Our Team

Emily McDonald-Williams (She/Her)
Director of the STEM Education Program
emily.mcdonald-williams@www-dev.dri.edu

Emily McDonald-Williams is the Director of the STEM Education Program at DRI, providing strategy and direction for DRI’s STEM initiatives and partnerships. This growing program intends to create impactful and inclusive opportunities for STEM engagement for youth and educators of all ages.

Emily has over a decade of STEM education experience, spanning public land management, informal education, and higher education. Emily received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Biology Combined, and her Master of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction in STEM, from Southern Oregon University. Emily’s academic expertise and professional background has allowed her to bridge the gap between education theory and practice, resulting in the successful development and implementation of innovative and inclusive STEM education initiatives.

Contact Emily to learn more about DRI’s STEM Education Program, to partner with us, or to collaborate on existing or future STEM learning opportunities.

Ileah Kirchoff (she/they)
Educational Engagement Lead
ileah.kirchoff@www-dev.dri.edu

Ileah worked as a middle school science teacher in Sparks, NV for seven years before joining DRI’s STEM Education Team as the Educational Engagement Lead. Ileah writes K-12 science curriculum and conducts community outreach, particularly related to DRI’s Green Box program and curriculum development projects.

Contact Ileah if you would like support implementing the Green Boxes, have any questions about our curriculum, or if you are interested in piloting our not-yet-published curriculum in your classroom. When not working, Ileah spends her time crocheting, reading queer fiction, and playing with her two dogs.

Cara Schaefer
STEM Curriculum and Training Specialist
cara.schaefer@www-dev.dri.edu

Cara Schaefer (she/her) is a STEM Curriculum and Training Specialist at DRI. She has a master’s in biology from Miami University, and has previously worked for various environmental nonprofits, state and federal agencies, and outdoor media companies across the United States. In her role at DRI, Cara writes curriculum for DRI’s STEM Education Program, facilitates teacher professional developments, and assists with public outreach. In her free time, Cara enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and reading.

Contact Cara to her to learn more about DRI’s STEM education resources for educators.

Dr. John Ojeogwu
STEM Education Postdoctoral Scholar
john.ojeogwu@www-dev.dri.edu

Dr. John Ojeogwu is a STEM Education Postdoctoral Researcher at the Desert Research Institute, with a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Virginia and prior academic training in Genetics and Biotechnology. His professional background includes leading research on pre-service teacher preparation, engineering integration in K–12 classrooms, and the use of AI tools to enhance science instruction.

At DRI, Dr. Ojeogwu works on advancing STEM education through curriculum development, research on instructional effectiveness, and the design of innovative assessment tools. He also contributes to grant writing, data analysis, and collaborative research initiatives aimed at broadening participation in STEM fields.

Outside of work, he is a devoted Arsenal fan and always up for a good chat about soccer.

Contact Dr. Ojeogwu to learn more about research partnerships, STEM curriculum innovation, or educational evaluation in undergraduate STEM contexts.

Lauren Cox
Early Childhood STEM Specialist
lauren.Cox@www-dev.dri.edu

Lauren Cox is a dedicated early childhood professional with over 10 years of experience in the field. She holds a BS in Sociology and an AA in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career she has worked extensively with children, parents and educators.

Currently, Lauren Cox is actively involved in curriculum development, professional development opportunities for educators and facilitating a variety of family outreach events within the Northern Nevada community.

Contact Lauren Cox if you are interested in incorporating hands-on Pre-K STEAM activities at an upcoming event or would like more information about the Pre-K Green Boxes.

Liz Guillen
STEM Education Office Coordinator
elizabeth.guillen@www-dev.dri.edu

Liz Guillen is the STEM Education Office Coordinator with DRI’s STEM Education Program. Liz helps oversee the Green Box program, so feel free to contact her with any questions about green box reservations, new green boxes, green box shipments, or any other related questions. Prior to her time at DRI, Liz worked in STEM Education and Sustainability. She has a passion for making communities more accessible and STEM Education more accessible. Liz received a B.S. in Forest Ecology and Management and a B.S. In Environmental Science from the University of Nevada Reno. Outside of work, Liz run an account reviewing kombucha brands and flavors. Feel free to reach out to Liz with any questions regarding Green Boxes or the STEM Education Program.

