Lisa, and has three daughters. Dr. Cheeseman is the past president of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators and was named the 2024 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year.
Co-Founder, Cuebric

Pinar Seyhan Demirdag

Keynote Speaker: "Creativity in Generative Artificial Intelligence"

“Arguably, Pinar Seyhan Demirdag knows more about the creative potential of AI than anyone on the planet. “ – CommArts

Pinar Seyhan Demirdag, co-founder of Cuebric, is at the forefront of AI-driven creativity. As an AI director and visionary, she is a sought-after opinion leader for the conscious application of technology. Pinar holds the distinction of being LinkedIn's official voice on generative AI, with her course “What is Generative AI?" is translated to 6 languages and has engaged millions of views.

In 2020, Pinar, along with Gary Koepke, established Seyhan Lee, the world's first Creative AI Production Company. Their pioneering work includes producing the world's first generative AI VFX for a feature film and winning the esteemed D&AD award for the first-ever generative AI commercial, "Connections" for Beko.

Cuebric, the revolutionary AI-based software platform for filmmaking is born out of Seyhan Lee’s innovative experiments. Cuebric revolutionizes the art of film and image production, reinventing and accelerating the transition from Concept to Camera. Even in its early stages, Cuebric has gained the respect and adoption of industry professionals, becoming a go-to tool for top creatives and VFX studios.

Asides from her career in Cuebric, Pinar writes and speaks passionately on the generative AI and how humans will remain relevant in the age of A.I. and has previously appeared at conferences such as Harvard, SXSW, Google I/O, NAB, TV Academy, Eyeo Festival, TEDx, Spirit of Humanity Forum, Production Summit, and others.

Founder & Director, Playwatch Kids

Jimmy Jenkins

Keynote Speaker: "The Impact of Educational Media"

EARLY YEARS, Jimmy started his directing and producing career in 2013 at Black Entertainment Network (BET)® and Tyler Perry Studios. Straight out of college, Jimmy started his production career at his local high school, where he produced stage plays that quickly outgrew the building. In 2016, Jimmy achieved great success with his stage play “Black Boy Blues,” reaching a live audience of over 10,000 people. In 2017, he produced, directed, and wrote his first small-budget feature film, “Sinners Wanted,” starring Lamman Rucker, Clifton Powel, and many other notable actors, premiering on TV One and BET Plus.

In 2020, Jimmy co-directed and produced his debut documentary film, Basketball County: In The Water on Showtime®, executive produced by NBA Superstar Kevin Durant and 35 Ventures. The film focused on the exceptional NBA talent that was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD. It became one of the top documentaries of the year for Showtime®.

In 2021, Jimmy launched Playwatch Kids, LLC, where he is the CEO and President of content. Playwatch Kids is a streaming platform and animation studio targeting minority children, helping to aid in education and clean entertainment. Playwatch is currently collaborating with Whoopi Goldberg to produce kid-friendly content for the BLKFAM streaming network. The company is creating a faith-based Christian cartoon series called The Marvelous Light, along with a plethora of other animated IPs.

In 2023, Jimmy debuted his new stage play Poor Man Rich Soul at the historic Duke Ellington Theatre reaching over 20,000 people. The stage play is now set to do a U.S. tour.

Spring of 2024, Jimmy is putting the finishing touches on the definitive documentary about
the dominance of the University of Alabama football program, looking back at its historical
significance, and the modern dynasty capped off by the Nick Saban years.

late 2024, Jimmy will be producing and directing an original script called God With Us. The story is about a chaste inner-city teen given a mission by God to save humanity.

Jimmy’s love for basketball will be expressed in a new documentary about the NBA and specifically Canadian-born and raised players like Steve Nash, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray. Jimmy is set to direct “Outta The Rough,” an inspiring, coming-of-age drama about a foster kid escaping the trap of street life after discovering a natural gift for the game of golf.

