Vicki is Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Throughout her career, she has worked to build successful university-community-business partnerships in support of K-12 science education. Science outreach programs provide graduate courses for teachers, science materials for classrooms and enrichment programs for students. Annually, science outreach programs impact nearly 3,000 K-12 teachers and over 22,500 students. Under Vicki’s leadership, grant revenue for science outreach programs has increased from $200,000 in 1998 to over $2 million in 2007. Major projects include the $3.7 million MySci project, supported by the Monsanto Fund. Vicki has taught chemistry at the high school and college level, and has worked in a research lab at Washington University School of Medicine.

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Tanya Cross has possessed a passion for science from a very early age.  In high school, Tanya participated in the Ecology in Action program, where she taught science to elementary students in the University City School District once a week.  After attending Columbia College and Harris Stowe State University, she continued her committment to education and worked at Gibson Elementary School, where she served as science curator and taught both third and fourth grade.

Tanya's work with the R.I.S.E program - Rennaissance in Science Education - has prepared her well for her current position as Program Specialist with the MySci Investigation Station.  She served as Science Lead Teacher for this initiative and was responsible for developing an inquiry-based, hands-on science curriculum in conjunction with Washington University, Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Science Center.  Additionally, Tanya presented the program to the National Science Teachers Association conference in Philadelphia.

This dedicated educator has completed her coursework for a certificate in Science Education and is currently working on her Masters in Science Education at Washington University.

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Skyler Wiseman is thrilled to be a member of this innovative team bringing hands-on science experiences to the children of St. Louis. Her master’s thesis from Webster University, entitled “Environmental Education, the Child and Community” helped prepare her for this unique opportunity. Skyler received her BA from Western State College in Gunnison, Co and taught in Silverton, Co. Skyler further gained experience and knowledge in creating, implementing and assessing curriculum while teaching at The College School in Webster Groves for twenty years. She also taught in an inclusive classroom for the Webster Groves School District’s early childhood program. She credits her love of science to the wonderful teachers at Mary Institute/Country Day School and growing up playing along the banks of the Mississippi River. Skyler is a recent graduate of the Institute for Inquiry, The Exploratorium, San Francisco. Skyler also completed level one training as a a Missouri Department of Conservation Master Naturalist in 2008.

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Steve worked for 15 years in the field of parks and recreation. Prior to joining MySci, he taught at Lemasters Elementary School for 10 years and served as the leader/teacher in the Riverview Gardens School District’s Renaissance in Science Education program. In that role, Steve collaborated with science educators from Washington University in St. Louis, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo to develop the inquiry-based, hands-on science curriculum for Riverview Gardens schools.

 

Steve attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and parks  management. He also received his elementary teaching certificate from McKendree College and completed his Master of Education degree in elementary education from Lindenwood University.

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Hurlie Cozart, Program Specialist
Prior to his role as MySci program specialist, Hurlie taught sixth grade at Brown Elementary School in Florissant, Mo. For more than 10 years, he taught at private, public, nondenominational and parochial elementary schools in the St. Louis area. He also participated in the Renaissance in Science Education (RISE) program, which encourages hands-on science education.

Hurlie earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and master's degree in educational administration from Lindwood University.

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Diane interacts with schools and teachers to schedule professional development and Investigation Station visits. In addition, the Diane keeps the project records and coordinates kit assembly, refurbishment and delivery from the MySci warehouse.

Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia College. Pilla joined Riverview Gardens schools as a science curator at Meadows Elementary School. She managed a school-based warehouse and team-taught inquiry-based science in Riverview Gardens’ National Science Foundation Local Systemic Change Initiative called Renaissance in Science Education (RISE). Pilla has collaborated with science educators and scientists from the Washington University in St. Louis, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Zoo and University of Missouri-St. Louis to bring innovative materials management processes to Riverview Gardens. Pilla has presented the RISE method of materials management and professional development at national conferences. For scheduling, educators may contact Diane Pilla, project coordinator, 314-289-1448 or dpilla@slsc.org.

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Thom Becker, Assistant Fleet Manager
Thom is a new addition to the MySci staff this year, and will provide logistical services including transportation of the Investigation Station to and from schools. A former employee at the Saint Louis Zoo, Thom’s experience constructing animal exhibits makes him a perfect addition to the MySci team. Thom has studied graphic art and design and has received his EMT certification. When not working, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, sculpting, camping and mountain biking.

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Chris Cella, Fleet Manager
Chris has been with MySci since the program’s inauguration and will continue to perform essential support functions throughout this school year as the MySci fleet manager. His roles include delivering the Investigation Station to area schools, transferring curriculum kits to teachers before the visits, and ensuring the safety of all the exhibits prior to the children’s arrival. Chris earned a degree in studio art from Webster University, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife and children. 

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