Amanda is the Director of K-12 Engagement at Penn State University and formerly the STEM Outreach Liaison for Penn State Center for Science and the Schools. As the Director of K-12 Engagement, she focuses on building strategies and pathways to support the needs and vision of K-12 and community; primarily focused in the following areas: civic engagement, career readiness, social justice, STEM, and wellness. She also continues her work as the Executive Director of ENGINE of Central PA, a University-led STEM learning ecosystem. With other STEM Learning Ecosystem leaders across Pennsylvania, she was an integral part of the team to develop the PA STEM Education Policy memo to the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden Administration.
Prior to her role at Penn State, Amanda taught Honors and AP Biology and Independent Science Research in Loudoun County, Vir., where she received the 2007 Teacher of the Year award from the Tourette Syndrome Association. Amanda earned a B.S. in Biology and Science Education from Penn State and M.Ed. in Education Leadership from George Mason University. She is pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on STEM education policy to practice in the K-12 education system serving students from underserved and underrepresented populations. Professional outreach experiences that have impacted her work include participating in the Zero Gravity Flight program sponsored by Northrop Grumman and leading a K-12 group on an ecological experience to Costa Rica.
