02
May

March & April in Review

Oak Ridge Associated Universities: Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Dr. Carol O’Donnell attended the annual meeting with Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Knoxville, TN. Her panel comments and talk drew on the Smithsonian-Gallup survey data “Educating for Sustainable Development: Perspectives of U.S. and Global Educators” and the work of the “Smithsonian Science for Global Goals” project to advance students future-ready skills and knowledge. The Annual Meeting Redefining the Next Generation STEM Enterprise brought together ORAU subject matter experts, university consortium members, and federal agency partners to discuss key issues and build relationships to advance the K-16 STEM Education ecosystem to build a future-resilient workforce.

Carol O’Donnell speaking at a podium

SSEC Beginnings: Dr. Carol O’Donnell met with the Founding Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Dr. Douglas M. Lapp, on April 15, 2024 to discuss the history of the Center. The book that Carol is holding tells the story of Doug and his impact on students across the globe. The cover image on the book shows the Smithsonian Castle and was illustrated by Nick Murphy, who was a high school student in 2017 when this was drawn. Doug was responsible for overseeing the very first curriculum program produced by SSEC, called Science and Technology for Children.Carol O’Donnell stands with Doug Lapp, founder of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Carol is holding a book with an illustration of the Smithsonian Castle

Ukrainian Innovation Days: Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center Dr. Carol O’Donnell, attended the first annual Ukrainian Innovation Days at the Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. Carol was invited to speak on the panel, “Science and Education for Leapfrogging” -that is, the importance of teaching science to students from less developed or war-torn countries about the most modern technologies available in order to encourage scientific fluency that is aligned with the educational systems of modern countries. As part of her remarks, Carol discussed a recent licensing agreement the Smithsonian signed with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MOES), which gives MOES the ability to use Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum in Ukraine’s elementary schools.

Carol O’Donnell sits on a large panel at an outside venue and delivers remarks

Related Tags

About the Author

Johnny McInerney
Executive Assistant

Johnny McInerney is the Executive Office Manager for the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Johnny was born and raised in Golden, Colorado – right where Denver hits the Rockies. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder (sko’ Buffs!) graduating Summa Cum Laude in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. In 2018, he jumped onto the re-election campaign on Congressman Ed Perlmutter of Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, and after a successful campaign was fortunate to have Rep. Perlmutter offer him the Staff Assistant position in his legislative office on Capitol Hill here in Washington, DC. After two and a half years Johnny transitioned roles to become the Scheduler for Congressman Donald Norcross of Southern New Jersey. While on the Hill, Johnny was elected to a board membership of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association as the 2021 Director of Community Service and Engagement. After he departed the Hill, Johnny worked for a think tank downtown for just under a year before he found himself lucky enough to take this incredible opportunity with the Smithsonian. 

Johnny is passionate about a lot of things: food, film, roller coasters, oil painting, video games, pets, and people…just to name a few!