Dr. Andrea Bair (she/her/hers) is an associate professor of geology at Delta College, a community college serving the communities of Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw, Michigan. She is broadly interested in cognitive and affective aspects of how people learn science (particularly geosciences), promoting research-based teaching practices in undergraduate STEM, and supporting participation in science for everyone. She was a SAGE2YC Faculty Change Agent (Supporting and Advancing Science Education at 2-Year Colleges), serves as an Earth Educators’ Rendezvous Conference Program Chair for 2023-2024, and currently leads the Pedagogy Committee of Delta College’s Council for Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity. Andrea has long been involved in informal education and K-12 STEM outreach, most recently as faculty coordinator for the STEM Explorer outreach project at Delta College. Andrea is currently working to incorporate undergraduate research experiences relating to regional geo-environmental issues in introductory STEM curriculum through participation in community and citizen science projects.

Dr. Bair’s education background includes a BS in Geology from Michigan State University, a PhD in Geology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (sedimentary geology and vertebrate paleontology), and a post-doctoral science teaching fellowship at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Barbara Cabezal Bruno is on the faculty of the Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology at the University of Hawai‘i (UH). She also serves as affiliate or graduate faculty with the UH Department of Earth and Planetary Science, College of Education, and Center for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Bruno spent the first part of her career studying planetary volcanism and applying mathematical methods to better understand volcanic processes on Earth and other planets. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Geological Sciences from Brown University, and Master’s and PhD degrees in Geology and Geophysics from UH. One of her research discoveries is that lava flow margins are fractal, and that lava flow composition and emplacement mechanisms can be deduced by quantifying the shape of the lava flow margin.

In the second part of her career, she developed a strong interest in geoscience education and broadening participation. She now uses the classroom and education programs as a laboratory to conduct geoscience education research. She strives to attract diverse students to the geosciences and create an environment in which everyone can thrive. She is particularly committed to serving students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the geosciences.

Dr. Bruno has over 60 publications in the scientific and science education literature. She has raised over $60 million in funding as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator and/or Education Director of awards funded by NSF, NASA, NOAA and private foundations. Her personal interests include stand-up paddling, hiking, camping, and Spanish language and culture.

Dr. Rosemary Capo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Environmental Science and Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her BS and MA in geology at the University of Texas at Austin and her Ph.D. in geochemistry from UCLA, followed by postdoctoral work at Caltech and JPL. Dr. Capo’s and her students integrate geochemical and isotopic signatures with field investigations, micromorphological observations and controlled laboratory studies to provide insights into the complex interactions between Earth surface processes. Her research areas include understanding the geochemical processes associated with chemical weathering and soil formation as a function of climate, developing innovative applications of geochemical and isotope tracers for environmental monitoring and assessment and examining the chemical evolution of coal mine drainage as well as the recovery of rare earth elements and critical metals from acid mine drainage (AMD) and related remediation solids. She strongly believes that broadening participation in the geosciences is critical to solving the complex issues facing the planet today in an equitable and sustainable way. A first-generation college student, she’s been involved in a range of activities aimed at improving the recruitment, retention, and success of first-generation and other students underrepresented in their disciplines.

Sharon Katz Cooper leads a variety of education and outreach programs focused on diversity in the geosciences. She has spent more than 16 years developing and leading outreach programs for the U.S. office of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), including the School of Rock and JR Academy. She first entered this field and learned about IODP when working for the Smithsonian on developing the Sant Ocean Hall, during which she sailed on the very first School of Rock in 2005 and became permanently hooked. Now a full-fledged accidental geologist, she has created and implemented several related NSF-funded programs to encourage students, teachers and the general public to fall in love with STEM and get their minds blown by amazing Earth sciences. She leads the STEMSEAS program (STEM Student Experiences Aboard Ships) and is a PI for A-STEP (Ambassadors for STEM Training to Enhance Participation) and All-ABOARD (Alliance-Building Offshore to Achieve Resilience and Diversity). In the other parts of her life, she is a children’s book author, wife, and mom to three boys who keep her on her toes.