CEO/Superintendent, Indian Hill Exempted Village School District (OH)

Kirk Koennecke

Keynote Speaker: "Build A Bridge to Tomorrow for their Futures"

A veteran educational leader with 18 years of experience in administration and 27 years of service to students, Mr. Koennecke joined the Indian Hill School District four years ago, after serving as superintendent of the Graham Local Schools from 2016-2019. Prior to that position, Mr. Koennecke worked as a principal at several districts. In addition to his vast experience as a leader in education, Mr. Koennecke has been a featured presenter nationally, and has published numerous articles within education publications.
CEO, ROC

B. Scott Swann

Keynote Speaker: "Trustworthy AI: Computer Vision Essentials"

Scott Swann is a dynamic leader and proven CEO with 20+ years combined federal, corporate and entrepreneurial experience. He draws from prior experience as President and CEO of IDEMIA National Security Solutions and senior business and technical positions at MorphoTrak following a distinguished 18 year tenure at the FBI. Scott has extensive experience working across all government domains including the DOJ, DHS, DoD, DOS, the Intelligence Community, and many state and local law enforcement and civil agencies. As an FBI Unit Chief, he played a central role in the development of the $1.2B Next Generation Identification system responsible for research, development, test and evaluation of the program’s biometrics technologies and services. Scott served as Special Assistant to the FBI’s Science and Technology Branch as well as the Identity Intelligence Lead to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence Science and Technology Office. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business management from Salem-Teikyo University and a Master’s Degree in software engineering from West Virginia University.
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Ernie Adkins

Director, Student Access & Opportunity, Stafford County Schools (VA)

Roxana Banes-Muldoon

Founder and CEO, STEM Minds

Anu Bidani

Chief Academic Officer, Stafford County Public Schools (VA)

Michael Bolling

CEO, WeEmpower LLC

Tom Burton

Career & Technical Education Director, Stafford County Public Schools (VA)

Stephanie Carter

Senior Vice President, ReMA

Cheryl Coleman

Technology Integration Specialist, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Jozett Cooper

Superintendent, Noble Local Schools (OH)

Justin Denius

Senior Advisor, State Government Relations, McGuire Woods Consulting

James Dyke, Jr.

Jim’s broad practice covers corporate, legislative, education, governmental relations, economic development and municipal law. He previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Education under former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, and as domestic policy advisor to former Vice President
Walter Mondale. Jim has established a significant regional presence in the business, education and government arenas. He is well respected for his experience in working with all components of the community and with both political parties, having been appointed to numerous important positions by Democrats and Republicans. He has established a network of contacts that assist him in handling complex and sensitive matters throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. His network includes numerous local, state and federal officials, educators and business leaders, especially in the Washington region.
Math Professor, Barstow Community College, Cerebry

Dr. Peter Esperanza

Peter Esperanza, Ph.D., is a seasoned mathematics educator with over two decades of experience teaching in the Philippines, China, and the United States. A published researcher in flipped classroom and distance education methodologies, he has garnered recognition for his innovative teaching approaches, including a YouTube Silver Play Button for his popular math lessons spanning algebra, calculus, statistics, and differential equations. Currently, Dr. Esperanza leverages AI through Cerebry to enhance his online and in-person math courses, complementing the high-quality content he creates for students worldwide.
Technology Integration Specialist, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Dr. Heather Farley

Founder & CEO, GCubed, Inc.

Vernon Green, Jr.

Technology Integration Specialist, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Kaila Hardin

Administrator, Stafford County Schools (VA)

Tammy Houk

Executive Director, WildMe

Jason Holmberg

Career and Technical Education (CTE) & Workforce Development, Alexandria City Public Schools (VA)

Dr. Tricia Jacobs

For nearly 38 years, Dr. Tricia S. Jacobs has worked diligently in education, cultivating leadership and
communication skills to work effectively with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community stakeholders. Using transformational and collaborative leadership, she empowers education teams to collaborate to decrease achievement gaps for continuous school improvement.
In 2014, Dr. Tricia Jacobs earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Virginia Tech
with the dissertation, High School Teacher Perceptions of Empowerment. She received licensed
endorsements in Administration and Supervision for PreK-12, Director of Instruction, and Virginia
Division Superintendent at Virginia Commonwealth University (1998). Tricia was awarded her
master’s degree in Industrial Technology Education from Ball State University (1987) and an
undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts Education from Buffalo State College (1986).
Dr. Jacobs is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) & Workforce Development for
Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia. She has held numerous positions in education: Virginia
Department of Education Coordinator of CTE Curriculum and Instruction (2016-19), High School &
Middle School Assistant Principal (2000-05 & 2008-16), Instructional Leadership Support (2007), High
School Principal (2005-07), Administrative Principal Assistant (1999), and PreK-12 & Post-Secondary
Technology Education Instructor (1987-1999).

Tricia has mentored new and aspiring school administrators, assisting them with honing their
professional skill set as leaders and managers of schools. Teams explored the many facets of
running a school building successfully and the professional decision-making skill set that is
paramount to successful school administrative leadership and management.

Director of Career & Technical Education, Lancaster Public Schools (VA)

Mary Catherine Jones

Superintendent, London City Schools (OH)

Dr. Lou Kramer

Technology Integration Specialist, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Kay Lilly

VSTC Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research and Administrative Dean at GWU

Gina Lohr

Director of School-Aged Childcare, Rappahannock Area YMCA (VA)

Virginia Murphy

Virginia Murphy, a passionate advocate for safe and nurturing childcare environments, brings over 16 years of experience working with children of diverse ages. Within her 13-year tenure at the Rappahannock Area YMCA, Virginia has held key positions including Camp Director, Preschool Manager, Childcare Manager, and Coordinator for the YMCA Power Scholars Academy.
Currently serving as the Director of School-Aged Childcare at the Rappahannock Area YMCA, Virginia supervises operations across 35 before and after-school locations. Virginia holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Randolph-Macon College, and she possesses a variety of certifications, including Mental Health First Aid for Children, Trauma-Informed Childcare, and accreditation as a Children’s Mindfulness and Meditation teacher.
Director of Education Programs, Infrastructure Masons

Courtney Popp

Education Consultant, Woodland Hills School District (PA)

Dione Rawlings

YMCA Counselor, Stafford County (VA)

Dottie Rhodes

Assistant Superintendent, London City Schools (OH)

Carla Shaw

Technology Integration Specialist, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Donna Sizemore

Supervisor, Career and Technical Education, Loudoun County Schools (VA)

Dr. Lhe Smith

Dr. Lhe Smith is a dedicated first-generation college student originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, raised by her mother, Ms. Paula Gonzalez. Currently, she holds a full-time role as the Career and Technical Education Supervisor at Loudoun County Public Schools, along with part-time adjunct positions at two universities. Dr. Smith has a wealth of experience in education, having served as a teacher, department chair, and high school assistant principal. She also managed high school evening credit recovery programs in Norfolk Public Schools.

As a first-generation college graduate herself, Dr. Smith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Master’s in Business Management, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, she has chaired and co-chaired numerous student recognition programs. Dr. Smith is known for her forward-thinking leadership style and growth mindset, committed to fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing equitable and culturally responsive initiatives.

Dr. Smith excels in building the capacity of career and technical education teachers, empowering them to create personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the prestigious 2024 Virginia Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year award.

Founder & CEO, Literatu, Scribo

Mark Stanley

Mark Stanley is the CEO and Founder of Literatu, the AI company behind Scribo, the next-generation AI platform improving English writing skills for K-12 students and, saving teachers time and resources. Proven globally and recently adopted by US school districts, Scribo's mission is to deliver AI that impacts on teaching and learning in English language education. Mark is a seasoned AI and ML developer with over 12 years experience in EdTech leading a team of teaching and technology professionals to lift student futures.
Director of Career and Technical Education, Manassas City Public Schools (VA)

Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor has spent the last 30 years providing instruction, advocating for, and supporting students in and out of the classroom. Her educational philosophy is centered around doing what’s best for students by fostering positive and inclusive learning environments that provide opportunities for students to experience, explore, and engage in career and technical education. Chris has taught at the middle school, high school, and college level. Chris currently serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education in Manassas City Public School. She was one of only three schools in VA, invited to present Manassas City Public Schools CTE program to the US Secretary of Education last Spring at the Raise the Bar: Lead the World Roundtable in Richmond VA.
Superintendent, Mercer County Schools (WV)

Edward Toman

YMCA Counselor, Stafford County (VA)

Eric Van Orden

Founder and CEO, HALO Hydration

Anshuman Vohra

Former JP Morgan investment banker turned CPG innovator. Spearheaded the creation, launch, and successful exit of BULLDOG London Dry Gin, a modern, premium brand that revitalized the stagnant gin category. BULLDOG achieved global distribution (180+ countries) and top-10 premium gin status before being acquired by Gruppo Campari in 2017.

Now, Founder and CEO of HALO – the next-generation hydration company, backed by Sir Andy Murray and other luminaries. A former D1 college & semi-pro tennis player, Vohra understood the importance of optimal hydration. Unfortunately, the first generation of electrolyte powders were not soluble, had lots of sugar, caused bloating, and used low- quality salts. HALO Hydration was born in 2023 to cure these problems.

Gifted Education Teacher, Fairfax County Schools (VA)

Logan Williams

JASON Trainers & JASON Staff

Physical Science Teacher, Portsmouth Public Schools (VA)

Amanda Bell

JASON Trainer

Amanda has been in education since 2011, has officially been teaching since 2016, and has been a National Trainer for JASON Learning since 2021. Amanda has experience teaching middle and high school math and science, co-writing middle school science curriculum, co-creating and teaching summer STEM camps at STARBASE Victory, and serving as a mentor teacher in Portsmouth, VA. Her greatest joys come from seeing students have their “Ah, ha” moments, and showing teachers how to integrate JASON Learning curricula into the lessons they already use. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology from Old Dominion University, Graduate coursework in Education from UVA Wise, and is currently working on her Master’s in Religious Education at Union Christian Bible Institute. In the few spare moments Amanda isn’t in a classroom or training, you will probably find her working on her iPad and Cricut with her side business Manda Panda’s Creations, or hanging with her 4-legged child, Bentley (her 11 year old Schnoodle).
Physical Science Teacher, Portsmouth Public Schools (VA)

Dr. Devese Peace-Branch

JASON Trainer

Lead JASON Trainer

Julienne Richards

JASON Trainer

Julie has been an educator since 2000, and a Lead Trainer for JASON Learning since 2006. Her experiences include teaching elementary and middle school, serving as an Instructional Coach and Novice Teacher Mentor in middle and high school, and leading summer camps and Gifted Resource programming in Albemarle County, VA. Julie has trained hundreds of educators from all over the country, tailoring each professional development session to meet the goals and objectives of individual school districts. Julie has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Virginia and her Master of Arts in Teaching with Inquiry from Mary Baldwin College. When Julie is not in a classroom, you will most likely find her riding horses and working bird dogs in Virginia with daughter Kelsey or traveling in South America with daughter Kerry.
Science & STEM Teacher, Switzerland of Ohio Schools (OH)

Neil Ritchie

JASON Trainer

A Passionate Science and STEM teacher with 26 years of experience inspiring students in grades 5-8. Recognized for excellence in science education with the K-8 Science Education Award for Excellence in Science Teaching from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh. Neil brings a love of science and a hands-on approach to the classroom, fostering a love of learning in students. When not in the classroom, he enjoys the farm.
President & CEO, JASON Learning

Dr. Eleanor Smalley

Dr. Smalley has overseen the evolution of JASON into a nationally-acclaimed STEM education organization reaching over 5 million students and teachers each year. Prior, Dr. Smalley served for 30 years in public schools, developing innovative, accelerated learning and zero drop-out models, and at the University of Virginia, cultivating strong leadership in education from the local to the state level.
COO & CIO, JASON Learning

Sean Smith

Mr. Smith is an operations and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in for-profit and nonprofit environments. Previous roles include technology director with National Geographic, systems engineering consultant for several major nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurial e-commerce venture co-founder, and regional systems manager for an international technology systems manufacturer.
Vice President of Implementation & Development, JASON Learning

Dr. Matt Sieloff

Dr. Sieloff joins JASON after almost 20 years of working in high-poverty public schools. He has worked as a teacher, Supervisor for Nontraditional Education, High School Assistant Principal, and Middle School Principal. His career has been focused on designing opportunities for students to find success through experiential and project-based learning in K-12 public education to prepare students for college, career, and service opportunities upon graduation. Dr. Sieloff’s research has focused on English Learner student success and equity in education for all students.
Director of Development & Grants, JASON Learning

Jenna Davis

Ms. Davis oversees all grant, proposal, and writing efforts at JASON. Her endeavors have enabled JASON to expand its operations and impact thousands more students and educators across the country. Ms. Davis has a strong background in research and writing, with a master's degree in communication from Virginia Tech and a bachelor's degree in public relations and business. While she primarily focuses on grant writing, she also works on blog posts, press releases, donations, and e-newsletters and oversees JASON's social media accounts.
Director of Content Development, JASON Learning

Lori Bedsole

Lori Bedsole joins JASON after 29 years in public education. She began her career as a teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area, which fostered her love for integrating technology and curriculum. Once her family relocated to Virginia, she began her career in one of the largest school districts in the nation. She worked as an elementary teacher focusing on talent development and differentiation for high-potential learners. She then shifted to the role of specialist in the Advanced Academic Office in Curriculum and Instruction, supporting teachers through professional development and writing integrated curriculum for the full-time gifted program.
Director of STEM Education, Professional Development & Implementation, JASON Learning

Rochelle Sandrin

Ms. Sandrin creates the training materials based on the JASON curriculum and works with a national network of trainers and coaches to deliver that content directly to the classroom teachers implementing the curriculum. Ms. Sandrin has 15 years of science education experience, including 8 years leading science curriculum and instruction in the largest district in Wisconsin. Ensuring ALL students have access to high-quality science and STEM curricula and experiences from well-prepared educators drives her work at JASON Learning.
Content Developer & Project Manager, JASON Learning

Grace Allstrom

Grace Allstrom has worked with JASON Learning since 2017 to develop engaging PreK-12 STEM curriculum content, manage production timelines and writing/development staff, and publish content on our website for our student and educator users. She has helped JASON’s online curriculum offerings grow from fewer than a dozen to over 40 collections. Her previous experiences in classroom education and asynchronous technology-mediated learning, with a focus on building and supporting communities of practice, inform the emphasis – found in all JASON content – on effective pedagogy and approaches that uplift and celebrate students, teachers, and communities.
Administrative Assistant / Website Design, JASON Learning

Victoria Cross

Ms. Cross joined the JASON team in June 2022. She serves as the executive assistant to Dr. Smalley, handling her correspondence, scheduling, and filling needs as they arise. She also works with the Marketing Team to develop promotional materials, has planned the 2022-2023 National ISRI Recycling contest, and is working to make public website edits and updates.
Operations & Administration Specialist, JASON Learning

Souad Sadiqui

Ms. Sadiqui is in charge of many of the back-end operations for JASON, including processing payments and invoices, providing customer support, supporting conference organization, managing travel booking, organizing virtual professional development training, and more.
Curriculum Specialist

Debra Hill

Ms. Hill has been working for JASON Learning since July 2018 after retiring from a 27-year career in public education. As a Vice-President of Curriculum Development, her primary responsibilities include: collaborating with corporate and other non-profit partners to create STEM instructional resources that showcase the innovation and work of current STEM role models. Ms. Hill’s experience in public education as a Science Coordinator (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, TX) and educator (Texas and Arizona) has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the practices and partnerships that influence and support effective educational systems and the development of STEM-literate students, citizenry, and communities.
Argonaut Expedition Leader

Jude Kesl

Jude Kesl is currently the JASON Learning Argonaut Expedition Leader and Adjunct Instructor at three universities in the Milwaukee, WI, area. Jude is also a Google Certified Innovator and Education Trainer. She has worked as a science teacher, literacy and technology coach, and university instructor in Milwaukee, WI, New York City, and other cities around the country. She has also been the K-8 science teaching specialist at the Milwaukee Public Schools district level. Jude is passionate about igniting a love for learning in students and teachers. Jude helped to write JASON Project Curriculum and was the producer for two online simulations for JASON. As the JASON Argonaut Expedition Leader, Jude has taken students and teachers on over thirty JASON Learning expeditions to various locations worldwide. Jude is responsible for ensuring that all JASON Learning participants have a safe and extraordinary learning adventure.

Check out highlights from JNC 2023!

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