Who's Gonna Be There?

Featuring

Dr. Uchenna Emenaha Miles - UT San Antonio

Dr. Uchenna Emenaha Miles, a Houston native with West African heritage, is an award-winning assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, educational researcher, former classroom teacher and author. She has a range of experiences teaching at various levels – from upper elementary, secondary, to her current role at UT. Her expertise is using culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) within science/STEM instruction, to leverage students’ lived experiences making science instruction meaningful and engaging. At the heart of her work is a commitment to bridging the divide between equity and science education, striving to create a more inclusive and understanding academic environment.

Featuring

Chris Kesler - Kesler Science

Chris Kesler is a former award-winning middle school science teacher. When he began teaching he was shocked by the lack of resources for science teachers so he spent thousands of hours of his own time creating lessons, all designed from the ground up with four non-negotiables in mind; Experiences have to be engaging, Lessons have to build relationships, Activities need to be student-centered and allow for student choice, Students need to connect their learning to the real-world.

With these principles in place, the transformation that happened in his class was nothing short of spectacular. He noticed an increase in participation and engagement throughout the year. His test scores improved. More importantly, students made connections to the content, which built their confidence and gave them a sense of responsibility for their learning. He created Kesler Science, and today his materials have been used by tens of thousands of teachers across the country and around the world.

Featuring

Steve Spangler - Steve Spangler Amazing Science Experiences

Steve Spangler a best-selling author, two-time Emmy Award winner, and the host of the nationally syndicated television series DIY Sci. He’s the guy who’s responsible for sharing YouTube’s first viral science video teaching people how to drop those little Mentos into a bottle of Diet Coke. Today, his videos on social media including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube have more than 4.5 billion views. 

For the past 25 years, his books and online experiments have been widely used by parents and educators to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.

If you saw the enormous mess that Steve repeatedly made on the Ellen Show over the past 15 years, you’ll understand why Ellen calls Steve… the science teacher you always wanted to have in school because the fire department shows up twice a year. 

Featuring

Alan Lightman - Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science

Alan Lightman is an American physicist and writer. PhD in physics, Caltech. He has served on the faculties of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was the first person at MIT to receive dual faculty appointments in science and in the humanities. He is currently professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. Lightman is the recipient of six honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of numerous books, both nonfiction and fiction, including Einstein’s Dreams, an international bestseller, and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction. His essays concern the intersection of science, culture, philosophy, and theology. His most recent nonfiction books are Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine, The Transcendental Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science, and The Miraculous from the Material. Lightman is the host of the public television series “SEARCHING: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science,” based on his books. In 2005, Lightman founded Harpswell, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering young women leaders in Southeast Asia. In August 2023, Lightman was appointed a member of the United Nation’s Scientific Advisory Board, reporting directly to the Secretary General. 

Featuring

Jessica Noffsinger - Teacher & Curriculum Writer

Jessica Noffsinger has been an educator for 24 years and has spent the past 14 years teaching science and engineering at the STEM Magnet Lab School in Northglenn, CO. Creating learning experiences that are engaging and thought provoking is Jessica’s specialty.  Students in her classroom have engaged in numerous problem-based learning activities that have challenged students to use their understanding of scientific concepts to solve problems, ranging from replacing all fluorescent lights in the school to developing synthetic blood for medical device testing.  Jessica also sponsors a variety of extracurricular activities and serves on numerous school, district, and state level committees. She was the 2015 Recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching for secondary science.  Jess has traveled to India as part of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program and Germany as part of the Goethe Institut Transatlantic Outreach Program to learn about STEM education around the world.  

Featuring

William Carter- Teacher 

William Carter is a passionate science educator with 21 years of experience working with students across K–8. He currently teaches 7th and 8th grade integrated NGSS science at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), where he creates hands-on, inclusive learning experiences that spark curiosity and help students see themselves as scientists.

As an X-STEM Fellow, Will is part of a national initiative developed in partnership with the National Imperative for Industrial Skills (NIIS) to address the growing workforce shortage in STEM industries. The program engages 7th–12th grade students in exploring real-world careers in fields like engineering, materials science, metrology, and advanced manufacturing. On this panel, Will will share how X-STEM All Access makes it easy for teachers to bring high-quality, career-connected STEM experiences into the classroom through inspiring video content and ready-to-use lessons.

Will also mentors' teachers clearing their credentials and supports high school students pursuing careers in education through Project Lead the Way—a program designed to develop the next generation of educators.

In addition to his classroom work, Will has contributed to multiple science education initiatives, including collaborations with WestEd, OpenSciEd, and the NGSS Early Implementers program. Outside of school, he’s a CrossFit enthusiast, plays volleyball active traveler, and lifelong learner committed to empowering students and teachers alike.

Featuring

Kenya Cooper- Technology Training Integration Specialist 

Kenya is a Technology Training Integration Specialist with Cobb County School District Instructional Technology department, specializing in STEM, emerging technology tools, and creating meaningful assessments. Kenya designs professional learning experiences that help educators integrate technology, enhance engagement, and learning outcomes. As a frequent presenter at edtech conferences, she focus on technology-enhanced assessments, challenge-based learning, and interactive STEM instruction. She is passionate about empowering educators with innovative technology and practical strategies that transform learning, making it more engaging, meaningful, and accessible for all students.

Featuring

Veronica Ellis, Ed.M. - Code.org & TeachAi.org 

Veronica Ellis is a researcher, content developer, and educator specializing in educational technology and STEM learning. As Content Development and Research Manager at TeachAI, Veronica designs resources that help students and educators navigate emerging technologies, while working with stakeholders to determine their efficacy. Her work integrates computer science concepts, ethical AI considerations, and instructional practices to support K-12 learning. Previously, she taught middle school science in Chicago Public Schools, where she led professional learning centered on quality teaching for English Learners. Veronica is passionate about making STEM education accessible, ensuring that educators and students have the tools to critically and ethically engage with emerging technologies.