Staff
We have an amazing team at the Center for STEM Excellence who is excited to serve Maryland's K-12 students and teachers!
Dr. Mary Stapleton, Director
Dr. Stapleton serves as the Director of Towson University's Center for STEM Excellence. Dr. Stapleton received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Illinois, a M.S. in biology from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Ph.D. from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Her graduate work in molecular ecology focused on genetic incompatibility in the context of avian mating behavior. Prior to joining USM in 2007, Dr. Stapleton worked as the Director of Education and Workforce programs at MdBio. While at MdBio, Dr. Stapleton managed the MdBioLab, a mobile bioscience laboratory for high schools. She also worked with academic and industry organizations to ensure students are receiving relevant training to prepare them for their entry into the bioscience workforce. At Towson University, Dr. Stapleton and her team work to engage, excite and educate students about science. She also works closely with Maryland science teachers, exploring ways to incorporate leaner-centered pedagogy into classroom practice. She enjoys being able to combine her passion for teaching and her scientific skills to excite and educate students about the world around them.
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Yvonne Eder, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Eder serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Center for STEM Outreach Program within Towson University's Center for STEM Excellence. She completed her undergraduate degree in Digital Communications at the University of Baltimore and recently earned her MA in Integrated Design. Ms. Eder has been with Towson University for ten years and has worked in higher education for over 15 years. She is an experienced designer and photographer. Ms. Eder is responsible for assisting with department branding, social media management, and the Maryland Loaner Lab and SciTech programs' operation. She's passionate about collaborating with other designers to help build branding strategies, create prototype logo designs and website updates for grassroots nonprofits in Baltimore.
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Mr. Henry O. Jackson, Laboratory Technician
Mr. Jackson serves as a Laboratory Technician at Towson University鈥檚 Center for STEM Excellence. He is a Baltimore native and attended Fork Union Military Academy and then continued his education at Lincoln University studying Pre-Medicine and completing his education by attending the Biotechnology Institute of Maryland. Mr. Jackson spent the last twenty years of his career in finance; including investment banking, private placement services and professional money management. In March 2008, Mr. Jackson joined the Center for STEM Excellence team at Towson University. Mr. Jackson鈥檚 duties include managing lab setup and maintenance, solution preparation, reagent testing, equipment repair, preparing and sending out Maryland loaner lab kits, and assisting in the setting up of SciTech lab activities.
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Ms. Debra Phillips, Laboratory Assistant
Ms. Phillips serves as a Laboratory Assistant at Towson University鈥檚 Center for STEM Excellence. As a lifelong Baltimore native, she attended Morgan State University where she completed her undergraduate degree in Business. Ms. Phillips worked in the Customer Service Industry for over thirty five years, managing all aspects of food service from fast food establishments to fine dining restaurants. She later attended the Biotechnology Institute of Maryland [BTI] where she acquired the biotechnical skills necessary for successful employment in the biotechnology field. Her duties here include preparing and sending out loaner lab kits, lab maintenance, solution preparation, assisting in the SciTech lab setup and spreadsheet record keeping.
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Kara Berger, Education & Outreach Specialist
Kara serves as an Education and Outreach Specialist for Towson University鈥檚 Center for STEM Excellence. She earned both her BS in Environmental Science & Studies with a concentration in Informal Environmental Education and M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Towson University. Prior to joining the team, Kara worked for a non-profit in Baltimore. Through her work, Kara engaged youth in environmental and outdoor education through after-school, summer, and service learning programs as well as volunteerism. Her duties at the Center for STEM Excellence include facilitating professional development programs, managing the Maryland Loaner Lab program and instructing for the SciTech Student Learning Lab program. She is excited about teaching students about the world around them and making science education accessible for all learners.
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Annemarie McDonald, Education and Outreach Specialist
Annemarie serves as an Education and Outreach Specialist at the Towson University's Center for STEM Excellence. Before coming to Towson, she worked as a first grade teacher in the Chicago Public Schools system and as an informal science educator in a museum setting. She received her BA in Environmental Science and Spanish from Northwestern University and her MS in Conservation Ecology from the University of Michigan. While at the University of Michigan, she also conducted research in mathematics education. At the Center for STEM Excellence, Annemarie鈥檚 responsibilities include scheduling and teaching SciTech labs, assisting with the Maryland Loaner Lab program, and providing professional development opportunities for Maryland science teachers.
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