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.
AMBASSADORS
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 Educator Ambassadors
2023-2024
"I look forward to collaborating with educators and scientists around the country to provide all students an opportunity to see themselves in STEAM.”
My name is Ysabel Ortiz and my story begins in Caracas, Venezuela. Spanish is my first language and I learned English when I moved to the US with my family at the age of 7. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Comms and Marketing. I work at an international school in Florida and previously taught at another international school in Costa Rica. I love cultivating an environment of curiosity in my STEAM lab. This is my 10th year teaching and I love my job.
I am honored to be an "I Am a Scientist" Educator Ambassador. I look forward to collaborating with educators and scientists around the country to provide all students an opportunity to see themselves in STEAM.
— Ysabel Ortiz
K-8 STEAM • Florida
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.
"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
7th and 8th Grade Science • Colorado
"I am truly excited about being an Educator Ambassador and looking forward to promoting STEM education that is equitable and inclusive to all learners."
My name is Miranda Mullins Allen and I am from Mullins, South Carolina. I am currently a biology and physical science teacher at Conway High School in Conway, SC.
I have served as a STEM facilitator and coordinator throughout my ten years of teaching. I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Education in Teaching from the University of South Carolina and Francis Marion University. I am a doctoral student in the PhD STEM Education program at Texas Tech University.
I am truly excited about being an Educator Ambassador and looking forward to promoting STEM education that is equitable and inclusive to all learners.
—Miranda Mullins Allen
High School STEM • South Carolina
My name is Victoria Tabibi and I teach physics and earth science at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, VA. I love sharing my passion for science and showing my students the beauty of it all!
I’ve earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science in Secondary Education, both from Old Dominion University. I’m currently working on my Education Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction, with an emphasis in Science Education from Indiana University.
"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."
— Victoria Tabibi
Physics and Earth Science • Virginia
"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!"
I was born and raised in the City of Los Angeles, California, and I am of Mexican descent. My grandmother became the inspiration for my love for Science. It all started at the age of seven. My grandmother would tell me her stories of the Mexican Revolution while I stood next to her side by side in the kitchen as I saw her blend authentic flavors of our culture, and heritage of Mexican cuisine. By the age of eight, I was making full family meals for my brothers and sisters. My grandmother was “a Scientist.” I am grateful that today I have become an Educator Ambassador for “I am a Scientist.” I look forward to continuing to advocate for STEM education across the United States, particularly with a focus on underrepresented groups. I could not be any more exhilarated!
— Susana Oliu
Secondary Science • California
"Being told early in my teaching career that women should not be science teachers only propelled me to further want to break common stereotypes."
My name is Jennifer Allessio and I am thrilled to be an Education Ambassador!
As a child I dreamed of being an actress or journalist and even enrolled in college with intentions of studying journalism. A week before classes began my grandfather convinced me to change my major to chemistry. Without him believing in my abilities to be a successful woman in science, I would not be a chemistry teacher today.
My experience in being told early in my teaching career that women should not be science teachers only propelled me to further want to break common stereotypes and serve as a role model for my students that they can also achieve success in science no matter their gender, skin tone, or nationality.
— Jennifer Allessio
High School Chemistry • New Jersey
"As an immigrant and a woman of color, representation in science matters and I feel that I Am a Scientist is doing just that."
My name is Dr. Uma Mahajan and I am originally from Mumbai, India. I am a Science teacher and the Diversity, Equity & Engagement Coordinator at Durham Academy, NC and this is my seventh year of teaching.
I am so excited and honored to be a part of the educator ambassador program for the "I am a Scientist" project. As an immigrant and a woman of color, representation in science matters and I feel that "I am a Scientist" is doing just that.
I am thrilled to be a part of a project that shapes how society views scientists. When I am not doing teaching related things, I love to bake with my kids, and I am recently learning to do some woodworking.
— Uma Mahajan
HS Science Instructor and Diversity, Equity, and Engagement Coordinator • North Carolina
"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"
Hello! My name is Rashaunda Foster and I’ve been a lover of all things science education since 2007. During my tenure I’ve taught high school, anatomy and physiology, as well as the middle grades. I humbly previously served as a TN Ready Science content ambassador, and I advocate for my students every hour of the day. I believe the key fulfillment is to never stop learning! For me, education is not a job, it’s a way of life.
I have a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and currently teach in Tennessee. My immediate goals include completion of my National Board Certification. I am beyond grateful to serve as an Education Ambassador!
— Rashaunda Foster
8th Grade Science • Tennessee
"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."
I have a unique perspective on teaching science and STEM because I didn't become a teacher via the traditional route. My undergraduate degree was in construction management and I worked in this STEM field as a field engineer and project engineer before returning to obtain my Master's degree in teaching. This lends itself to the understanding and need for improving our numbers and interest in STEM fields of study for future students.
As an Educator Ambassador, I am excited to motivate educators and help them see the need to inspire and support a more inclusive outlook for STEM careers. 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.
— Mendy Brewington
Middle School STE(A)M and Robotics • MissouriThank you to our ambassadors from previous years.
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Tara Hodge
Arkansas • 2022
