Brian Crosby, an upper elementary teacher for over 30 years, now facilitates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for teachers and administrators in six counties in northern Nevada. Coming from a background in outdoor education and educational technology, Brian fused his “at risk” students use of technology with field trips, art, hands-on activities and a problem-based approach, to build their schema of the world while at once connecting them to it.
Brian has been interviewed about innovative teaching and learning by Brian Williams of NBC News, the New York Times and many other national and local media outlets. He has co-authored a book about connected learning, “Making Connections With Blogging” and has mentored educators and presented about connected and STEM learning in person as far away as China, and virtually around the globe.
Brian has been interviewed about innovative teaching and learning by Brian Williams of NBC News, the New York Times and many other national and local media outlets. He has co-authored a book about connected learning, “Making Connections With Blogging” and has mentored educators and presented about connected and STEM learning in person as far away as China, and virtually around the globe.
Frankie
Sue DelPapa, former Nevada Attorney
General, is a native Nevadan. An attorney and active in many issues in Reno and
statewide, DelPapa is interested in the environment and helping provide
education for our youth.
Michelle Hunt joined the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in
Nevada in 2010 as the Schoolyard Habitat and Connecting People with Nature
Coordinator. She helps to provide opportunities for students to experience
nature as a regular part of their school curriculum and provides environmental
education programming for schools and non-profit organizations. Michelle has worked in Arkansas and
Mississippi as a park interpreter and an environmental education specialist
implementing interpretive programs and with the National Audubon Society and
the International Crane Foundation. Michelle enjoys traveling and her two years
in the Peace Corps in Cameroon, West Africa, gave her cross-cultural experience
and knowledge of the field of agroforestry.
She is originally from the state of New Hampshire and has an MS in
biology from the University of Central Arkansas with a thesis focus on Kentucky
Warblers.
Lou Loftin is the K-12 Science Learning Facilitator for Nevada's Northwest Regional Professional Development Program, serving Carson, Churchill, Douglas,
Lyon, Storey, and Washoe Counties.
Lou has worked for Washoe County School District for 23 years as 2nd-6th grade teacher, Outdoor Education Coordinator K-12, Dean of elementary school, and Elementary Field Based Instructor at UNR. Lou trains educators on Nevada’s Academic Content Standards in Science, English Language Arts & Literacy, and Mathematics.
Lou received his BS in Physical Geography, teaching certification, and his Masters in Education from UNR. Lou has presented at many local, state, national, and international Science and Math conventions, conferences, and workshops.
Lou has worked for Washoe County School District for 23 years as 2nd-6th grade teacher, Outdoor Education Coordinator K-12, Dean of elementary school, and Elementary Field Based Instructor at UNR. Lou trains educators on Nevada’s Academic Content Standards in Science, English Language Arts & Literacy, and Mathematics.
Lou received his BS in Physical Geography, teaching certification, and his Masters in Education from UNR. Lou has presented at many local, state, national, and international Science and Math conventions, conferences, and workshops.
Sylvia Scoggin, Washoe County School District K-12 Science Program Coordinator
Sylvia Scoggin, a secondary science teacher for over 22 years, has taught a variety of sciences including Biology, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Physics. She now provides training and support to science teachers in Washoe County School District. She received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Oregon, Eugene. Her background as an Engineer for the U.S. Forest Service in Durango, Colorado, as well as her marketing background, help her to provide innovative training opportunities for science teachers in every discipline.
Beth Wells has been executive director of the Nevada STEM Coalition since 2010. She founded the Nevada STEM Network to advocate for returning science to pre-K-grade 6 classrooms and to increase collaborations among industry, community, and education in order to recognize and scale up best practices in STEM education.
Beth taught for over 25 years in upper elementary (grades 4-6), middle school, high school, and community college in language arts, American history, reading, English as a second language, social studies, composition, and theatre. Beth has served as education coordinator, curriculum specialist for computer assisted instruction, and technical writer. She served on the Board for Gathering Genius, Inc. from 2006-2012 and was on the Host Committee for the 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a fundraiser and events coordinator. Beth’s volunteer work has also included leadership roles in RESOLVE of NM, PTA after school arts programs and competition, and Girl Scouts.
Beth taught for over 25 years in upper elementary (grades 4-6), middle school, high school, and community college in language arts, American history, reading, English as a second language, social studies, composition, and theatre. Beth has served as education coordinator, curriculum specialist for computer assisted instruction, and technical writer. She served on the Board for Gathering Genius, Inc. from 2006-2012 and was on the Host Committee for the 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a fundraiser and events coordinator. Beth’s volunteer work has also included leadership roles in RESOLVE of NM, PTA after school arts programs and competition, and Girl Scouts.