Dr. Elaine H. Thurmond

Dr. Elaine Thurmond serves as the Co-Director, Senior Research Scientist, and Senior Instructional Specialist of Mercer’s SEI Lab. Dr. Thurmond also served 31 years in public education. During her time with the Georgia Department of Education, she trained schools to implement America's/Georgia Choice School Design. Dr. Thurmond’s research interest is centered around STEAM integration and advancing STEM instruction for marginalized students in urban classrooms settings. BIO

Dr. Meenakshi Sharma

Meenakshi Sharma is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in Tift College of Education. Her work centers around science teacher education and students’ learning of science in K-12 classrooms. She specifically focuses on inquiry-oriented science teaching as aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and STEM education. BIO

Dr. Susan Cannon

Dr. Susan Ophelia Cannon is an assistant professor of elementary and middle grades education. She taught science and mathematics in Atlanta metro schools for a total of 13 years prior to joining the faculty of Tift College of Education. In her research, she makes connections across the boundaries of mathematics and statistics education, qualitative inquiry, and teacher education to consider ethical questions. BIO

Dr. Cynthia Anderson

Dr. Cynthia Anderson has served as a classroom teacher, Instructional Lead Teacher, Principal, Director of Professional Learning, Director of Elementary Curriculum, and Director of Middle Grades Curriculum. For over 15 years, she was the accreditation contact for schools to achieve and maintain state accreditation and AdvancED (SACS) accreditation. At Mercer, she has taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses in Early Childhood and Middle Grades and currently supervises students during Field Experiences. BIO

Dr. Jami Friedrich

Dr. Jami C. Friedrich completed her Ph.D. studies in Curriculum and Instruction at Mercer University’s Tift College of Education (Atlanta). She has experience as a secondary mathematics teacher and instructional coach. Friedrich’s research agenda is focused on mathematics education of underserved populations and pathways from underserved backgrounds, with a focus on the Latinx community. As a component of this research, she also investigates culturally relevant pedagogy. BIO

Dr. Randal Henne

Dr. Randal Henne spent 30 years as a scientist, engineer, and leader in the biomedical and technology fields. He worked in a variety of start-ups as well as large organizations like NASA, DuPont, Amazon, and Microsoft. Complementing his technical work were many projects focused on education, hiring, and career development in an industrial setting. After retiring from industry, he joined the Hines Family Foundation as a subject matter expert focusing on STEM education. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science from Florida State University. He holds an MS in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Molecular Bioengineering from the University of Washington.

Ashlee Lee, M. Ed.

Ashlee Lee is a goal-focused Mathematics Specialist with proven record of success developing and incorporating innovative, data-driven strategies in the implementation of instructional practices. She is a visionary leader in curriculum planning and development. With a keen knowledge of mathematical content, Ashlee has demonstrated excellence in adapting a student-centered approach to instruction. Highly skilled at working collaboratively with school administrators and teachers to integrate best practices to drive student success. Ashley is a Ph.D. Student in Mercer’s Tift College of Education.

The SEI Lab Fellowship is strengthening engagement among Mercer’s faculty and graduate students in critical issues impacting communities throughout Georgia and beyond.

CaitIin Hochuli, Ed.S.

Caitlin Hochuli is a ninth grade science teacher at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, GA, and she is currently teaching environmental science and ecology. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science at Rochester Institute of Technology. She continued her studies into education by being awarded the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship and attended Mercer University for a Master’s in Art of Teaching in Secondary STEM Education, and continued with her Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Piedmont University. BIO

Tynetta Jenkins, M. Ed.

Tynetta Jenkins is a fourth grade teacher at Episcopal Day School in Augusta, Ga, where she teaches 4th grade math and science. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Augusta University. She has a substantial amount of experience teaching high school biology and environmental science, developing district-wide science curriculum, and facilitating district-wide professional development opportunities related to the implementation of science curriculum and innovative pedagogy in the science classroom. BIO

Stacey Rivers, MSM

Stacey Young Rivers is a Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education in Mercer University’s Tift College of Education (Atlanta). Rivers is the Director of People Growth & Skills Strategy at WarnerMedia (formerly Turner Broadcasting). Rivers’ research interest is Massive Open Online Courses and underrepresented students with a focus on STEM careers. With expertise in developing strategies to close skills gaps and building talent pipelines, she is also mom, author, and an avid blogger. BIO