Katie Stevenson

School/Organization: South Redford School District, Instructional Coach

Position of Interest: President - Elect

Relevant Professional Experience: MSTA Teacher of the Year, Elementary Director, Conference Co-Chair

Goals:

• Promote Science Education – Expanding access to high-quality science research and learning to inspire curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking in students and teachers equitably at all levels.
• Identify and Leverage Great Educators – Recognizing exceptional educators and empowering them through mentorships and networking. MSTA can provide means to share best practices and showcase amazing work, ensuring excellence is celebrated.
• Strengthen Partnerships and Public Perception – MSTA will thrive when we highlight partnerships with industry leaders, community organizations, and other educational associations to amplify our impact. I aim to deepen existing collaborations and actively seek out new ones that can provide additional resources, curriculum enhancements, and funding opportunities for our members.

Middle School Director

School/Organization: Ceasar Chavez Academy Middle School, Principal

Position of Interest: Middle School Director

Relevant Professional Experience: Pursuing a PhD in STEM Education at Wayne State University, focusing on equity and justice in STEM teaching and learning

Goals:

• Advance Equity and Access in Science Education: I aim to promote initiatives that ensure all students, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have equitable access to high-quality science education. 
• Enhance Professional Development for Science Educators: I will work to create and expand professional development opportunities that focus on innovative science instruction.
• Promote STEM Career Pathways Through Science Education: Recognizing the vital role of science education in preparing students for STEM careers, I aim to strengthen connections between science instruction and career pathways. 

Susan Tate

School/Organization: Whitehall Middle School, Teacher

Position of Interest: Middle School Director

Relevant Professional Experience: Current board member

Goals:

• Depending on the size of your school and district, science teaching, especially at the middle school level, can sometimes feel like you are alone on an island. In my second term as Middle School Director, I would like to continue to develop ways for educators to connect with each other, sharing their successes and struggles, and forge new communities. I am open to all voices with ideas to help make this happen. Whether that is through middle school focused social events at our annual conference and beyond, developing new features in our quarterly newsletter, or simply sharing resources with each other, I would like to help build a network of support for those of us who teach this unique grade band of adolescents. 

Jody Kuba-Kosman

School/Organization: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Middle School Science Teacher

Position of Interest: Director of Underrepresented Groups

Relevant Professional Experience: Middle School Science Teacher

Goals:

• Foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for both students and educators. 
• Action Plan: Prioritize initiatives that address the achievement gap, support underrepresented groups in teaching, and encourage culturally responsive pedagogy. 
• Develop mentorship programs, provide resources to address diverse classroom needs, and advocate for policies that support equitable funding and opportunities for all students.

Viloshinee Murugan

School/Organization: Midland Public Schools, Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Specialist

Position of Interest: Director of Underrepresented Groups

Relevant Professional Experience:Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Director, Saginaw Intermediate School District (2022-23), Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), Administrator since 2021

Goals:

• Advocate for equitable access to science education resources and opportunities for underserved students…
• Increase the representation of underserved students and educators in STEM fields….
• Promote culturally responsive science teaching practices that value and affirm the experiences and perspectives of all students.

Mark A Benvenuto

School/Organization: University of Detroit Mercy, Professor of Chemistry

Position of Interest: Director at Large

Relevant Professional Experience:18 Years of experience, Department Chair

Goals:

• Bring awareness of MSTA to as many teachers as possible.
• Bring ideas of inexpensive, creative science experiments to as many members as possible.

Diana Matthews

School/Organization: Detroit Country Day School, Teacher

Position of Interest: Director at Large

Relevant Professional Experience: Current MSTA Board Member, LINKS writer, multi-committee member, PAEMST Awardee

Goals:

• To help with the conference
• Work on committees
• Encourage up and coming educators

Steve Mammel

School/Organization: Coloma Community Schools, High School Science and Math Teacher

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 1)

Relevant Professional Experience: Teacher with 15 years' experience in every science topic, Professional Engineer - Civil Engineer with 10 years' experience.

Goals:

• Improve knowledge of changing curriculum goals

Chiara Kirkland

School/Organization: Detroit Public Schools Community District

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 3)

Relevant Professional Experience:

As a passionate advocate for science education, I have dedicated my career to empowering students and teachers to explore, question, and innovate. With a Master of Arts in Education and a STEMM Certificate from the University of Michigan, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Detroit Mercy, I have built a foundation rooted in equity, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences. Currently, I serve as the Training and Support Coordinator for the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Office of Science, leading professional development for K-8 teachers aligned with NGSS and 3-dimensional learning. My work has extended beyond the classroom to include roles such as Independent Educational Consultant and Steering Committee Member for Advancing Science in Elementary Classrooms, where I have designed programs, mentored educators, and championed equitable access to science education. My commitment to inclusion earned me the DI Champion of Inclusion Award.  Whether collaborating on curriculum design, leading district-wide programs, or mentoring educators, I strive to make science education engaging and accessible for all. I believe in fostering curiosity and creativity in students and educators alike, ensuring that today’s learners are prepared to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