Dr. Petra Dekens is a paleoclimatologist whose research has focused on understanding the climate mechanisms that sustained global warmth during the Early Pliocene. She received her BS from UC Santa Cruz, an MESM and MS from UC Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences from UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Dekens joined the faculty as an assistant Professor at San Francisco State University in 2007, and served as Department Chair for Earth & Climate Sciences and Interim co-director of the School of the Environment, before joining San Jose State University as the Executive Director of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in September of 2023.

Dr. Dekens is an immigrant and first-generation college graduate but recognizes the tremendous privilege she carries as a white cis-gendered able-bodied straight woman. Her deep commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment is rooted in humility and learning through reading, listening, and self-reflection. Dr. Dekens served on the AGU DEI Task Force and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. At SF State Dr. Dekens advocated for and helped lead the College of Science & Engineering Anti-Racism Task Force. She was also Co-Lead of the Restores Initiative of the NSF Advance funded SF State Transforms project, which created mechanisms to respond to bias related issues that do not rise to the level of official complaints. At Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Dr. Dekens hopes to facilitate a strong sense of belonging for all students and contribute to diversifying the marine science workforce.

From a mediocre student in a developing country to Co-PI of an NSF national center, Juan Carlos Fernandez-Diaz has been fortunate to have received special encouragement and support from teachers, mentors and sponsors to pursue his broad interests in science and technology. He is a multidisciplinary research engineer with graduate degrees and experiences in radiofrequency and laser instrumentation applied to telecommunications, remote sensing, mapping and surveying. Juan is a research assistant professor at the University of Houston (UH) and Co-PI of the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM). His involvement at NCALM started in 2005 as graduate student and in 2010 became a formal staff member prior completing his PhD. NCALM is partially funded by NSF to provide research quality airborne mapping data (mainly lidar) to geoscientists and the broader research community. Through NCALM Juan has supported hundreds of investigators by collecting airborne data for their research projects, which has ranged from mapping thermoskarst in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica to identifying archaeological settlements under the dense tropical jungles of Mesoamerica. Juan is working to pay forward the support from countless individuals which enabled his path from disadvantaged student to mid-career scholar by developing outreach and service programs for underrepresented and underserved communities at NCALM and UH.

Courtney Hatch received her Ph.D. in Analytical/Atmospheric chemistry at the University of Colorado – Boulder and completed a Cardiovascular Center Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Iowa. At Hendrix College, Courtney has established a nationally recognized research program studying air quality and climate effects of atmospheric aerosols, including engagement of 70% female and underrepresented students in STEM over the past five years. Her work has resulted in numerous invited presentations and peer-reviewed articles and has been supported by over $900,000 in funding. Courtney’s external funding has also supported the development of a popular career discernment program titled EPROACH: Experiences in Professional Research Organizations and Atmospheric Chemistry at Hendrix that connects underrepresented students with scientists at all stages in their government, academic, and industrial careers. As a result, 86% of participants have gone on to graduate programs in the sciences or are currently applying to graduate programs. In an effort to achieve inclusive excellence, Courtney has participated in numerous workshops on inclusive teaching and assessment practices, including the NSF-funded SAGE 2YC project’s workshop at the 2019 fall American Geophysical Union conference titled “Inclusive and effective college science classrooms: Engaging students, designing lessons, and integrating diversity into the curriculum” and the NSF-funded Unlearning Racism in the Geosciences (URGE) program. Currently, Courtney serves as the Natural Sciences Area Chair at Hendrix and holds an endowed professorship that aims to prepare underrepresented undergraduate STEM students for pursuing careers in the geosciences.

