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Bob Geier, Ph.D.

Deputy Director (on leave until July 2025)

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.

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Reeve Fernandes

Student Info Tech Assistant

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.

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Cori Fata-Hartley, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean and Director, Human Biology Program

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.

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Ligita Espinosa, M.A., CMP, CHRS

Unit HR Coordinator and Executive Assistant to Director Joe Krajcik

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 16 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.

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Professor Melanie Cooper

Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education

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.

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Kristen Bieda, Ph.D.

Professor of Mathematics Education

ABOUT

Kristen Bieda is a mathematics education professor and is the Associate Director of Mathematics for the CREATE for STEM Institute. She is also the interim chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education.