Behind the Science: Meet Our Lawrence On-The-Go Team

The Lawrence On-The-Go brings high-quality hands-on learning to schools and community events across the Bay Area. Meet some of the passionate and dedicated educators who make these outreach programs possible!

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: I am a BIPOC educator, maker, and lifelong learner with over 25 years of experience working with children, families, and communities across the Bay Area. I am passionate about making STEM learning hands-on, welcoming, and meaningful for learners of all ages. I currently serve as the Director of Program Leadership & Impact at the Lawrence Hall of Science, where I oversee School and Community Engagement, Elementary Camps, Volunteers, and Science Museum Floor Programs. Before joining the Lawrence, I worked in out-of-school-time education, leading middle school afterschool programs and state-funded child development programs.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: The best part is helping young people and community members see themselves in a new way—as scientists, engineers, and problem solvers. Throughout my education and career, mentors and hands-on experiences helped me build that same confidence and sense of belonging in STEM. When we bring hands-on science directly to schools and communities, we remove barriers to access and spark curiosity. I see this work as nurturing the seeds that can grow into future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and lifelong learners.

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: Ohhhh teachers don’t have favorites! But if I had to choose, it would be the Build, Engineer, Invent festival. I created this program about ten years ago, and it has grown and evolved through many updates into what it is today. What I love most is how well it works for a wide range of ages, from preschoolers to adults, and in many settings, including school days, family programs, and community events. The engineering activities are hands-on, fun, and designed with multiple entry points so everyone can jump in and succeed.

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: After earning my B.S. in Biology in 2016, I spent several years working in Afterschool programs as an informal STEM educator. Around 2018 I joined The Lawrence as a museum educator, and transitioned to facilitating high-quality STEM programs at The Lawrence and in schools and community organizations all around the Bay Area.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: I love being able to spark curiosity and excitement about science in an accessible way, especially for budding scientists… often times science can be technical and rigorous, but adding an element of simplicity and joy is one of the highlights of my job. I also love teaching and learning in general – bringing my own perspective and expertise to a program, but being willing to listen to kids (and kids at heart!) to learn more about the world is often the best part of working with new schools and communities.  

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: I love a good festival or science show, but my favorite On-The-Go program is the workshop Squid: The Inside Story. Mainly because of my biology background and getting to dive into squid anatomy, but more subtly it’s one of those experiences that gets youth extremely curious. It’s great to see students come in with a million questions and ideas about squid, and then use the workshop experience to explore their very own questions and ideas through a scientific process. There’s always at least one kiddo who’s hesitant to be in the room, and by the end of the program, is the main one asking questions like “Where is the heart?”,  “Is this the ink sac?”, or “Can we get more time!?”

Q: Describe your experience / background as an educator.

A: I earned my Bachelors in Biology from the University of Oregon, where I worked in a plant ecology lab. I have always loved scientific exploration and working with youth, but after graduating I transitioned from research to education because I am passionate about expanding access to STEM for youth of all backgrounds and experiences. Since moving to the Bay Area in January, I have worked as an Education and Interpretation Intern with the National Park Service and an Environmental Educator for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Q: What is the best part of bringing hands-on science to schools & communities?

A: The best part of doing outreach for The Lawrence is seeing that spark ignite in students when they realize that science can be FUN! It is a discipline built on curiosity, collaboration, creativity, ingenuity and persevering through mistakes—all traits that come very naturally to many youth! I feel incredibly lucky to be able to help facilitate these experiences and be welcomed into new learning spaces by students and staff throughout the Bay Area!

Q: What is your favorite On-The-Go program?

A: My favorite Lawrence On-The-Go program is our Phenomenal Physics festival! It highlights natural phenomena like magnetism and optics that many of us observe in our surroundings, but may not completely understand. The activities encourage hands-on learning and break down the different concepts clearly. They transform what can be an intimidating subject for early learners into an experience that is accessible and engaging for all.