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ABOUT

The Fiscal Officer for CREATE for STEM is responsible for accounting and research administration, both pre and post-award. This role involves managing the financial aspects of grants and projects, ensuring that all funds are accounted for and used appropriately. The Fiscal Officer’s work supports the institute’s research endeavors and maintains financial oversight.

Mary Luba earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Detroit Mercy (1979-1983).

Rachel is an assistant professor and a physics education researcher who leverages quantitative methodologies to study educational practices and assessment tools to improve all students' learning outcomes. She is committed to promoting fair and effective practices to enhance the representation of women and other historically marginalized groups in the field of physics. Rachel's research focuses on developing next-generation physics assessments and improving the retention of STEM students from diverse backgrounds.

Kevin is the director of the Automated Analysis of Constructed Responses (AACR) research group. The team explores the use of machine learning and computerized text analysis in science education, applying these techniques to evaluate students’ short written answers as part of assessments in secondary education and undergraduate STEM courses. They have developed computer models that predict expert ratings of student responses with accuracy comparable to inter-rater reliability among expert raters.

Bob Geier is the Deputy Director and Co-Founder of the CREATE for STEM Institute at Michigan State University. The institute is jointly administered by the Colleges of Education and Natural Science at MSU and collaborates with the Colleges of Engineering and the Lyman-Briggs Residential College. CREATE serves as the research hub at Michigan State to enhance STEM education from K-16.

Reeve is currently a senior studying Computer Engineering at Michigan State University. He has been working as a Student Information Tech Assistant for three years, providing support and maintenance for various tech equipment, including Macs, iPads, video cameras, and 3D printers. His role involves running software updates, troubleshooting errors, and ensuring the functionality of various technological tools used by the university community.

Cory is the Assistant Dean for Fixed-term Faculty and Academic Specialist Development and the Director of the Human Biology Program. She joined MSU in 2005 and held appointments in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics before being appointed as the NatSci Assistant Dean for Curriculum Coordination in August 2014. During her tenure, she was selected to participate in the MSU Lilly Teaching Fellowship and the Biology Scholars Research Residency on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology.

Ligita has been with CREATE for STEM Institute for the past eight years, serving as CREATE for STEM Institute’s human resources coordinator and an executive assistant to the Institute director. Before that, she worked as a fiscal officer and project/event coordinator within MSU’s Institute of Public Utilities and has over 15 years of combined experience at MSU. Born and raised in Lithuania, Ligita received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in linguistics from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania.

ABOUT

Melanie M. Cooper is a professor of chemistry and Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education, recognized for her contributions to improving teaching and learning in large-enrollment general and organic chemistry courses. She is a leader in evidence-based curriculum reform, holding joint appointments in the MSU Departments of Chemistry and Teacher Education, and is a faculty member of the CREATE for STEM Institute.