Our Staff

As Executive Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Access, Teng serves as an advisor to the SSEC on strategic issues relating to business plan formulation, implementation, and marketing to ensure financial sustainability of new initiatives and existing programs that fall within education and access strategic objectives and priorities. Teng joined the Smithsonian in 2012 as Executive Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Finance & Administration/Chief Financial Officer, where he served as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary on policies, strategy, and operations in financial management and contributed to the leadership of finance and administration functions. Prior to the Smithsonian, Teng’s professional tenure included a 10-year career with the American Red Cross with responsibilities that spanned across strategic planning, financial management, customer service improvement, business partnership, project and change management, and operational and fundraising support. Prior to the American Red Cross, Teng worked in the private sector and graduated from Harvard University with both a BA (magna cum laude) in economics from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

202-633-3002

damicoa@si.edu

Amy D’Amico, PhD, joined the SSEC in 2013 as the Division Director of Professional Services. She oversees professional development and leadership development initiatives at SSEC. Prior to joining the SSEC, Amy was a member of the faculty in the biology department at Georgetown University. At Georgetown, she taught a variety of biology courses and co-directed the RISE & Teach program for biology undergraduates who complete a thesis while teaching in the District of Columbia Public Schools. In addition, Amy served as a full-time consultant at the SSEC to assist in the program development and execution of the K-12 Science Education Institutes for Leadership Development and Strategic Planning.

Amy has 18 years of experience as an educator that began by teaching middle school for the Cambridge Public Schools in Massachusetts. Amy quickly became a Middle Grade Science Teacher Leader and worked to implement the district’s five-year strategic plan based on the SSEC’s model of science education reform. While in Cambridge, she also worked on various educational and consulting projects with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and the American Museum of Natural History. Amy earned her BA in Biology with a minor in Education for Certification from New York University and received a MS and a PhD in Biology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

202-633-2961

JohnsonC@si.edu

Cole Johnson is the Division Director of Advancement and Partnerships. In this role, she leads the advancement efforts to secure the vital funding needed to transform K-12 education through science.  With over 20 years of professional fundraising experience, Cole has a proven track record of developing and deploying strategic fundraising plans, as well as a special gift for building lasting donor relationships and connecting prospects with programs that reflect their interests.

Prior to joining SSEC in October 2019, she began her tenure at the Smithsonian at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute where she had considerable success raising fund for scientific research and facilities to save species.  She was responsible for securing a $5 million pan – institutional gift to seed Smithsonian’s Working Land and Seascapes initiative.  Before coming to the Smithsonian, Cole was the Executive Director of the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation where she grew the Foundations assets from $1 million to over $10 million in 5 years.  She also served as the Executive Director of Headwaters, a local education foundation as well as advancement positions at Share Our Strength, Georgetown University and the Kennedy Center.  A graduate of The American University, Cole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and is a formerly licensed Certified Public Accountant.

rogersl@si.edu

Lisa Rogers is the Division Director of Finance & Administration for the SSEC. Lisa is responsible for the financial and administrative operations and financial compliance for the organization. Before assuming this position, she was the Program Specialist for the SSEC’s Professional Development Center. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in finance, grants administration, program management, and development. Prior to joining the SSEC, Lisa was the Program and Grants Administrator for the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, a Development Officer with the Navy League of United States, and worked with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, and the Smithsonian Associates. Lisa holds a BA in History from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and studied at the American University of Rome. She has been an adult literacy tutor and received her certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

202-633-2978

blanchardkp@si.edu

Katherine Blanchard is the Program Manager for Leadership Development and International Programs in the Professional Services division of the SSEC, where she has managed and supported a variety of programs across the United States, including STC™ professional development workshops, leadership institutes, and the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers. The main focus of her work has been supporting teachers, schools, and districts in building support and awareness for science education in their communities and working to expand the SSEC’s reach both in the United States and internationally. Prior to coming to the SSEC, Katherine worked for theatre companies in both Belgrade, Serbia, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and completed a Fulbright Fellowship teaching English at the University of Belgrade and studying theatre. Katherine graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a BA in Theatre Arts and Political Science. She has completed an MA in International Education from The George Washington University.