Monica Gehrig
STEM Education Outreach and Training Administrator
monica.gehrig@www-dev.dri.edu

Monica Gehrig is a STEM Education Training and Outreach Administrator at the Desert Research Institute, expanding program offerings, trainings, and implementation methods. She is passionate about ensuring that hands-on science education is accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Through this work, Monica manages educator professional development trainings, workforce development programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Prior to her time at DRI, Monica worked as an Educator at Sci-Port Louisiana’s Science Center and TELUS Spark Science Centre, Curriculum and Professional Development Manager at Green Our Planet, and Auxiliary Programs Manager at The Meadows School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from Rhodes College, a certificate in French from Université Laval, and a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University.

Reach out to Monica if you would like to learn more about our trainings or unique program opportunities.

Ruby Burch
Workforce Development Specialist
ruby.burch@www-dev.dri.edu

Ruby Burch is a Nevada State University graduate where she studied English and Creative Writing. She has worked as an editor on Nevada State’s Literary Journal 300 Days of Sun for two consecutive volumes, has won first place for her creative writing panel at the NSC 2021 Undergraduate Creative Works Conference, and has spoken at the International Writing Center Association’s 2022 Conference in Vancouver as well as the 2024 Conference for College Composition and Communication in Spokane.

Ruby began working with DRI in 2024 as a STEM Education Assistant where she provided support on outreach, events, and professional development trainings. Currently, Ruby is working as a Workforce Development Specialist within the STEM Education Program. This spring, she’s had the wonderful opportunity to serve as an organizer and instructor for DRI’s STEM Force program. STEM Force is a six-week workshop that invites underserved youth in Las Vegas to DRI’s campus to gain hands on STEM experience and learn about local STEM careers all with a goal of connecting students to internships in their field of interest. Additionally, Ruby works alongside the STEM Education team in managing the STEM Co-Lab and Lending Library; she actively processes requests from educators to check out classroom materials, educational resources, and technological tools.

If you’re interested in learning more about STEM Education’s workforce development programs, or to learn about what products our Lending Library can bring to your classroom, please reach out!

Shawna Witt
STEM Education Program Coordinator
shawna.witt@www-dev.dri.edu

Shawna discovered her passion for science while teaching preschool students, which led her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental and Resource Science at Nevada State University. While in school, her focus sharpened toward science communication and education outreach, which has been a driving force since graduating.

Shawna has received the 2023 Pinnacle Award for her contributions to DRI’s signature outreach event May the Science Be With You and was selected to take part in the 2023 Jameson Fellowship. Currently, Shawna support STEM Education Outreach through virtual and in-person platforms. Shawna’s flagship programs include the STEM CoLab’s lending library, a resource that provides STEM technology resources for free to educators for their classrooms. In addition, Shawna developed and directs the STEM Force program, which connects underserved youth with STEM careers and learning opportunities, sparking their interest in the world of STEM.

Contact Shawna to learn more about checking out materials from the STEM Co-Lab lending library or getting involved with the STEM Force program.

Trevor Harder
STEM Education Outreach and Engagement Manager
trevor.harder@www-dev.dri.edu

With a passion for empowering both educators and learners, Trevor currently leads the EnergySmart education program, where he oversees dynamic community engagement and outreach initiatives across the STEM landscape. Their journey in education spans over a decade, beginning in the classroom as a dedicated teacher and evolving into a role as a technology integration coach, where he had the privilege of helping fellow educators enhance their craft and embrace innovative teaching practices.

Now, Trevor bring that same energy and commitment to creating impactful, inclusive learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire change. Whether he’s collaborating with community partners or designing outreach programs, his goal is always to make STEM education more accessible, engaging, and meaningful.

When Trevor is not championing education, you’ll likely find him volunteering with local non-profits or exploring the outdoors with his four-legged sidekick, Gibson — who, truth be told, might just be the real star of the show.

Contact Trevor to learn more about the EnergySmart program or for community outreach opportunities.

Tsvetelina Stefanova (she/her)
Staff Research Scientist, Field Biologist and STEAM Education Specialist
tsvetelina.stefanova@www-dev.dri.edu

Tsvetelina Stefanova is an early-career scientist working across DRI’s Conservation Ecology Lab, STEM Education Program, and Communications team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Botany emphasis and a minor in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University.

Her research focuses on plant and conservation ecology in the Desert Southwest, including rare species monitoring, greenhouse and lab studies, and micro- and macro-photography. In her education role, Tsvetelina collaborates with the STEM team to create hands-on activities, develop free resources for students and families, and support professional development for preK–12 educators.

A Congressionally recognized arts organizer and award-winning musician and artist, Tsvetelina brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work. She integrates science and art to strengthen community connections and expand STEAM literacy through creative programming—inspiring the next generation to explore STEAM and become informed, engaged citizens.

Contact Tsvetelina to learn more about merging art and science in education or partnering on STEAM outreach and science communication.