Dr. Alison Haupt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marine Science at California State University, Monterey Bay. Her research lab focuses on answering applied ecological questions that promote improved marine management and conservation by focusing on species and ecosystems confronting anthropogenic stressors such as urbanization, climate change, and fishing pressure. To address questions of applied ecology, her lab uses and applies a wide variety of tools ranging from population genetics to ecological modeling to traditional field ecology. She completed her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University. After her Ph.D. Dr. Haupt worked as a postdoc at the Natural Resources Agency in California, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and University of Massachusetts Boston. While at CSUMB, Dr. Haupt has mentored over 60 undergraduate students, many of whom have since pursued careers in the sciences through graduate programs or jobs. At CSUMB, Dr. Haupt is the co-chair of the College of Science DEI committee and serves as the CSUMB representative to the Moss Landing Marine Labs DEI committee.

Dr. Kristina Keating is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey. Her research in near surface geophysics seeks to image and understand processes impacting the top 100 m’s of Earth. Her research, which focuses on the NMR method, combines laboratory and field methods to interpret geophysical data with applications spanning critical zone science, hydrogeophysics, cryosphere geophysics, biogeophysics, and soil science. Dr. Keating is actively involved in science education research. She leads the Geophysics of the Near-Surface, and Outdoor Motivational Experiences for Students or GNOMES program which aims to engage students from groups historically marginalized in the geosciences. In 2018 she was awarded the Society of Exploration Geophysics Outstanding Educator award and in 2023 was awarded the Harold Mooney award in recognition of long-term, tireless, and enthusiastic support of the near-surface geophysics community.

Dr. Sora Kim (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Life and Environmental Sciences Department at the University of California, Merced. Her research interests span the Geosciences and Biology using stable isotope analysis. This technique also serves as a gateway to engage students from historically marginalized groups in research. She strives to cultivate agents of change within academic spaces.

Sora received a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences from Dartmouth College and Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to a postdoc at the University of Wyoming, she served as the T.C. Chamberlin Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Chicago. Her recent funding includes a NSF CAREER award to investigate shark macroecology, a NSF Cultural Transformation in the Geoscience Community to establish a Women of Color in the Geosciences (WinG) Collective, and a partnership with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) to create the Diversifying Ocean Sciences program.

Catherine "Cam" Macris is an Associate Professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Her research focuses on understanding geological and planetary processes that occur under extreme conditions, such as ultra-high temperatures during impact events and intense pressures in deep subduction zones. Through collaborative efforts, Cam has made significant contributions to our understanding of impact melt formation, the evolution of high-temperature melts, and their interactions with flowing gases. Her work has been featured on the Science Channel, and she was honored as the inaugural Peter R. Buseck New Directions in Mineralogy and Petrology Lecturer by the Mineralogical Society of America in 2021–2022.

Beyond her research, Cam is dedicated to fostering belonging, equity, inclusion, justice, and diversity in the geoscience and broader STEM communities. She actively contributes to initiatives at IUPUI and beyond, leading and supporting programs aimed at creating an inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and students. Examples of her involvement include co-chairing the School of Science Diversity Strategic Planning Task Force, facilitating the IUPUI Equity Champions Program, leading a multi-institution URGE pod, and serving as a founding member of the MSA DEI Committee. Cam is driven by her commitment to students and strives to create a future where every student interested in Earth sciences feels a sense of belonging and value in classrooms and research spaces.

Cam earned her Bachelor of Science degree from LSU, followed by a Master's and Ph.D. from UCLA. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Caltech before joining IUPUI in 2015.

Dr. Jeni McDermott, originally from California, received her M.S. in hydrogeology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her Ph.D. in geology at Arizona State University. She taught geomorphology for two years at Colgate University before beginning at the University of St Thomas in 2013. Jeni’s research interests lie in understanding how fluvial systems interact with and shape our world, both at the orogen scale through the interplay between surface processes, deformation, and tectonics, as well as at a smaller scale where surface water and groundwater dynamically interact with our human environment. 