Goals:

• Foster Equity in Science Education: I aim to advocate for initiatives that address systemic barriers and ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality, NGSS-aligned science education. By promoting inclusive practices and supporting educators with the tools and resources they need, we can create learning environments where every student feels empowered to succeed. 
• Support Educator Professional Growth: I plan to develop and expand professional development opportunities for teachers, focusing on innovative and practical strategies for implementing 3-dimensional learning. This includes creating spaces for collaboration among educators to share best practices and learn from one another. 
• Elevate Student Engagement in STEM: I want to strengthen programs that inspire student curiosity and creativity in STEM, such as project-based learning and hands-on activities. By building partnerships with community organizations and industry leaders, we can provide students with meaningful experiences that connect science learning to real-world challenges and careers.

Jessica Mahl

School/Organization: South Redford School District, Teacher

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 3)

Relevant Professional Experience:

I am seeking the position of Regional Director on the MSTA Board because of my strong commitment to both the teaching profession and the continuous improvement of education in our region. My experience in science education, leadership, and professional development, combined with my active participation in key educational networks, has prepared me to effectively represent and advocate for our region’s educators.  Over the years, I have had the privilege of attending and contributing to prominent educational conferences, including the NSTA and MSTA conferences. These experiences have not only expanded my knowledge of best practices in science education but have also allowed me to connect with other educators and learn from the challenges and successes across the state. By participating in these conferences, I have gained invaluable insights into how to support teachers and advocate for policies that enhance the quality of education in our region.  Additionally, my leadership role with the Wayne RESA Science Leadership team has provided me with direct experience in shaping curriculum, organizing professional development, and fostering collaboration among educators. Working with such a dynamic group of professionals has sharpened my ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, address regional educational needs, and help implement innovative teaching strategies that benefit students and teachers alike. I also have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Michigan Raptor Migration Teaching Network, where I helped design and facilitate science-based programs for educators. This experience reinforced my passion for hands-on, inquiry-based learning and underscored the importance of providing teachers with the tools and resources necessary to inspire the next generation of learners.

Goals:

• Encourage a culture of innovation and continuous learning for science teachers in my region. 
• Implement mentorship programs to support science teachers at all levels.

Samantha Nevado

School/Organization: PhD Candidate at Wayne St. (teacher frameworks for Post-COVID issues)

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 3)

Relevant Professional Experience:High School Curriculum Lead and Instructional Coach

Goals:

• Build relationships between the schools and community to support science education and interest in K-12 students. 
• Provide support and resources for K-12 Science Educators

Jordan Smith

School/Organization: St. Patrick Catholic School Science Department Chair, Spring Arbor University, Affiliate Professor 

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 5)

Relevant Professional Experience: Science department Chair, contributed to MSTA publications, Affiliate Professor at Spring Arbor

Goals:

• Make the MSTA Convention accessible to more educators
• Create local/regional opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Stacy Trosin

School/Organization: Pinckney Community High School, Teacher

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 5)

Relevant Professional Experience:

Michigan Teacher of the Year for Region 8 for the 2022-2023 school year. This recognition provided an incredible opportunity to collaborate with fellow regional teachers on the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. / MSTA Conference Presenter, AP Bio Consulting, College Board

Goals:

• If elected to serve, my top priority will be understanding the unique needs of the Region…Based on this initial assessment, I aim to build on the existing work while fostering growth and innovation. 
• One of my key goals is to establish a comprehensive network of resources that teachers can easily access…Staying current with scientific advancements is essential for effective science instruction. 
• I would work to provide professional development opportunities and curated resources that keep educators informed about the latest scientific research. 

Kaitlynn Edwards

School/Organization: Shelby High School, Science Teacher

Position of Interest: Regional Director (Region 7)

Relevant Professional Experience:

I am a first-year science teacher at Shelby HS. I just completed a yearlong student teaching internship through Michigan State University. As teaching, education, and technology evolves constantly, this means I have received the most up to date education on current standard teaching practices. Along with this, I can relate to/ understand students’ perspectives on education in today’s climate. Being a new teacher, I also just have an overall excitement for teaching & collaboration.

Goals:

• Increase membership of science teachers in my region
• Increase collaboration of members with each other, and members with local organizations/ businesses/programs/etc., to help grow science classroom experience
• Increase and optimize communication in the region, and between the region and board for growth, professional development, and resource access