As executive director of the Institute for School Partnership, Victoria May works closely with faculty to improve teaching and learning in K-12 schools. A strong believer in the power of partnerships among universities, education organizations and schools, she has developed numerous opportunities for teacher professional development and programs to help all students learn through investigation and exploration.

Victoria May is the executive director of the Institute for School Partnership (ISP) and assistant dean of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. The Institute is Washington University’s signature program to strategically improve teaching and learning within the K-12 education community. Through the ISP, local schools are connected with a world class research university, teachers are inspired with new knowledge and teachers and students are empowered with exemplar resources.

Vicki has worked for over twenty years linking WashU faculty members and programs with local schools and the community. Current areas of focus include school and teacher leadership, development of engaging STEM instructional materials and programs, and strategic university-school partnerships for increased student achievement. She has served as principal investigator or co-Investigator on grants supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Monsanto Fund, The Boeing Company, and MasterCard Worldwide.

Vicki serves as a board member of the Missouri Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, and Science Coalition and the executive director of STEMpact. She has received several awards for educational partnership work including the St. Louis Academy of Science Educator Award, Focus St. Louis’ What’s Right with the Region Award, and Missouri Excellence in Education Award.

Vicki began her career as a research scientist in biochemistry at Washington University School of Medicine where she worked on understanding the mechanisms of how proteins are processed in energy transformations in a cell.  After a few years in this position, Vicki decided to pursue her desire to teach chemistry.  Her experience as a high school teacher at University City provides the perspective and passion for her work.  She believes that teaching in the K-12 public schools is amazingly difficult and rewarding and that a single teacher can change the lives of many students. This has led her in a pathway toward advocating for classroom resources, teacher mentoring, and leadership opportunities.

Contact Vicki about:

• Charter public school sponsorship
• STEMpact
• Transformational Leadership Initiative

The Institute for School Partnership is the translational arm of Washington University that seeks to take what we know as best practices in teaching and learning and implement these practices in our regional schools, particularly those with the most underserved students. Rachel Ruggirello leads teams of instructional leaders in the organization to realize this goal. In her role as Associate Director, she provides strategic direction for the programs of the ISP and oversees the curriculum and professional development initiatives of the organization.

In her role at the ISP, Rachel focuses on building partnerships with schools and districts in order to transform STEM education in the region. In this work, she emphasizes design and research focused on issues of broader implementation of best practices in STEM teaching and learning. Rachel leads educators in the process of improvement science and provides training and implementation support. Using this disciplined approach, she supports teachers, leaders, and researchers in collaborating to solve specific problems of practice. Her research is focused on teacher leadership, educative curriculum, and the teaching and learning of science in K-8 schools. In addition, Rachel teaches certification and graduate level courses in science education.

Rachel holds a B.S. in biology and sociology from Cornell University,  an M.S. in chemistry education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in science and mathematics education from Curtin University. Before joining the ISP, Rachel taught high school biology, chemistry, and AP psychology in Camden, NJ.

Contact Rachel about:

• mySci K-8

Lauren Ashman has been involved in education for 12 years, in both traditional and non-traditional capacities. As an education and outreach coordinator for an environmental organization, Lauren visited schools, delivering lessons on human impacts on Earth systems. As a teacher naturalist at Shaw Nature Reserve, Lauren engaged students in the natural world, providing experiential opportunities learning about Missouri ecosystems. Before joining the ISP, Lauren taught middle school Earth and Planetary Science at Lift For Life Academy.

In her role at the ISP, Lauren has translated her passion for the natural world into a curriculum that engages students in authentic science and engineering. She places a specific emphasis on expanding student access to Earth Science in K-12 education. Additionally, Lauren develops and facilitates professional development for partner districts, emphasizing best practices in science teaching . Her goal is to help remove barriers for science teachers, and in doing so, help teachers provide opportunities for rigorous and equitable science sensemaking to all students in their classrooms.

Lauren is a graduate of Saint Louis University. She holds a degree in Environmental Science. Outside of her professional life, Lauren can be found spending time with her family at the various parks around the St. Louis region, riding her bike, and building her future farm.

Christi Sanderson, EdD, NBCT, serves as science program manager and instructional specialist. She brings extensive experience as a classroom teacher, district administrator and leader in differentiated learning, gifted education and curriculum development. She was assistant principal at the Rockwood School District’s Center for Creative Learning. Christi holds an MA in Educational Administration and Doctorate of Education in Teacher Leadership from Maryville University, an MA in Gifted Education from Drury University, MA in Teaching from Webster University and BA in Science Education from SEMO.

Alexandra Forgerson joins the ISP after over ten years in the field of education. She started her career as an elementary science specialist at Valley Beth Shalom Day School in Encino, California. She moved to St. Louis to start her Missouri teaching career as a science teacher at McKinley Classical Junior Academy. Most recently, Alexandra served as a gifted education specialist in the Rockwood School District at the middle school and high school levels. 

