My STEM journey began long before I realized it. I spent much of my childhood alongside my father hunting and fishing—experiences that quietly shaped my curiosity and connection to the natural world. It wasn’t until I was choosing a major that I truly understood their impact. In 2019, I graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Fisheries.
Throughout my academic journey, one constant source of support and inspiration was my involvement in an honor society. I deeply valued the sense of community, encouragement, and recognition it provided. In 2015, I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and had the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Membership, an experience that further strengthened my passion for leadership and service.
What drew me to NSTEM specifically was its unique focus on supporting STEM students from pre-K through college, creating a strong and continuous foundation for success. I have always enjoyed working with others and helping in any way I can. Stepping into the role of Director of Member Services allows me to support members as they begin their NSTEM journeys, guide them along the way, and witness the incredible accomplishments of our students and advisors.
I am from Riverside, California. I graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Last year, I decided to change my path into the data analytics field. Having the opportunity to intern at NSTEM provides me a great chance to enhance my skills and make a potential impact on STEM fields for future generations. I assumed the role of co-director of the Data Analytics department because I seek personal and professional growth, as well as a desire to make a positive impact on both the department and NSTEM as a whole.
Derek lives in southeastern Massachusetts and is a student at the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI, graduating in May 2025. While he does not yet have an advanced educational degree, he is very excited to join NSTEM’s leadership team. Being a STEM-oriented student allows him to give insight on what a traditional classroom may be for students and how NSTEM can improve students’ educational journey. Derek has been a co-director for Chapter Media and Communications before he started as a Senior Director and is confident that he will be able to fulfill the responsibilities required. He is a dedicated, passionate, and driven STEM-oriented student and is committed to furthering NSTEM’s goals now and in the future. He is looking forward to working with future interns and directors of the many different NSTEM departments.
CEO and Founder of Ad Astra Media LLC and an Eisenhower Fellow with the 2020 ZHI XING Fellows Program. He is a health and technology keynote speaker, author, and consultant for NASA, Forbes, MIT, and the White House Office of Science and Technology. He is considered a leader in exponential technology innovation and excels at leading multidisciplinary teams that sit at the epicenter of biotechnology, AI, and aerospace.
He is considered the first Intergalactic Doctor and is often featured on Forbes, Univision, CNBC, and NASA360. His latest essay “The Future Shock of Medicine: How AI will Transform Disease, Death and Doctors” was recently reviewed by The Wall Street Journal along with other contributions by contemporary thought leaders. He serves as a technology and business advisor for MIT, NASA, UVA, African Innovation Alliance, US-Polish Alliance for Innovation and has served as special envoy to the Polish Space Agency.
His expertise in big data and innovation has made him a sought-after consultant in many industries. As Chief Medical Innovation Officer for Liberty BioSecurity, he helps drive innovation in genetic intelligence, national defense, biotechnology, precision medicine, and augmented human performance.
As Chief Engineering Council in charge of Innovation for Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, he directs international engineering teams in technology and intellectual property development.
As the Medical Technology and Artificial Intelligence Adviser for NASA iTech, he helped evaluate research initiatives that would develop novel technology to meet the 2030 Mars Mission objectives and deep space exploration.
Dr. Morey has previously worked with IBM Watson Health as their Associated Chief Health Officer where he helped develop global AI medical technologies.
Morey has also consulted with many companies to help create and train their deep learning algorithms and neural networks to develop intelligent systems in healthcare and aerospace.
Morey sits on several AI advisory boards and has over 100 peer-reviewed publications, articles, presentations, and lectures. He also has a seat on the Informatics Leadership Council for the American College of Radiology.
He has given talks to NASA360, the Radiologic Society of North America, HIIMS, Academy Health, Health Datapalooza, Tech.Co, Frost & Sullivan Executive MindXchange, Stifel Nicolaus Healthcare Investment Conference, the Chinese Medical Association, and the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Morey holds an adjunct professorship of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of Virginia and at Eastern Virginia Medical School. And he is a guest lecturer at Singularity University. Morey is also an advisor with MIT Solve, Ideas MIT, Tampa Bay Wave, and I Corps Puerto Rico.
