SciTech Institute was established as a nonprofit organization as a conduit for collaboration among STEM industry, academia, civic, and non-profit organizations to align assets and resources to motivate individuals to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths. Together, we will build a world-class community of diverse STEM-literate workers and knowledgeable, engaged citizens.
After graduating from Bolivar-Richburg High School in rural western New York and joining the United States Army, Kelly Greene learned quickly to adapt to her surroundings to be successful. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and played shortstop on the Tiger softball team while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
After graduating from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, she traveled the world with the military. While stationed in Misawa, Japan, Kelly fell in love with learning about cultures around the world. Even as a deployed Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom for two tours, she found opportunities to connect with the local children to form the Victory Base Council Girl Scouts with her fellow servicemen.
In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and traveled the country by air and had the opportunity to utilize the most advanced technologies available to the tactical HUMINT operations in theater. Upon return from combat, she retired with 21 years of service and began teaching 6th grade Math.
After being selected as a Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and having her Fiesta Bowl Charities Wish Granted for a morning news studio, she was asked to begin a new class on campus – 7th grade STEM! Using her enthusiastic nature and combined with her strong classroom management she was able to design curriculum based on the Engineering Design Process to have her 7th graders complete a new project every 2 weeks!
She is excited to serve as the Director of Student Success for the rapidly expanding Chief Science Officers Program. Her goal is to push students just a bit outside of their comfort zone so they can see for themselves the power of their own ideas.
Jacob Lounsbury graduated from Western Michigan University in December of 2000 with quadruple minors Elementary Education, Math, General Science, and Language Arts. In January he started teaching full time for the Saginaw Public School District. In the District Jacob was responsible for Seventh and eighth Grade Science Education at North Middle School. Jacob Was also involved in the Schools Basketball Program and Track Program, coaching the School’s Girls Basketball Team and coaching the School’s track team.
Jacob also wrote freelance for several local papers, and this led to a job opportunity writing full time and marketing in the local paper conglomerate. This later expanded into opportunity to work as the Business Growth Manager for a construction and remediation company. Working directly with corporations such as Dow, Jacob secured contracts and expanded business on a state level as well as worked within business associations to increase the businesses exposure.
Jacob was also a member of the Michigan National Guard, serving as a Cavalry Scout. Jacob spent nearly 10 years in service, including 5 years active time. The active time in the Guard included a combat deployment to Kandahar province, Afghanistan. In Afghanistan Jacob was a Gunner, Truck Commander, Squad Leader, Biometrics Security Specialist, and Key Leader Engagement Team Lead.
Upon returning home from Afghanistan Jacob returned to the classroom. Teaching in Bridgeport Michigan, Jacob taught 8th grade Science and Writing, as well as was the advisor of the Schools Student Council, Girls Track and Basketball Coach, Team Achieve Committee Chair and Karaoke Club Advisor. Through active involvement in the schools STEM engagement plan, Jacob became part of the CSO community as an Advisor, then moved to a team member, first going to Kuwait for their initial Leadership Training Institute, then moved to working of the guides as part of the Global Implementation Team.
Jake is now the Director of Global Partnerships for Chief Science Officers International. In this roll Jake serves as a “Jake of all Trades” working on government and corporate partnerships, implementation and logistics of new and continuing programs, the Middle East Liaison team lead, diplomatic advisor and much more. You will still find Jake in the front of the programs many cabinets both nationally and internationally leading training with both the students and advisors alike.
Lisa Gallagher Schromm has bounced between informal and formal education but has remained focused on providing engaging STEM experiences for youth in the state. In her new role at the SciTech Institute, Lisa is responsible for taking that self-driven initiative and providing it to a broader audience as the STEM Ecosystem Lead in Arizona.
Her background in museology incorporated research and evaluation with her interests in community identity. Her experience as a classroom teacher transformed her understanding of constructivist pedagogy. She is now completing doctorate research in using communities of practice to increase STEM capital in the state through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.
Lisa is a hobbyist welder and SPSS enthusiast. Reach out to her to explore STEM programs, network with STEM professionals, aid in STEM initiatives, and ultimately amplify the community voice during policy making.
Now he is the Digital Systems Manager for the Arizona Technology Council Foundation and he couldn’t be happier. Much of what he does involves Social Media Marketing, PHP/HTML/CSS Programming, and IT Solutions. He believes that the CSO Project is all about giving back to the community and providing opportunities to those who can really help impact the future for the better, our youth.
Being in love with technology his whole life, Jasper Peña pursued his dreams of becoming a programmer that led him from Chicago to Arizona. He attended the University of Advancing Technology to obtain his Bachelors Degree in Advancing Computer Science and Game Programming.
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