Dr. Bonnie Meinke currently leads Science Engagement at the NSF's National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), operated by Battelle. Having grown up in Texas, where "the stars at night are big and bright," she was inspired to study astronomy, earning a Bachelor’s at University of California, Berkeley and a PhD at University of Colorado, Boulder. Her scientific research has focused on the Saturn system using the Cassini spacecraft: observing rings, discovering the building blocks of moons, and puzzling over geysers on Enceladus. Dr. Meinke's outreach work includes connecting libraries to NASA's STEM resources and celebrating NASA's space telescopes at large outdoor festivals. Along the way, she's built space telescopes and delivered observations to users worldwide. No matter which role she's in, Dr. Meinke strives to make science a more inclusive and connected community.

Dr. Colleen Mouw is the Associate Dean for Diversity and Academic Affairs in the Graduate School, an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, and is a mentoring, professional development, and personal growth enthusiast. Her academic research focuses on utilizing optical tools to investigate phytoplankton community structure, carbon cycling, and the physical drivers of these in marine and freshwater systems. Her personal and professional interests lie in mentoring, coaching, and inspiring others to discover and achieve inner excellence to thrive in their professional lives. She aims to create a community of belonging where everyone feels welcome to bring their whole unique selves to their life's endeavors. She has taught graduate courses on ocean remote sensing and optics and scholarly writing and co-leads a national program to retain women+ in science.

Mouw earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from Western Michigan University and her master's and Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Lauren Mullineaux is a seagoing biologist who conducts research, mentors students, and teaches graduate courses as a Senior Scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. She crosses disciplines of ecology and oceanography to study dispersal of larvae and resilience of seafloor communities to disturbance. Her research informs policy on conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of deep seafloor resources. Recently she has become involved as an organizer and facilitator in the BRAID Alliance, a national network whose goals are to broaden participation in climate and environmental science.

Kadidia Thiero, SOARS® Principal Investigator/Program Lead. Education Advocate, Kadidia Thiero leads and manages the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) Program and affiliated efforts. The SOARS program, based at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, CO; has been increasing the diversity of the atmospheric and related sciences for 27 + years. This flagship Program is designed to support students from backgrounds, historically excluded in the geosciences, to enter and succeed in graduate school and STEM careers. Prior to SOARS, Ms. Thiero served as Outreach Administrator for the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M); a multi-institution Cooperative Science Center, led by Howard University. Ms. Thiero managed and supported all K-12 programs, and coordinated the undergraduate summer internship program (USIP); as well as NCAS’ national high school weather camp, CAREERS, during the summers.

Prior to teaching at the University of the District of Columbia's Community College, Ms. Thiero worked as the Community Liaison with The Education Trust. She managed and coordinated the community engagement, produced materials in English and Spanish for use as tools, in advocating for equity and preparation in secondary schools. Kadidia Thiero graduated from Howard University with a BA in Spanish Language and Literature; and received her MA in Latin American Studies from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Dr. Kristen Voorhies, an evolutionary biologist, wife, and mother of two, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago. As the Interim Program Director for the Conservation Tools Program at the Keller Science Action Center, she works to connect people with nature by creating accessible conservation tools based on museum science. Dr. Voorhies currently leads a Climate Action Plan for People and Nature initiative for the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, focusing on equitable climate strategies and nature-based solutions in the region.

Dr. Kristen Voorhies graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Duke University in 2008. Fascinated with ecological changes over time, she studied marine clams and ecosystems from the Pacific Northwest to Antarctica, focusing on invasive species and historical climate impacts. In 2015, she became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago, where she reconstructed natural historical baselines off Oregon's coast using living and dead marine clams. Dr. Voorhies has held significant roles at the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and as Research Coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey's Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC). Her research contributions encompass endangered species listings, climate assessments in the Midwest, and published works on monarch butterflies and environmental changes in marine communities off Oregon and the West Antarctic Peninsula.

In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Dr. Kristen Voorhies is committed to fostering a more inclusive scientific community by advocating for diversity in the sciences and supporting underrepresented voices.