Top 10 STEM Directors - 2025

Chet Nicklas serves as the Director of the Black Belt STEM Institute at the University of West Alabama (UWA). With a strong background in science education, Nicklas has spent over a decade teaching biology, chemistry, and physical science, coaching football and driving a school bus. His passion for education led him to earn a doctorate from UWA, ultimately preparing him for his current role.

Ben Esner is Director of the Center for K12 STEM Education at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He began his public service career as an environmental advisor in Brooklyn before serving as Chief of Staff at New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In this role, he collaborated with engineers and policymakers on large-scale infrastructure projects, developing a strong interest in the intersection of STEM and public policy.

Elizabeth Taylor is the Director of STEM at MSOE, overseeing the creation and implementation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs for K–12 students and educators. She also manages We Energies STEM Center operations and champions inclusive, community-aligned educational initiatives that reach diverse student populations.

Meg Bentley serves as the Director of STEM Partnerships and Innovation at American University, where she leads strategic initiatives to advance inclusive excellence in STEM education. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, she applies research-driven insight to equity-focused academic programming. Her leadership supports faculty diversity through AU’s NSF ADVANCE grant.

Kate Leist drives STEM excellence at Rocketship Public Schools as Senior Director, spearheading curriculum strategy across the network. Her expertise blends educational leadership with innovative practices to spark student curiosity. Through her work, she equips learners with skills for tomorrow’s challenges.

Rebekah Dupont brings over 25 years of experience advancing inclusive excellence in STEM education at Augsburg University. As Faculty Emerita and Grants Administrator, she leads transformative programs like PRISM and PROSPECT, supporting low-income and transfer students. Her leadership fosters equity-driven pathways in applied mathematics and beyond.

Laura Dean leads alum engagement for STEM at the University of Denver, building strong connections through events, mentorship and partnerships. She bridges the past and present, helping graduates give back meaningfully. Her work empowers students and strengthens the university’s vibrant STEM community.

At Idaho State University, Corinne Koelsch leads STEM and industry partnerships that connect classrooms with real-world opportunities. With two decades in career and technical education, she champions hands-on learning. Her initiatives spark innovation and expand access to tomorrow’s diverse STEM talent.

As Director of STEM Programming at Boston Public Schools, Rubens Dort champions equitable, real-world STEM education. Drawing from his journey from Haiti to Boston, he emphasizes resilience and opportunity. His leadership fosters inclusive pathways for all students.

Dr. Jason Treadway is Director of the STEM Institute at Dallas College, holding a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Imperial College London. He leads STEM initiatives and workforce development, emphasizing engineering education and student career pathways.