Meet Dr. Raven Baxter. Raven Baxter, Ph.D., aka Dr. Raven the Science Maven, is an internationally acclaimed American educator and molecular biologist known for effortlessly merging science with pop culture. Using her magnetic personality, she challenges the status quo to prove that science communicators aren’t all one and the same.

Raised by a single mother in North Carolina and New York, Dr. Baxter’s curiosity to explore the world around her at a young age developed into a lifelong affinity for science. Today, whether producing viral hip-hop videos such as her “Antibodyody Antibody Song” or her “Wipe it Down” to teach science lessons to the masses or hosting a STEM-themed talk show she created called STEMbassy, she joyfully disrupts traditional cultural perceptions about scientists.

Passionate about diversity in STEM, Dr. Baxter builds community with her participation in the Black in Science Communication group and recognizes the importance of service as a legacy member of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which counts Vice President Kamala Harris and civil rights activist Rosa Parks as distinguished members.

As an entrepreneur—and unapologetic fashionista—Dr. Baxter recognized the importance of inclusive fashions for science fans from all walks of life, which led her to found her own online store, Smarty Pants. Her shop features of-the-moment, whimsical STEM-themed apparel and accessories designed by her with a portion of the profits benefiting STEM students.

In addition, Dr. Baxter is a sought after public speaker who maintains a strong voice in science academia as the Director of Diversity Initiatives in the UC Irvine School of Biological Sciences. She has earned numerous awards for her achievements, including the State University of New York’s Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence in honor of her service in educating the public about COVID-19, and recognition on Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list.

For the upcoming 2021/2022 school year, Dr. Baxter will join a 4-person team of celebrities and influencers commissioned by NASA to inspire student participation in the NASA TechRise Student Challenge. The team will create a video that challenges students in grades 6 – 12 to build and test a design based on Dr. Baxter’s hypothesis about what a maraca would sound like in microgravity, during the NASA TechRise Virtual Field Trip in September.

Meet Anika Chebrolu. Anika is a tenth grade student at Independence High School in Frisco, Texas. Anika's passions include science & research in the field of biotechnology, and helping others through her nonprofit organization, AcademyAid. She would like to pursue a career in the field of biomedical research and in her spare time, she enjoys Indian classical dance, art, and spending time with family and friends.

Meet Scott Kinney. An acknowledged thought leader and powerful voice dedicated to supporting the success of each learner, Scott Kinney has nearly 25 years of experience in the fields of professional learning and educational technology. As Discovery Education CEO, Kinney collaborates with educators and administrators around the world to develop and implement customized solutions that empower them to meet strategic goals and build modern, digital learning environments supporting student achievement.

Under his leadership, Discovery Education is serving 3 million educators and over 30 million students around the world, and transforming teaching and learning in half of U.S. classrooms, over 40 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and in more than 50 countries.

Previously, Kinney served as Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Educational Partnerships, and Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Professional Development. In this capacity Kinney led the creation and launch of Discovery Education’s professional learning portfolio and managed all facets of the professional development line of business. During his tenure at Discovery Education, Kinney also launched the Discovery Education Masters degree in Instructional Media, oversaw all Discovery Education public policy initiatives at both the state and federal levels, and supervised the continued growth of the organization’s professional learning community, the Discovery Educator Network.

Kinney regularly consults with high-level education officials and policymakers, and has testified before Congress on the Future of Learning. An accomplished public speaker and author, Kinney has keynoted countless education conferences, presented at numerous administrator events, and has contributed articles and opinion pieces to various education publications. In 2015, Kinney was recognized by EdTech Digest with their prestigious Leadership Award for his efforts to support school systems worldwide as they transition from static textbooks to dynamic digital content as a core instructional resource.

Prior to joining Discovery Education, Kinney spent 15 years in public education serving at both the school district and regional service center levels. In addition to his K-12 work, Kinney has taught undergraduate and graduate classes for Kent State University and Penn State University, and has served on numerous education-focused advisory boards.

Meet Lance Rougeux. Lance started his career as a teacher at Julia de Burgos Bilingual Middle School in the School District of Philadelphia where he was highlighted in The Emergency Teacher, a book about urban teaching. He is the co-founder of the Purple Feet Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on helping underserved students think about their future.

Prior to joining Discovery Education, Lance was an Executive Policy Specialist at the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Educational Technology.

Lance currently serves as Vice President of Instructional Design at Discovery Education.

He holds master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Technology in Education from Villanova University and Harvard University, respectively, and is an adjunct faculty member at Wilkes University for whom he designed the Instructional Strategies for Using Digital Content graduate level course.

Meet Dr. Denise Rutherford. Dr. Denise Rutherford is Senior Vice President of 3M’s Corporate Affairs organization. This new organization brings a strategic, proactive approach to advancing and protecting the 3M brand and reputation.

Throughout her 30-year career at 3M, Denise has held various leadership roles in the company’s research and development, Lean Six Sigma and business group organizations. Over her tenure, Denise has been committed to building sustainably-competitive businesses enabled by 3M’s core values and technologies.

Denise joined 3M in 1989 as a senior research chemist at 3M’s headquarters. From 2004-2017, Denise held several international leadership roles, including president of 3M Japan, vice president of 3M Greater China Area and president of 3M China, vice president of 3M Latin America and managing director of 3M Belgium.

Prior to her international assignments, Denise served as vice president for 3M’s aerospace business, in addition to holding several technical leadership and Lean Six Sigma roles. Before being named 3M’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Denise served as 3M’s Industrial Business Group’s R&D and commercialization leader.

Denise is an advocate for strengthening STEM education within local communities. She is also an active supporter of 3M’s Women Leadership Forum, working to foster an environment of inclusion and advancement for women leaders at every level of the company.

Denise serves on the board of directors of STARBASE Minnesota, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring youth in STEM. She attended Murray State University, earning a bachelor’s in chemistry and mathematics, as well as a master’s in chemistry. In 1989, Denise received her Ph.D. in chemistry from Colorado State University.

Meet Kimberly Wright. Kimberly Wright is an educator, writer, global keynote speaker, marathon runner, and advocate. She is a Curriculum Design Manager at Discovery Education and calls the borderland of El Paso, Texas home.

In 2020, she was awarded the Million Women Mentors STEM Trailblazer Award for her contributions to STEM education. She is passionate about mentoring girls and women to enter STEM career fields.