Alexandra is a voracious learner; in her role as both educator and learner she has experienced the catalytic effect that inquiry-based learning and authentic experiences have on encouraging human intrinsic motivation. Alexandra’s spark for scientific research was ignited during two summer field studies in Costa Rica studying evolutionary biology and tropical ecology. On these research expeditions, she helped to collect data to support and prompt conservation efforts in the region. 

Alexandra is committed to actively infusing inquiry-based experiences in education to enhance student engagement. She hopes to ignite the same passion for science in the next generation by offering students more opportunities for authentic exploration and enrichment.

Alexandra received her bachelor degree from Hendrix College (2011). She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Pepperdine University (2014) and her Master of Arts in Gifted Education from Lindenwood University (2019). 

During her free time, Alexandra loves traveling and playing outside with her family. Her family holds the record for most competitive games ever played of Clue and Junior Monopoly. 

Alex Gerber has been involved in science education for 8 years in both formal and informal capacities. He was a science educator at the Saint Louis Science Center and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in North Carolina. He also taught 5th grade science at Kairos Academies in St. Louis. Alex earned his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Science Education from Indiana University (IU). During his time at IU, Alex taught several undergraduate science education courses including the elementary science methods course, the advanced elementary science methods course, introduction to scientific inquiry, and the field experience portion of the math and science methods courses.

His research at IU focused on elementary science teacher professional development. In this research, he co-facilitated professional development workshops and served as an instructional coach for elementary teachers. The focus of the professional development was around using representations in science teaching to help students develop deep understanding of complex scientific phenomena. Apart from his love for science education, Alex also has a passion for soccer, basketball, and running.

Heather Milo brings over 10 years of experience in both formal and informal science education spaces that vary from middle school science teaching to working as a health educator in rural and urban communities. She earned her Masters of Science in Science Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, during which she mentored pre-service teachers and researched meaningful student engagement with the science and engineering practices. Her research on teacher learning and meaningful science pedagogy have since informed the development of a national STEM Professional Development program and continues to inform her work at the Institute for School Partnership as the Instructional Specialist. During her free time, you can see Heather running around University City trying to keep up with her twin toddler girls.

Chris Cella  works to ensure that educators at our partner schools have the physical materials they need to teach our programs effectively.

In 2018, the ISP built and delivered science kits to 9,000 classrooms in 220 schools across the St. Louis region. This is double the number from last year. This represents over 100,000 students participating in science and engineering practices!

Diane Pilla plays a vital role in supporting the mySci partners and team by coordinating a wide range of operations and projects. She ensures that the mySci website remains accessible and user-friendly while also managing kit logistics and delivery schedules for our customers. With a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and problem-solving, Diane takes pride in assisting stakeholders with their everyday mySci needs, ensuring seamless support and efficiency across all aspects of the program.

Jeff is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is primarily responsible for all aspects of delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, cat, and dog.

DJ is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits, ensuring that they meet quality standards. He also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. In his free time, he dedicates quality time to his family and loved ones.

Stuart is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits, managing inventory, maintenance, and warehouse IT. In his free time, he enjoys playing tabletop games with his two children.

Kass is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits and also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. In his free time, he likes to fish at Innsbrook and has played soccer all his life.

Mary is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits and ensuring that they meet quality standards. A mother of five, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Jeremy is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building  mySci kits, carpentry in the warehouse, and also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. In his free time, he enjoys puppies, attending concerts, and hiking.

Henry has been a member of the mySci Resource Center team since 2019. In addition to building mySci kits, he is primarily involved with driving and delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. Henry is an aspiring voice actor and cycling enthusiast.

Jake is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits, ensuring that they meet quality standards. He also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region.

Jim is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits, ensuring that they meet quality standards. He also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region.

Eric is a member of the mySci Resource Center team. He is responsible for building mySci kits, ensuring that they meet quality standards. He also assists with delivering kits to schools across the St. Louis region. He is interested in math and physics and is working to earn a certificate in data analytics at WashU’s CAPS program.

Erin brings over a decade of K-12 education experience to the mySci team and currently works as a professional development facilitator and curriculum editor. She began her career teaching kindergarten through 8th grade students in Chicago and moved from first year teacher to academic dean in her time there. Working with grade level and department teams to focus student learning motivated her to shift into instructional coaching, professional development design and school leadership.

In 2016, Erin moved to St. Louis and began a leadership role in a 6th through 12th grade school. As director of curriculum and instruction, she learned even more about the endless potential of both students and teachers. It was there that she first coached teachers through their use of mySci and joined the mySci team in 2019. In facilitating professional development, Erin gets to share the excitement of teachers as they prepare to introduce their students to this dynamic curriculum.

Erin holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell College and master’s degrees in teaching and education administration from Dominican University. In her free time, she explores St. Louis area parks with her two young children.

V. Barbara Pener is a retired teacher who spent 30 years in education, all served in the Kirkwood School District. She has taught Health & Wellness, Chemistry, Astronomy, Technology, and more recently Earth Science, Coding, and Robotics.

Barbara serves as a science and technology educational consultant for the Washington University-Institute for School Partnership, where she assists in the review and writing of mySci science and technology curriculum, as well as PD facilitation.