Dr. Morey is a Senior Advisor with the NASA Space Breathing Initiative, where he helps direct an international team of hardware and software engineers to develop a blockchain-based data platform pipeline in collaboration with NASA and NetApp for COVID-19 rapid response utilizing the hybrid cloud. Identified and guided hardware and software parameters well as edge device integration and clinical AI development for prescriptive analytics and integration with the US National Emergency Broadcasting System.
He also serves as a Special Advisor with the White House Office of Science and Technology Kaggle CORD19 Project. He advised the Director of Research of CORD19 which is a collaboration between the Allen Institute for AI, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), Microsoft, and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health to create AI platform to review scholarly literature about COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and the Coronavirus group. Advised director on how to transform research content into machine-readable form, making the corpus ready for analysis and study.
Maxine Cain is an award-winning People Leader changing the way women business leaders and entrepreneurs, live, work, and play by doing work that matters in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Maxine is the Founder & President of STEM Atlanta Women, Inc. A non-profit 501c(3) organization created to Enlighten, Educate, and Empower women and girls about the advantages and global opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and the future skills needed to compete and succeed in the 21st Century.
Maxine is a Senior Human Resources leader and entrepreneurial personality known for innovative approaches to business, strategy, diversity, and inclusion, and Emerging Technologies.
Maxine is a visionary leader focused on disrupting the unconscious bias in Tech and bridging the gender gap in STEM. She provides STEM Education, Training, and STEM Consulting Services that include program evaluation, professional development, project management, curriculum development, and capacity building.
Maxine is also the Founder & CEO of Mathis, Griffin, Cain, Consulting provides consulting and advisory services to women business leaders and Entrepreneurs in the following practice areas: Business Strategy & Development, Emerging Technology, Talent, Pipeline Development, Organizational, Operational and Technological Advisory Services, New Skilling, Upskilling, and Reskilling the Workforce in the Digital Era.
Hello, my name is Ebaghae. I am from Nigeria I have a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and I am currently training to be become a Data Analyst.
NSTEM is a place that gives great opportunities to learn, grow and meet wonderful people. It is a privilege to be here and accepting a leadership position at NSTEM is a great way to grow and learn. Here communication is paramount, I look forward to working, communicating, building and maintaining a healthy team spirit especially in our remote setting.
Elizabeth Mulkerrin holds an Ed.D. and is the founder and CEO of Mulkerrin Strategic Solutions, LLC. Dr. Mulkerrin is the force behind collaborative partnerships and innovative informal education programming with school districts and universities which provide students with life science knowledge and career explorations through authentic STEM experiences. Mulkerrin is the co-founder of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem, an organization that brings business and education together in developing the STEM workforce. Mulkerrin has served as faculty at the University of Nebraska Omaha teaching graduate courses in science education and administrative leadership.
Dr. Mulkerrin’s robust leadership and strategic direction has created safe education environments for diverse learners by engaging all ages in experiential learning. Elizabeth’s personal passion is within STEM education initiatives, positive youth experiences, partnership development, innovative programs for all children, and community engagement.
During Dr. Mulkerrin’s time as the Vice President of Education at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, she developed the Zoo Academy High School, Zoo Academy Middle School, Zoo Kindergarten, and Zoo preschool programs. These unique STEM formal education opportunities have been instrumental in developing the next generation of STEM professionals. This work has led to the publication of several topics including STEM workforce development, job shadowing, professional learning, and collaborative initiatives between informal and formal science education. Dr. Mulkerrin is a catalyst and leader in science education by serving as the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) board president, National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) president, and several National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine informal science expert panels.
Hello! My name is Emma and I am one of the Co-Directors for the Video, Film and Media Production Department here at NSTEM! I’m from Waldwick, NJ. I am currently a student at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where I am studying Digital Filmmaking! I have been apart of NSTEM since January, and I have learned so much about community, and editing, throughout my time here. I have made so many wonderful connections while being an intern and now a Co-Director. I love to edit videos, and I am so grateful that I am able to help other interns grow their editing skills as well! Being a leader is very important, and I am glad that I have been able to learn more about what it means to be a leader through NSTEM.
As a teacher and experiential education trainer for over 30 years, I have been on the cutting edge of efforts to engage young people in STEM studies and sustainability efforts. My passion is to motivate others through inventive project-based learning to join the crucial work of caring for our planet. When we create environments in our schools and communities that promote and value responsible action, youth are encouraged to become leaders in this work.
