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Meet The Candidates

   President-elect Candidate: Megan McCall

   Science Master Teacher, UTeach South

   24 years of secondary & post-secondary science education experience

   Prepares STEM undergraduates for the classroom
   Ph.D.; National Board Certified Teacher
   PAEMST recipient
   Longtime ASTA member & current board leader
   Committed to continued service to ASTA as President-Elect

   Secretary Candidate: Megan Dempsey

   Science Teacher, Mae C. Jemison High School
   Nationally Certified STEM Teacher
   Certified in ASIM and AMSTI
   Teaches Biology, Honors & AP Biology
   Experience across life, physical, and earth sciences
   Committed to empowering educators and supporting ASTA


       

       Middle School Director Candidate: Bethany Powe

       Science Teacher, Bellingrath Middle School

       Teaches Earth and Space Science

       4th year classroom teacher
       Middle school–focused instructional perspective
       Advocates for middle school science educators
       Committed to strengthening science education across Alabama




         Post Secondary Director Candidate: Kristen Bates

         STEM Education Specialist, Southern Research
         B.S. in Chemistry; minor in STEM Education
         M.S. in Instructional Design & Development
         National STEM Education Certification (2022)
         Leads hands-on STEM outreach programs statewide
         Committed to expanding high-quality STEM learning in Alabama

      Multicultural & Equity Director Candidates

      Candidate #1: Shon Essex

          STEM Education Associate II, Southern Research
          Leads innovative K–12 STEM initiatives statewide
          Develops curriculum and facilitates teacher professional development
          Coordinates hands-on, collaborative STEM outreach
          B.S. in Biology (Pre-Medicine); M.S. in Biomedical & Health Sciences

          Committed to equity, access, and representation in STEM education

      Candidate #2: Nikki Patel

                 Science Teacher, Greenville High School
                 Science Department Chair
                 Teaches Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology
                 11+ years teaching in a rural Title I school
                  Leads hands-on, community-centered science initiatives
                 Committed to expanding access to high-quality STEM education


      Informal Science Director Candidates

                Candidate #1: Jennifer Dasinger

      • Science Teacher, Oxford High School
      • National Board Certified Chemistry Teacher
      • 28 years teaching in diverse school settings
      • Experience in rural, urban, and alternative programs
      • Presenter and curriculum developer with A+ College Ready
      • Committed to supporting teacher growth and strong science instruction





      Candidate #2: Dr. Jessica Gilpin

      • Assistant Director, Sciences & Mathematics Outreach, Auburn University
      • Leads statewide K–12 STEM outreach initiatives
      • Designs high-impact informal science education programs
      • Ph.D. in Marine Biology; experience in research and higher education teaching
      • 10+ years in informal STEM education and youth engagement
      • Committed to advancing research-informed science learning statewide


      Candidate #3: Molly Langston


      • STEM Education Associate II, Southern Research
      • Leads hands-on STEM programs and curriculum development statewide
      • Coordinates field trips, camps, and classroom resources
      • Experienced science communicator and presenter
      • Dedicated to STEM equity, access, and experiential learning
      • Committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM learners



      Candidate #4: Komanci (Kay) Love

      • STEM Educator, Tuscaloosa County Schools
      • Pursuing fourth degree in Curriculum & Instruction
      • Emphasizes hands-on, real-world, community-connected learning
      • Develops career-connected STEM experiences statewide
      • Partners with ONR STEM cohort, SciREN, and Alabama Transportation Institute
      • Committed to expanding equitable access to meaningful STEM learning

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