Each year, new advisory board members are selected to guide the design of the STEM Challenge questions and themes. These individuals are scientists, educational researchers, and educators who are passionate about empowering youth to solve real-world issues with creative solutions.
2024-2025 Advisory Board Members
The advisory board is comprised of experts in the field of STEM education, marine science, health, and paleontology. Their primary role is to guide the development of the STEM Challenge to ensure it is relevant to their fields and rigorous for students in high school.
Cary Woodruff, Ph.D., Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Cristian Carranza, Administrative Director (STEAM)
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Douglas Roberts, Ph.D., President & CEO
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Ian Enochs, Ph.D., Biologist
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Jayvyn Stewart, Student
Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS)
Kate Lampen-Sachar, M.D., Radiologist
Baptist Health
Kim Mendelson, DBA, Trustee
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Board of Trustees
Lacey Soriano, Environmental Science Teacher
Braddock High School
Leslie Nisbet, Ph.D., Associate Director of FIU Teach, Associate Chair, Department of Teaching and Learning
Florida International University
Andres Chavez Palma, Organizer
genCLEO
2025-2026 Advisory Board Members
The advisory board is comprised of experts in the field of STEM education, marine science, health, and paleontology. Their primary role is to guide the development of the STEM Challenge to ensure it is relevant to their fields and rigorous for students in high school.
Alec Warren, Director of the Frost Planetarium
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Amaka Amalu, Founder and President of Tech Girl Power, CEO of Tutus & Cars
Dan Large, Paleontology Laboratory Technician
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Josh Hutcheson, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
Florida International University
Maribel Bernat, STEAM Supervisor
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Rich Schiccatano, Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator
St. Philip’s Episcopal School
Sulaiman Jackson, Director of the Jackson Academy, CEO of Sully Studios LLC
Tom Merrick, Sr. Project Manager, XR Initiatives
University of Miami
TJ Morrell, Science/Education Specialist
The Billfish Foundation
