Check out the list of presenters that will be facilitating learning for our students as part of the Michigan Math and Data Summit's Data Science Day!
Andrew Spiece is a computer science educator at Genesee Career Institute who helps students explore technology, computer science, and artificial intelligence through hands on learning. He is passionate about helping students move from simply using technology to understanding how it works and how they can build with it themselves. His work emphasizes curiosity, problem solving, and responsible AI use, and he regularly partners with educators and industry professionals to expand opportunities for students
Jaclyn Anderson is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist from NWS Detroit. She has worked as a Meteorologist and Incident Meteorologist in the NWS for over 10 years at various locations across the country before arriving in southeast Michigan.
Michelle Murphy, MSN, RN, is a Health Science Career Technical Education instructor at Genesee Career Institute. With over a decade of nursing experience and a background in critical care, she brings real-world clinical expertise into the classroom, preparing high school students for healthcare careers through hands-on, scenario-based learning. As the instructor of Medical Career Foundations, Michelle integrates clinical skills, medical terminology, and career readiness to help students build competence and confidence. She is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that emphasize patient safety, critical thinking, and the real impact healthcare professionals have on patient outcomes.
Alexander Loney is a welding instructor at the Genesee Career Institute and a Certified Welding Inspector through the American Welding Society. Growing up in the welding industry, he developed a strong appreciation for how hands-on trades connected directly to math and science. After years of working in the industry he graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Ferris State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Career and Technical Education to further his expertise in teaching and learning. Alex is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers through rigorous, real-world instruction that blends technical skill with applied STEM concepts.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala a board-certified otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeon—in private practice in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, is the president of the American Medical Association.
A passionate advocate for public health, Dr. Mukkamala is deeply committed to creating a more sustainable health system that better supports physicians and more effectively serves the needs of people and communities.
Registered Nurse for 27 years with education in social work and biology, retired US Air Force Combat Medic, and business owner.
Dr. Diane Peters is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University. She conducts research in control systems and autonomous vehicles, and has extensive work experience in industry prior to becoming a professor, where she used to design mechanical equipment for various industries.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-peters-p-e-ph-d-f-swe-f-asme-50b8973/
Tom is the TI Educational Technology Consultant for Canada. Prior to coming to TI, Tom was a leader in math education in Ontario for several decades.
Dr. Johnson taught high school science for 13 years and is currently a Science Education Specialist with the National Center for Science Education. She earned a dual PhD in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education and ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior at Michigan State University. Her work focuses on engaging students’ curiosity to drive science learning, improving public understanding of the nature of science, especially in regards to evolution and climate change, and supporting teachers in facilitating three-dimensional learning.
Thomas Downs is a seasoned laboratory professional with 30 years of clinical experience spanning all major laboratory departments. Having served 14 years in laboratory management and 4 years as Director of Laboratory Operations, he brings exceptional leadership depth to every role. Thomas also shares his expertise as a faculty member in the Laboratory Sciences program at the University of Michigan–Flint, where he has educated and mentored aspiring laboratory professionals for 13 years.
Dr. Janice Hall Tomasik earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with emphases in Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Education. As an undergraduate, she conducted research on the photochemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of tungsten-C60 and C70 derivatives. Her doctoral work focused on studying the kinetics of zirconocene-catalyzed alkene polymerization using low-temperature NMR spectroscopy, alongside developing and evaluating an online nanoscience education course for teachers. Since joining the faculty at Central Michigan University, Dr. Tomasik’s research focuses on chemical education, particularly investigating the impact of research-based course design and course-based undergraduate research experiences on student learning and STEM interest. She is passionate about fostering early exposure to research in core curriculum to enhance student engagement, retention, and diversity in STEM fields. Her work has been supported by the NSF, EPA, the Midland ACS section, and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium. Dr. Tomasik is a dedicated educator, teaching general chemistry, advanced inorganic, graduate organometallic chemistry, and teaching methods courses. She has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, including the 2021 Outstanding Achievement in College Chemistry Education Award (Midland ACS), the 2016 CMU College of Science and Engineering Outstanding Teaching Award, and the 2012 CMU Honors Professor of the Year Award. Beyond academia, she is a proud mother of two wonderful children and is forever grateful for the support of her husband and her family.
Dale LeCaptain is a faculty member at Central Michigan University who teaches and works on environmental topics. He is interested in sustainability, environmental measurement, and practical problem solving. Through teaching, he encourages students to think critically about environmental issues and how science can support responsible decisions about land, water, and resources. His goal is to help students connect science to real world environmental challenges.