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Sharon Bowers is a doctoral student and graduate research assistant in Integrative STEM Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

She is also a Senior STEM educational specialist for the Center for Integrative STEM Education (CISE) at the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA). Sharon recently retired from Virginia Beach City Public schools after more than 30 years as a science educator. Her work with children earned her several honors, including recognition as a Secondary Science Presidential Award Winner for Virginia.

Sharon is developing and teaching five graduate courses for McDaniel College that lead to a certificate in elementary STEM education and is a consultant for Stevenson University.

Through her work with NIA, Sharon has developed resources that model best practice in the use of instructional technology to support 21st Century teaching and learning. Through partnerships with NASA and local school divisions, NIA has developed NIA Universe, a multi-user interactive, synchronous virtual world that brings together students, teachers, and experts for collaborative work. Sharon oversees the development and use of this emerging technology to support collaborative, inquiry-based instruction.

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Jeremy V. Ernst is an Associate Professor of Integrative STEM Education at Virginia Tech and he is also the Associate Director for the School of Education/Office of Educational Research and Outreach. He is also a Fellow of the Institute for Creativity Arts and Technology at Virginia Tech. Jeremy specializes in research focused on dynamic intervention means for STEM education students categorized as at-risk of dropping out of school. He also has curriculum research and development experiences in technology, engineering, and design education.

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Aaron C. Clark is a Professor of Technology, Design, and Engineering Education within the College of Education, as well as the Director of Graduate Programs and Associate Department Head for the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education. He has worked in both industry and education. Dr. Clark's teaching specialties are in visual theory, 3-D modeling, technical animation, and STEM-based pedagogy. Research areas include graphics education, game art and design, scientific/technical visualization and professional development for technology and engineering education. He is a Principle Investigator on a variety of grants related to visualization and education and has focused his research in areas related to STEM curricula integration.

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