Meet the Team
Dr. Christa Jackson - Camp Director
I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the School of Education at Iowa State University. I taught elementary and middle school mathematics and science. At Iowa State, I prepare elementary, middle, and secondary teachers to teach mathematics. Mathematics is a fun, exciting, creative subject to learn! I strive to spark students’ interest and excitement not only in mathematics but in STEM by providing them with opportunities to engage in authentic, hands-on STEM experiences. I believe it is important for students to become thinkers and problem solvers because when you cease to think, you cease to exist.
My favorite color is red, and I believe it is the BEST color in the world! I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael Jackson, and family. I also enjoy playing games, traveling, and doing activities outdoors. My love for mathematics, problem solving, and figuring out how things work, inspired me to enter a STEM field.
I am excited about STEM InCYte Camp, and I hope you have a wonderful experience!
Ashley Delaney - Camp Staff
I am a Ph.D. student at Iowa State University in Mathematics Education. Prior to pursuing my Ph.D., I was a classroom teacher for 10 years in Iowa and Illinois. My teaching and learning focuses on young children engaging and remaining in STEM education. I particularly enjoy integrating play and problem solving into STEM education. I have always been fascinated by maps, puzzles, and the inner workings of things. Even as a child, I frequently took things apart to learn how they work or fix them. My curiosity and love of math and science drew me into STEM.
Personally, I like to craft and build projects which often includes creating items for my classroom and kids. My husband, Brett, and I have three children ages 3, 5, and 6. You can frequently find us at the softball field, biking as a family, gardening, playing outside, and cooking.
Coskun Erden - Camp Staff
I am a Ph.D. student in Mathematics Education program at Iowa State University. I worked as a mathematics teacher in high schools for 15 years in four different countries (The Philippines, Albania, Turkey, Kosovo) before attending the doctoral program. Students can understand the role of mathematics in solving the real-world problems through STEM education. So, I am excited to be a part STEM programs which makes a difference in students’ lives.
I have a daughter and a son. As a family we enjoy spending time together by playing board games, watching movies and having field trips.
Kari Jurgenson - Camp Staff
Hello! I'm Kari, and I am a doctoral student studying mathematics education. Before coming to Iowa State University, I taught middle school and high school mathematics for four years in Missouri. I love learning and exploring mathematics with children. I do a lot of work with STEM in schools and think it is such a wonderful opportunity to actively engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics using real-world problems and build problem-solving skills. I want to spark children's interest in STEM and their curiosity. It's so much fun!
In my free time I like to spend time outside and with family and friends. I also enjoy watching movies, listening to music, and travelling. I have been to 8 countries and 3 continents so far and hope to travel to many more.
Mirella de León - Group Leader
Hi, my name is Mirella. I’m from Arlington, Texas. I am majoring in Biology and a member of the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, Pre-med Club, and the Mexican-American Young Achievers Society. I will attend medical school in Texas after I graduate from Iowa State University. I aspire to be a pediatrician! I have wanted to me a doctor since I was in 4th grade and have always loved science. It has fascinated me my whole life. Studying the way the human body works kicked my future into gear! When I am not busy with classes and organizations, I love to watch movies, eat ice cream, hammocking, and taking mini-adventures!
Sí, hablo español. ¡Te puedo ayudar!