Meet the Authors

Dr. Cory A. Bennett is a Professor of Education, specializing in mathematics and STEM education, at Idaho State University. He teaches mathematics content, mathematics methods and numerous graduate level courses for teachers and teacher leaders. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics-Early Adolescence and relies on this expertise to support professional educators at all levels locally as well as internationally.  

Kathleen Van Wesenbeeck is an undergraduate student majoring in Geology and Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics. She is an Honors student, mentor for the Idaho State University START program, President of the Geo Club, TRIO McNair scholar, and participating in the Idaho State University Physics outreach program. She is a recipient of the Jacques Kets Award for Zoology in Belgium. 

Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak is an Associate Professor of Geosciences, specializing in Volcanology, at Idaho State University. She is also the Director of the University Honors Program, enabling her to work with extraordinary students from across the entire campus. She is a firm believer in the importance of authentic field experiences for emerging scientists and the value of the natural world as an entrance point for asking "Why?" 

Madison is an Elementary Education major at Idaho State University, graduating with her credentials to teach elementary students in the spring of 2022. She has an endorsement in Social Studies and will additionally receive a University Honors Degree from the University Honors Program. She has been an Honors Mentor, Honors Advisor, and Career Path Intern for Education. She currently works at the University Tutoring Center, helping college students in math and writing. After college, she plans on going to graduate school and teaching in her own classroom.

Exko is an Elementary Education major at Idaho State University, graduating with her credentials to teach elementary-aged children in the spring of 2023. She is pursuing a minor in History. She is also a member of the University Honors Program, an Honors Mentor, the Vice President of the Honors Program Club, and the Future Educator/Peer Advisor Intern for the University Honors Program. Throughout all her involvement, she hopes to make a noteworthy impact on not only the University but the future of education as well. 

Meagan Jewkes is a Secondary Education major at Idaho State University. She will graduate in Fall of 2023 with the credentials to teach middle school and high school English. She will be graduating with an honors distinction, having been an active member of the University Honors Program, and a Sign Language Studies minor. She hopes to stay involved in the deaf community after college. Even though she wants to teach English, she has a love of natural sciences and a burning curiosity to learn about the world around her at every possible opportunity. 

Beckett is a Secondary Education major at Idaho State University and will graduate in 2024 with plans to teach high school students. He will have endorsements in Biology and the Natural Sciences, and will also graduate with an Honors Degree from the University Honors Program. He has been involved in software development and has several years of experience teaching computer science to elementary school students. After ISU, Beckett plans on pursuing a master's degree while teaching in the Pacific Northwest.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckbo/