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Manal Hussein earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a Virginia-certified middle and high school teacher. She started her teaching career in 2005 while also sponsoring science fairs and the school’s science newsletter. Notably, Ms. Hussein is trained in multisensory mathematics, which she implements in … Read more
Juan Urista brings a unique dual background in aviation and performance. He is an FAA-certified Advanced Ground Instructor and experienced aviation educator, as well as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he spent seven years in aircraft maintenance. Juan holds two Associate of Science degrees from San Diego Miramar College in Aviation/Airway … Read more
Albert R. Thompson Jr. is a historian and social scientist. He is earned a PhD with distinction in United States History from Howard University. His dissertation examined the relationship between the New Deal and Jim Crowe laws. He earned an MA in Military History with a minor in Hebrew from Norwich University in Northfield, VT, … Read more
Daniel Greenberg has been playing drums since 1992. His early musical influences ranged from hard rock (Metallica, Rush, Led Zeppelin) to the sounds of Bob Marley, Miles Davis, Dave Matthews, and reggae and jazz. In 1996 Daniel joined the NOVA Jazz Ensemble of NVCC where he honed skills in “underplay” and the use of dynamics. … Read more
Home-educated through high school by her Ivy-educated parents, Christina Somerville earned a BA in Literature from Patrick Henry College in 2007. Upon graduation, she began work as an author, designing a Great Books Literature program for high school students, a Literature program for junior high students, and two textbooks. During this time, Christina also taught … Read more
Pete Van Riper is a professional artist and art instructor. He has served as an Instructor of Art in drawing and design at Northern Virginia Community College since 2001. Pete is a member of the Capitol Hill Arts League and served on the board of directors at Art Enables, a gallery serving artists with disabilities, … Read more
Karen Shumway earned a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. After graduation, she taught biology, chemistry, and scientific research and design (SRD) for two STEM magnet high schools in Montgomery County, Texas. She held Texas state teaching certifications in Life Science, General Science, and Gifted/Talented Education, and … Read more
Dr. Michele Forsythe is a veteran STEM educator. She was formerly an adjunct professor of Biology at Montgomery County Community College. Currently, she develops curriculum and teaches STEM courses and workshops through her educational program, Discover STEAM Inc. She is known in the homeschool community for her Young Scientists’ Workshops and also tutors students in … Read more
Ethan Hay works for Black Rocket, which has dozens of locations across the country. Founded in 2001, this program has taught technology and coding enrichment classes to more than 200,000 students. Black Rocket introduced cutting-edge, easy-to use technology. They work to support student creativity and self-empowerment through project-based learning. Black Rocket teaches enrichment courses about … Read more
Sandra “Sandy” Preaux is a scientist specializing in geophysics, remote sensing, data analysis, atmospheric chemistry, and astronomy. She also has experience teaching atmospheric science as a teaching assistant for Weather & Climate courses at the University of Maryland. Sandy has also contributed to a variety of science education and outreach efforts. She currently works with … Read more
