Dr. Susan Rowe

Director of Precollege Programs

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Susan Rowe joined Precollege Programs and the SMILE team with a diverse array of professional experiences in science education research and practice in informal learning settings (e.g. museums, zoos, aquariums, and other out-of-school learning settings such as our very own STEM afterschool clubs). She holds a doctoral degree in Environmental Sciences with a focus on environmental education from OSU; a master’s degree in Animal Ecology with a focus on environmental literacy from Iowa State University; and a double degree in Biology and Education from Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, her home university in Brazil.

Susan has worked as a K-12 science teacher in Brazil and at various education venues the US, developing curriculum and delivering science education programs. As a science education scholar, her research focuses on conservation education from a critical environmental literacy standpoint and via community engaged models. Prior to joining our team, she filled the role of OSU Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification Project Manager helping collect, analyze and document important aspects of OSU’s institutional mission, identity and commitments to outreach and engagement, engaged scholarship, teaching and service. As a first-generation student and a Latina woman in science, Susan is also committed to help build equitable pathways for success for underserved students in STEM and STEM education. She is focused on bridging her research, education and community engagement skills to support the mission of Precollege Programs and SMILE.

Phone: 541-737-3553

Jay Well

Associate Director

Jay Well is the Associate Director of the Science Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) program at Oregon State University.  After spending seven years researching wildlife genetics, genomics, and population health, Jay discovered his passion for working to advance equal access to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) curriculum and opportunities for rural underserved students. Over the past 10 years, Jay has worked toward that goal through creating innovative teacher professional development and linking K-12 teachers and students to OSU research, faculty, and students.  This effort works to establish a pathway to success for SMILE students as they transition through K-12, college, and then on to STEM careers.  Outside of the office Jay can be found spending time with his family or running on local trails.

Phone: 541-737-4651

Dr. Adam Talamantes

Program Coordinator

Dr. Adam Talamantes has been involved with the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience (SMILE) program for several years. His graduate research revolved around integrating project-based learning into SMILE’s summer bridge program and evaluating the impact of the summer bridge program on college self-efficacy.  His research also focused on building community-university partnerships to support out-of-school time STEM education. Currently, he is working closer with SMILE as a Program Coordinator.

Phone: 541-737-6422

Dr. Erin Christensen

Grants Specialist

Dr. Erin Christensen, Grants Specialist, has a background of grants management in graduate education. She has an Ed.D. in Higher Education (2019) and a Master of Music in cello performance (2012) from the University of Denver, a Master of Fine Arts in literary translation (2004) from Naropa University, and a B.A. in music (2000) from Gonzaga University. She is excited to join Precollege Programs to help with K-12 programming across Oregon. In her spare time, she regularly performs cello for a variety of ensembles, enjoys spending time with family, and especially enjoys learning and practicing paleontology with her daughter.

 

Kami Hammerschmith

Administrative Program Specialist

Kami Hammerschmith has worked at Oregon State University for more than 20 years, previously with Orange Media Network/Student Media. She provides administrative support for Precollege Programs and The SMILE Program. Kami is also a proud OSU alumni.

Phone: 541-737-0534

Becca Harver

SMILE Program Assistant

Becca Harver is the SMILE Program Assistant. She is an OSU graduate who has worked in a variety of educational settings including outdoor schools, public schools, science centers, and environmental non-profit agencies. Having been a preschool teacher and paraeducator, Becca greatly enjoys working with students and teachers. As an Oregonian and nature enthusiast, Becca likes spending her free time exploring the outdoors with her family. 

AJ Mallozzi

Program Coordinator

Amy (AJ) Mallozzi is a former Peace Corps Mozambique volunteer with a Master's in Oceanography from Louisiana State University and MAT from Loyola University. The only thing she likes more than looking at phytoplankton under a microscope is working towards equity in science. She was a biology teacher, science fair coordinator, and academic coach in New Orleans for 4 years, where most of their lessons somehow ended up circling back to whales or dinosaurs. 

Phone: (541)-737-2213