Educator
Ambassadors
Help increase the visibility of I Am A Scientist within teaching communities.Our Educator Ambassador program is designed to build meaningful relationships with the educators we serve.
How are Educator Ambassadors selected?
Educator Ambassadors apply and are chosen as exemplary educators responsible for doing things like helping moderate our social media, co-host professional development events, and amplify our resources.
I Am A Scientist thrives because of the educators that make up our community and bring our resources to life. We’re excited to have them onboard!
BRING RESOURCES TO LIFE
Meet our 2023-2024 Educator Ambassadors
Jennifer Alessio
High School Chemistry
New Jersey
"Being told early in my teaching career that women should not be science teachers only propelled me to further want to break common stereotypes."
→ FacebookJennifer grew up dreaming of becoming an actress or journalist and initially enrolled in college with plans to study journalism. However, a week before classes began, her grandfather encouraged her to change her major to chemistry. His belief in her potential to succeed as a woman in science paved the way for her to become a chemistry teacher. Early in her teaching career, Jennifer was told that women shouldn’t be science teachers—a statement that only fueled her determination to break stereotypes. Today, she serves as a role model for her students, showing them that success in science is achievable regardless of gender, skin tone, or nationality.
John
Wiley
7th and 8th grade science
Colorado
"I am excited to share my passion for authentic science experiences with as many students as possible. We are all scientists, with different levels of training, and my goal is to cultivate critical thinkers that see themselves as scientists and science communicators.”
John Wiley is a passionate educator that has been teaching science for over 20 years. He uses science as a conduit to help students understand the world and their place in it. John currently teaches middle school science, Lego Robotics, and leads students on experiential trips to wolf sanctuaries, national parks, and all around the world.
Mendy
Brewington
Middle School STE(A)M & Robotics
Missouri
"Empowering all students to make connections from the classroom to real-world is big, but it's what we need to solve the big issues in today's world."
→ INSTAGRAMMendy brings a unique perspective to teaching science and STEM, having entered education through a non-traditional path. With an undergraduate degree in construction management, she worked as a field engineer and project engineer before pursuing a Master’s degree in teaching. This background gives her a deep understanding of the importance of increasing interest and participation in STEM fields among future students.
As an Educator Ambassador, Mendy is passionate about motivating educators to inspire a more inclusive outlook on STEM careers. She is committed to empowering all students to connect classroom learning to real-world applications, equipping them to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.
Miranda
mullens allen
High School STEM
South Carolina
"I am truly excited about being an Educator Ambassador and looking forward to promoting STEM education that is equitable and inclusive to all learners."
→ instagramMiranda Mullins Allen is from Mullins, South Carolina, and is currently a biology and physical science teacher at Conway High School in Conway, SC. With ten years of teaching experience, she has served as a STEM facilitator and coordinator. Miranda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of South Carolina and Francis Marion University. She is also pursuing a PhD in STEM Education at Texas Tech University. Excited to serve as an Educator Ambassador, she is dedicated to promoting STEM education that is equitable and inclusive for all learners.
Rashaunda
Foster
8th Grade Science
Tennessee
"My motto is, 'If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.' – Chinese Proverb"
Rashaunda Foster has been passionate about science education since 2007. Throughout her career, she has taught high school courses, including anatomy and physiology, as well as middle school science. She has also served as a TN Ready Science Content Ambassador and is a dedicated advocate for her students, believing that lifelong learning is the key to fulfillment. For Rashaunda, education is more than a job—it’s a way of life.
Holding a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Rashaunda currently teaches in Tennessee. Her immediate goals include completing her National Board Certification. She is honored to serve as an Education Ambassador and continue making an impact in science education.
Susana
Oliu
Secondary Science
California
"Advocating for underrepresented groups to achieve academic success in STEM continues to be my focus and I am blessed to be a part of this fabulous opportunity!"
→ FacebookSusana was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and is of Mexican descent. Her grandmother inspired her lifelong love of science. This passion began at the age of seven, as Susana listened to her grandmother’s stories of the Mexican Revolution while standing by her side in the kitchen, watching her blend the authentic flavors of Mexican culture and heritage. By the age of eight, Susana was preparing full family meals for her siblings. To her, her grandmother was “a Scientist.” Today, Susana serves as an Educator Ambassador for I Am A Scientist where she advocates for STEM education across the United States, with a special focus on underrepresented groups. She is thrilled to continue making an impact in this field.
Uma
Mahajan
HS Science Instructor and Diversity, Equity, and Engagement Coordinator
North Carolina
"As an immigrant and a woman of color, representation in science matters and I feel that I Am a Scientist is doing just that."
→ FacebookDr. Uma Mahajan, originally from Mumbai, India, is a Science teacher and the Diversity, Equity & Engagement Coordinator at Durham Academy in North Carolina. With seven years of teaching experience, she is passionate about shaping how society views scientists and advancing representation in STEM fields. As an immigrant and a woman of color, Dr. Mahajan believes that representation in science is vital. Outside of her teaching role, Dr. Mahajan enjoys baking with her children and has recently taken up woodworking.
Victoria
Tabibi
Physics & Earth Science
Virginia
"Becoming an Educator Ambassador opens the door for promoting diversity and recognizing that there is not a linear path to becoming a scientist. I truly believe that feeling confident in who you are can motivate you to achieve your goals."
→ instagramVictoria Tabibi teaches physics and earth science at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, VA. She loves sharing her passion for science and revealing its beauty to her students. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Secondary Education, both from Old Dominion University. She is currently pursuing an Education Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education from Indiana University.
Ysabel
Ortiz
K-8 STEAM
Florida
"I look forward to collaborating with educators and scientists around the country to provide all students an opportunity to see themselves in STEAM.”
→ instagramYsabel Ortiz's story begins in Caracas, Venezuela, where she was born. Spanish is her first language, and she learned English after moving to the US with her family at the age of 7. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in Communications and Marketing. Ysabel currently works at an international school in Florida, having previously taught at another international school in Costa Rica. She loves cultivating an environment of curiosity in her STEAM lab. Now in her 10th year of teaching, she is deeply passionate about her work.
Thank you to our ambassadors from previous years.
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Tara Hodge
Arkansas • 2022
Become an Educator Ambassador
SUGGESTION BOX
We invite you to submit your ideas or feedback for the Educator Ambassdor program.
We value every suggestion and will take them into consideration. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback or ideas!