She earned her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and both her master’s degrees in Technology and Science Education from Webster University. She has served as district science fair facilitator, on several district level social justice, educational equity committees, the district African American Achievement Task Force, district technology leadership team, building level science department chairperson, track and field coach, an NEA officer and competitive robotics coach.

Barbara has presented in educational conferences at the local, state, and national levels in the area of health, science, athletics, and technology. Barbara embraces technology and recognizes the importance of its integration in the 21st century classroom. She combines the unique perspective of a past STEM TQ participant with her commitment to the STEM infused classroom, as she continues in her role as both a STEM TQ facilitator and STEMpact Project Coordinator.

Elizabeth has over 30 years experience in the science education field. She first gained experience by working in the field as an environmental biologist, which came in handy when working as a classroom teacher in the Ladue School District. She was the first teacher to have her students out in the field testing the water quality of Deer Creek with her Stream Team#76, which she started in 1989.

In 2015, Elizabeth retired from the classroom but not from science education. In addition to working with the Institute for School Partnerships, she also is the Chair of the Awards Committee for the Science Teachers of Missouri, on the Advisory Board and Chair of the Education Committee for the Audubon Center at Riverlands, a member of the Website Committee for the Missouri Environmental Educators Association and a Member of the Advisory Council for the National Science Teaching Association Middle Level Division. She is a Judge with the Exploravision Competition through the National Science Teaching Association and also peer reviews publications for the Science Scope Magazine. Elizabeth has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education, her lifetime Teaching Certification in Biology and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.

In 2020, Elizabeth was named a Distinguished Alumni from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She has also been a PARC Fellow, and Kirk Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, and has received numerous teaching awards including awards from NSTA, STOM, Academy of Science, Department of Natural Resources, and the Humane Society. Her passion is helping students and teachers learn about science and the natural world.

Orlando has worked with various schools and community-based organizations to build STEM capacity and develop creative opportunities across the St. Louis region. Utilizing an engaging approach and cultural relevance, Orlando looks to leverage creative play and design thinking to create meaningful experiences that enhance learning.

Previously, Orlando served as the STEM Director for the Gateway Region YMCA collaborating with schools and community partners in the developing STEM ecosystem. Before starting the journey in STEM, Orlando spent 15 years as an elementary educator during which he held the role of Technology Integration Specialist.

Robert Blankenship, Lucille P. Markey Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Biology, studies the energy-storing reactions in photosynthetic organisms, as well as the origin and early evolution of photosynthesis. Dr. Blankenship has worked as a curriculum content advisor for the mySci program.

For more information on Robert Blankenship, click here.

Anil Cashikar, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, does research in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology.

Rajan Chakrabarty obtained his PhD in Chemical Physics from the University of Nevada, Reno with dissertation research conducted at the Desert Research Institute. He also holds degrees in Atmospheric Physics (MS) and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (B Eng.). His research contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors, most notably the 2019 Schmauss award (GAeF), 2018 AGU Global Environmental Change Early Career award, the 2017 Richard M. Goody award by the electromagnetic light scattering and remote sensing community, and a 2015 NSF CAREER award.

Chakrabarty has been an active member, including serving as the chair of the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) Aerosol Physics working group since 2008. Between 2014 and 2017, he served as chair of the AAAR Education Committee for three consecutive years. He was one of the host organizers of the 2018 International Aerosol Conference, in charge of a number of activities from organizing tutorials to overseeing the day-to-day smooth functioning of the events.

Until his retirement in 2014, Rich Heuermann served as the Administrative Officer of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Outreach Program Coordinator for the NASA Missouri Space Grant Consortium at Washington University in Saint Louis. Rich has worked as a curriculum content advisor for the mySci program.

An active member of the Saint Louis Astronomical Society for many years, he has continued involvement in astronomy outreach programs, presenting lectures and assisting with star parties – public telescope observing sessions. Rich holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Louis University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, both in Physics. Prior to his thirty-year term at Washington University, he served as the assistant director of the McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis. There he managed the Planetarium’s exhibits program, developed special events, and scripted some of its planetarium programs.

In 2008, Professor Jun joined the faculty at Washington University in St. Louis. She operates the Environmental NanoChemistry laboratory (ENCL) in the department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering. Professor Jun received a 2008 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award and a 2011 U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER Award. She was named a 2015 Kavli Fellow by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a 2016 Frontier of Engineering Fellow by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. She now serves on the American Chemical Society (ACS)’s organizational level Committee on Science and served as the Past Division Chair (2017), Division Chair (2016), Program Chair (2015), and Program Chair-Elect (2014) of the ACS’s Geochemistry Division. She serves on the Advisory Board of Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts and is an Associate Editor of Geochemical Transactions.

Fangqiong Ling leads a computational and experimental lab to study bacterial colonization and transmission at the boundary of built and natural environments. She explores microbiomes as environmental sensors and public health sentinels.

Her research employs genomics, machine learning and theory. The lab’s ultimate goal is to discover the principles underlying the diversity, functioning and resilience of microbial ecosystems and develop tools to enable ecologically aware designs.