STEM is part of everyone’s life. Preparing children with the base knowledge and the skills to adapt to become lifelong learners, will set them up for success in the future.
Give us 3-5 adjectives that describe you…
Resilient, compassionate, curious
Briefly describe your job… what do you really do at EL?
I work with the amazing DevOps team ensuring that both our on-premises and cloud infrastructure operate seamlessly. I enjoy interfacing with diverse teams and documenting systems and procedures to make information accessible to all. Additionally, as part of the DEI Council, I collaborate with others to make ExploreLearning a great place for everyone.
What do you like about working at EL?
The people! I have built great relationships across the company. Also, over my 20+ years at EL, I have had many different roles allowing me to learn something new every day.
What's the most seriously fun thing you've ever done?
Traveling in the Yucatan peninsula with my family, savoring amazing food, exploring ancient pyramids, and swimming in crystal-clear waters of a cenote.
Tell us about one of your STEM mentors. Who inspired you, and how?
My parents who encouraged me to be a lifelong learner from early age and to pursue a career in engineering.
What big STEM accomplishment do you think we’ll see happen in the next 100 years, and why are you excited about it?
I’ve had up close and personal experiences with cancer. The next generation of targeted therapies and personalized medicine are already being developed in research labs. These innovative treatments have the potential to enhance quality of life by effectively managing the disease while minimizing side effects. My hope is that these new treatments are made accessible to all who need them.
Why is STEM education important, in your personal opinion?
STEM is part of everyone’s life. Preparing children with the base knowledge and the skills to adapt to become lifelong learners, will set them up for success in the future.
Time travel… past or future?
Future
Artificial intelligence… friend or foe?
Both. AI is already helping humans with repetitive tasks, for example in the medical field reading radiology scans. On the other hand, we have a myriad of apps that generate all kinds of deep fakes. Just like with any new technology, we need regulations and boundaries that encourages using technology for the good of humanity.
Chemistry or Biology
Chemistry! Chemical Engineer 4eva!
Algebra or Geometry
Algebra
Learn a language or learn how to code
I would love to learn one more language.
Deep space or deep sea
This is a hard one, but deep space wins by 0.0001%
Bill Nye or Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Einstein or Newton
Hmmm… I pick instead Hedy Lamar. Many of today’s technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS) would not be possible without her contributions.
Star Wars or Star Trek
Star Trek
Keyboard or Paper + Pencil
Keyboard for work and Paper + Pencil for fun, doodles anyone?
Playlists or podcasts
Both. Playlists for driving. Podcasts to exercise and to relax.
In the classroom… Front row or back row
Front row. Self-professed nerd here.
Who's next?