DO STEM Conference 2025

Marita Abram is an energetic and passionate leader of Sinclair Community College (SCC) who inspires individuals from all sectors of society. She is a visionary and lifelong learner that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to education and outreach in the Greater Dayton community. Marita joined SCC in 2011 as an Instructor for biology. She was appointed to the rank of Assistant Professor in 2015, attained tenure in 2016, and was appointed to Associate Professor in March 2019. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Albion College in Michigan, a Master of Science... Read more

SOCHE is a consortium of 23 universities in SW Ohio focused on professional and workforce development. We work to give students experiential learning opportunities to discern their pathways.

I am the STEM Outreach Manager for the GRILL® and Parallax Advanced Research. The AFRL GRILL®’s mission is to conduct integration efforts and training research using game-based technology to increase the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the people defending our nation. The GRILL® science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) efforts have centered on collaboration between Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and mentors, students, and educators. In support of STEM education, we at the GRILL® are working to develop a robust toolkit of educational STEM content for schools and...

Tim Carey is a third grade math teacher at McKinley Elementary School in Xenia, Ohio. He also serves as a FIRST LEGO League coach and Aerial Drone Team Coordinator at his school. Outside of school, Tim is a DoD STEM Ambassador, a STEM Fellow with the Dayton Regional STEM Center, an Air Camp counselor, and a member of the DO STEM Ecosystem. He has written curriculum for a number of organizations including the National Parks and the Dayton Art Institute.

A passionate instructional leader of career technical education and STEM. Always looking for the next iteration of opportunities for students.  

Sarah EW Finch, Ph.D, is a Professor of Biology and Biotechnology at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH.  She was born and raised in the suburb of Bellbrook, OH.  Sarah graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with a degree in Microbiology and a Medical Sociology minor.  Sarah continued her education at the University of Georgia where she earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics by studying the protein involved in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that strikes mostly children.  Upon conclusion of a post-doc, Sarah returned to the classroom to teach undergraduates in...

Diane Kroplin is the Manager of Education Services for ThinkTV.  She is an engineer-turned-educator, with a BS in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in education. With a firm belief in the power of PBS for America’s teachers, and with strong interests in hands-on learning and STEM, Diane is “an advocate of all good things that empower teachers to teach and learners to learn.”

Sara Leikin, Ed.D. is a leader in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education who is known for her ability to build and manage global partnerships that bridge cultural divides and promote educational innovation worldwide. Her deep understanding of cultural dynamics has been crucial in developing programs that resonate with diverse communities. She currently serves as the Senior Director of National and International STEAM Partnerships at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). She directs COSI's national and international partnership strategies, with a focus on intellectual... Read more

Challenge Based Learning, STEM + initiatives

I'm interested in learning who you are and what you're doing in STEM and specifically what gaps/impediments do you have to optimize/maximize access to your program.

Jessica Short is a dedicated professional who has made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. As the Director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center, she works to connect students and teachers with hands-on learning experiences in STEM fields.
In addition to her role as the STEM Center Director, Jessica also serves as the Coordinator of Operations for the DO STEM Ecosystem, where she works closely with educators, community leaders, and industry partners to promote STEM learning opportunities in the Dayton area.
She is also the D... Read more