Trista Straube

What 3-5 adjectives best describe you?
Affable, sincere, and dedicated

Briefly describe your job… what do you really do at EL?
At EL, I support my team of PDCs to ensure they are successful, confident, and in an environment they thrive in. Many aspects of my job are framed on the mindset of support, collaboration, and assisting others in finding avenues that guide them toward the future they see for themselves at EL.

What do you like about working at EL?
What I enjoy most about working at EL is my team in the PD Department. I have never encountered a work environment as welcoming, supportive, and caring. On this team, I have felt like there are no limits to my growth, and I am wholeheartedly supported in anything I seek out for my own professional development.

What's the most seriously fun thing you've ever done?
The most fun thing I have done is challenge myself to camp for four days at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I shared a campsite with two photographers from National Geographic and used a stream as a source of water for my stay.

Why is STEM education important, in your personal opinion??
STEM education takes what could be complex material and allows young learners to engage with it through the lens of real-world scenarios effectively. STEM puts students at a crossroads where innovation and creation meet, finding solutions and cross-curricular outcomes to progress their educational careers.

How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Why??
I would like to think that I have the potential to survive a zombie apocalypse for at least a couple of years. Over the years, I have experienced a variety of scenarios where I needed survival skills. This, coupled with my significant other’s knowledge of vaccine manufacturing, makes me feel like I will be able to survive to some degree. (Hopefully)

Chemistry or Biology?
Chemistry

Algebra or Geometry?
Algebra

Learn a language or learn how to code?
Learn a language

Deep space or deep sea?
None. I am not a fan of either!

Bill Nye or Neil DeGrasse Tyson?
Both. Bill Nye was a childhood icon, but Neil DeGrasse Tyson I saw in person and was a huge fan.

Einstein or Newton?
Einstein

Star Wars or Star Trek?
Neither

Keyboard or Paper + Pencil?
Paper + Pencil

Playlists or podcasts?
Playlists

In the classroom… Front row or back row?
Front row