Emily Gochis is the Director of the Western U.P. STEM Network (MiSTEM Network Region 16) serving Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties of Michigan. She has been in the education field for 15 years, teaching environmental and outdoor education, high school science and, most recently, science and engineering professional development for K-12 educators.

Emily has received her MA in secondary education and BS in Resource and Ecology Management from the University of Michigan, and is currently a PhD candidate at Michigan Technological University where her research interests include field and place-based teacher professional development to improve Earth Science Literacy.

Steve is a Copper Country native and graduate of Hancock Central High School and Northern Michigan University. Before joining REMC1 in 2012, he worked as a high school business/computer teacher at Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH). While teaching at SPASH, he had the opportunity to pilot a hybrid online version of Personal Finance and participate in the district’s online learning steering committee and 1:1 laptop initiative.

Steve now works as an Educational Technologist and is responsible for leading the technology professional development component for REMC1. Steve is a Google for Education Educator Level 1 & 2, Certified Trainer and Certified Coach and has participated in the 22i TRIG grant as a Regional Coordinator and an online instructor for the 21Things4Teachers and Blended Learning in the Classroom (BLIC) programs.

Erika Vye is the co-creator of Keweenaw Geoheritage, an organization that focuses on education and opportunities for sustainable tourism based on significant geologic features and our relationship with them. She is dedicated to improving public wellness and enriching relationships with the natural environment through formal and informal place-based education efforts; emphasis on broadening science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) literacy through community partnerships, varied ways of learning, and traditional knowledge.

Lloyd Wescoat has a masters in elementary education and background in service learning. She is an Education Program Assistant & Service Learning Coordinator for the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University and part of the Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education.

As a member of the LSSI leadership team since 2008, she supports teachers, students, and community partners in planning and implementing place-based stewardship projects and in conducting professional learning communities.