202-633-2957

elians@si.edu

Sofia Elian is the Graphic Designer at the Smithsonian Science Education Center where she develops illustrations and graphics across multiple platforms for digital projects such as apps, e-books, games, interactive/simulations, and web. Before joining the team, Sofia was a full-time student at American University receiving a BA in Graphic Design. She also worked at her student-run campus coffee shop as both a barista and their graphic designer, as well as interning at The Federal Reserve as a graphic design intern. On top of working and studying, Sofia was the art director for her University’s 2018 Design Show, creating and developing the show’s content, visuals, and exhibition. She has received two awards during her time as a student, a Design Show “Best in Show” award in 2018 for a UI/UX app design and a Visions Award for a scientific explainer animation. In her free time, Sofia enjoys painting, drawing, and longboarding around DC.

202-633-2959

echevarriak@si.edu

Kate Echevarria is the Executive Office Coordinator and is responsible for handling all projects, contracts, events, etc., associated with the Executive Office. Prior to SSEC, Kate was in Human Resource Management having worked for an international hotel chain, the U.S. Government, and a science non-profit. 

202-633-2219

fancherk@si.edu

Katie Fancher is a Program Specialist with the SSEC. Before joining the SSEC, Katie was an educator at McWane Science Center in Birmingham, AL where she created and presented informal science education for the public, students, and teachers.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama. 

202-633-2960

gainsbackk@si.edu

Katie Gainsback is a Program Manager for Leadership Development in the Professional Services division at the SSEC. Katie coordinates events promoting inquiry-based learning and STEM education across the United States for science teachers, administrators, and community partners. Through her role designing and executing leadership and professional learning opportunities, Katie has reinvigorated her passion for working with teachers and grade school love of hands-on science. Before joining the Smithsonian in 2012, Katie worked at the National Geographic Museum planning and facilitating drop-in programs for visitors of all ages on exhibits ranging from the Anglo-Saxon Hoard to Animal Grossology. Prior to that Katie was part of the Education Team at the National Archives and Records Administration, supporting school and public programs while in graduate school. Katie earned her BA in History from the College of William & Mary and received an MA in Museum Education from The George Washington University.

202-633-2967

GlassmanS@si.edu 

Sarah Glassman, PhD, is a Science Curriculum Developer at the SSEC. She is responsible for developing new science curriculum for elementary and middle school students. Prior to joining the SSEC, Sarah taught middle and high school and worked in education research at AAAS Project 2061. As a teacher, Sarah taught life, earth, and physical science to middle and high school students in Virginia and New York State. At Project 2061, Sarah worked on assessment alignment to the NGSS and on an NSF-funded project identifying linguistic factors associated with differential student performance on science assessments. Sarah has also taught science methods to pre-service elementary teachers as an adjunct faculty at George Mason University.

Sarah earned her doctoral degree in Education from George Mason University in 2016. Her research focused on the relationship between middle school science instruction and student engagement. Sarah has a Master’s degree in Biology Teaching from Union Graduate College and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Brown University.

komam@si.edu

Anne-Marie Kom is a Finance Manager for the SSEC and works with the Director of Finance to make sure that all grants and gifts financial compliances are followed. Before joining the organization as a permanent employee, she worked with the Smithsonian Office of Sponsored Project as a Financial Analyst, where she oversaw the financials of multiple grants across the whole institution. She received a BS in Finance from George Mason University and has been working in finance since then. She is originally from Cameroon, a country in central Africa, and moved to the United States 15 years ago. She is fluent in French and her native language called Bayangam. She has two children and enjoys spending time with her family and watching movies and tennis in her spare time.

202-633-2998

LeeHy@si.edu

Hyunju Lee, Ed.D. is a program specialist in the Professional Services division of the SSEC. Before joining the group, Hyunju was a research fellow at Utah State University and at the University of South Florida. Hyunju participated in NSF-funded longitudinal PD projects that science and mathematics teachers learned to implement technology in science inquiry pedagogy. Hyunju received the NASA HST Education & Public Outreach grant, and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Science Education Center at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) of the Caltech. Hyunju’s research has focused on teacher learning of technology professional development, student learning of science, and astronomy education.

Hyunju earned her doctoral degree in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. And, she received a MS in astronomy from Seoul National University, and a BS in physics with a science teaching certificate from Ewha Womans University in South Korea. Hyunju had previously worked for STEM education programs, taught students, and translated children’s science books. Hyunju likes to travel, likes to look at the night sky, and to spend time with her kids.

202-633-2965

MalanovicN@si.edu

Nejra Malanovic is a Program Assistant in the Professional Services division of the SSEC where she supports a variety of programs. Prior to coming to the SSEC, Nejra worked at World Learning where she supported the US Department of State’s professional exchange program, International Visitor Leadership Program. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Biomolecular Science and a minor in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian (BCS) Language, Literature, and Culture.

202-633-2999

muszynskie@si.edu

Eva Muszynski is a Program Assistant in the Professional Services division of the SSEC where she supports a variety of programs including the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers, professional development workshops and leadership institutes. Prior to coming to the SSEC, Eva worked as an environmental educator in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eva graduated from the University of Miami with a B.S. in Marine and Atmospheric Science. In her spare time, Eva can be found coaching volleyball, sailing and hiking.

202-633-2956

RogersMJ@si.edu

Melissa Rogers is a Science Curriculum Developer on the Curriculum and Communications team. She joined SSEC in 2017 to support the writing of the NGSS-aligned Smithsonian Science for the Classroom modules for elementary classrooms. Melissa completed a BS and MS in Geophysics at Virginia Tech, with a focus on earthquake seismology. Following that, rather than studying the vibrations of Earth, she applied her data analysis skills to understanding the microgravity environment of Earth-orbiting spacecraft such as the US Space Shuttles. After explaining microgravity to researchers for several years, she started to develop microgravity educational materials for NASA and to design and facilitate related teacher professional learning opportunities. That led to (earth systems, environmental science, engineering, physics) classroom teaching at the high school, community college, and four-year college levels. For four years prior to joining SSEC, Melissa created in-person, on-line, and hybrid climate change professional learning workshops for educators. In her spare time, she enjoys perusing cookbooks and testing out new recipes.

202-633-2984

schmidtl@si.edu 

Logan Schmidt is a Curriculum Developer on the Curriculum and Communications Team. Logan learned at an early age that the only thing she liked better than science was talking to people about science, and she has spent the last twenty years pursuing that passion. Logan began her career as a teen volunteer in the rainforest and aquarium exhibits of Discovery Place Science Museum, and went on to hone her educational skills at museums, aquariums, wildlife refuges, penguin colonies, publishing companies, and the classroom. She has a B.A. in Biological Sciences and Classics from Wellesley College and a Masters of Science in Teaching with a concentration in Secondary Biology from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education. In her spare time, Logan enjoys volunteering at the USO, fishing at the Tidal Basin with her fly rod, and searching for the city’s best mozzarella sticks.

202-633-2958

SeymourR2@si.edu

Ryan Seymour is the Digital Producer and is responsible for creating web and other digital STEM products including websites, online learning platforms, videos, simulations, interactives, apps, interactive e-books, and digital games within the subject-matter area of STEM.  Prior to joining SSEC, Ryan began his career as an ESL teacher in China, South Korea and the United States.  He then moved into the position of E-Learning Support Coordinator at American University. Ryan earned his MA in Game Design from American University, focusing his research on how games can improve educational experiences.

202-633-2969

ShortM@si.edu

Beth Short, is a Science Curriculum Developer in the SSEC’s Curriculum and Communications division.  Prior to working with SSEC, she worked in both formal and informal educational settings.  Her experience includes working as Associate Director of Nature’s Classroom Inc. where she developed standards-aligned environmental education curriculum, coordinated with schools across the New England region, and served on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society.  As a classroom teacher, Beth taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade where she continued to share her passion for the natural world with her students.  Most recently, she worked in education research at George Washington University where she is currently enrolled as a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.  Beth’s research includes the NSF funded Arctic PIRE project for which she developed and implemented a global sustainability curriculum.  Her research explores students’ perceptions of global environmental issues.  She also taught Evaluating Museum Learning at GWU. Beth earned her Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning in 2011 from Lesley University and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from the University of Detroit-Mercy.

202-633-3003

vinesk@si.edu

Katya Vines, PhD, is the Manager of Curriculum Development at the SSEC. Katya is responsible for writing new science publications for elementary and middle school students. Her journey to SSEC has spanned three continents and involved teaching 5 year olds up to undergraduates! After completing a BSc and PhD in Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, Katya took up research positions at the University of Barcelona and Oxford. While in Oxford she tutored undergraduates studying chemistry. After a brief period teaching middle school science she joined the academic publisher John Wiley and Sons as an Acquisitions Editor for Analytical Chemistry. She then moved into educational publishing, where she has been for 14 years with a short break in the middle to teach elementary science in Kenya. Prior to joining the SSEC in 2014, Katya worked at the International Baccalaureate, where she was responsible for developing inquiry-based resources for K-12 teachers and students. In her spare time Katya enjoys running (slowly), playing Mahjong, and making cocktails.