My work has garnered many state and national awards, and I have been recognized at the White House twice for my work in education. I was gratified to be nominated as Science Educator of the Year for developing Green Scholars, a curriculum that grew from one school into a national program for training students to be environmental leaders in their communities.
Since leaving my position as a public school teacher, I have founded and am now director of two organizations, Seaside Sustainability and the National STEM Honor Society. Both have the ultimate goal of infusing more STEM and sustainability into education systems all over the globe.
In addition to two Master’s degrees in education, I hold a Project-Based Learning Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania, a Leading Sustainable Innovation Professional Certificate from the University of Vermont, and a Sustainability Graduate Certificate from Harvard University.
I was born in the year of the first Earth Day to parents who instilled in me an appreciation of the fragility of our environment and our obligation to protect it. Growing up on the ocean and mountains of New England, I became passionate about being a steward of our earth. I like to educate others with a simple mantra: Never underestimate your power; be an informed consumer; think globally and act locally.
Errika serves as the inaugural Executive Director for the STEM Funders Network committed to ensuring DEIA in STEM opportunity investments from cradle to career.ShebelievesweCANensurethathistoricallymarginalizedand underrepresented communities in STEM have more equitable access to funding and opportunities.
Previously she worked for IBM, BMC Software, and Southwire. In 2012 she decided she was committed to changing the things she could no longer accept. Since then, she’s served as the Vice President of Member Services and External Affairs for ITSMFincreasingtherepresentationintheblacktechnologypipeline,the Executive Director for TAG-ED focused on K-12 STEM advocacy, and the Senior Program Officer at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta focused on creating equity in education through workforce development for over 980,000 students.
As a servant leader, she currently serves on the Advisory Boards for Florida International University’s Honors College, Georgia Tech’s Industrial Engineering department, and Georgia DoE’s Computer Science department. She also serves on the national boards for Project Scientist and Ferst Readers, the strategic planning committee for the National Center for Family Math, the Georgia CTAE Industry Advisory Council, and as the state lead for the National Million Women Mentors initiative. In every role, she’s committed to DEIA, system-level change, challenging the systems that have created both disparities and inhibitors to equitable access, and being a voice for the voiceless.
Errika has been recognized as an Education Policy Fellow, a Trailblazer by Million Women Mentors, an Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Secretary of the State, a Woman of the Year by Atlanta’s Women in Technology, and an Ecosystem Builder by multiple organizations.
She’s a published co-author, a Forbes Nonprofit Council member, and a former STEM magazine editor.
Hi, My name is Haram Jamil. I have recently graduated with a BA in Digital Media and Design focusing on Web and Interactive media. I accepted a leadership position at NSTEM as I want to help in the advancement of STEM education and empower future innovators such as interns. I also want to gain further experience and be able to help other interns reach their fullest potential.
Isha Malli
Fellow
Isha Malli
Hello! My name is Isha Malli, and I’m a high school student from San Diego, California, currently serving as the Chapter Media & Communications Co-Director at the National STEM Honor Society. My passion lies in the future of STEM, making sure that all students have a true love of learning, and have access to the same opportunities to study it and develop a passion. From a young age, I had been fascinated by the inner workings of the scientific world. From reading up on how the molecules in the body work together to creating chemical reactions with soda, I was always curious to explore new scientific concepts. After taking many STEM classes in high school, I realized that my passion for STEM could be used to go a lot further, namely to directly reach others. That desire led me to NSTEM, an organization whose mission to inspire innovation and career readiness in STEM strongly resonated with me. Through my role in NSTEM, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the global landscape of STEM education and the ways we can support and empower students and schools. Chapter Media & Communications, or Member Care, specifically has taught me impeccable problem solving and collaboration skills, as well as strengthened communication capabilities within my department and between our chapters to keep our members satisfied. I know that my leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills will only continue to improve with the wonderful opportunities I am given here in Member Care. Looking forward to growing and advocating with all the great new experiences to come at NSTEM!
Prior to her experience in corporate philanthropy, Kelli was a licensed financial advisor, holding her Series 7 and Series 63 Investment licenses with Charles Schwab where she designed and created seminars on financial planning. She continued her work when she joined GE in 1995 as an Investment Representative. In 1996, she was appointed to Quality where she became a Black Belt in Six Sigma.
After my role in Quality, Kelli managed International Marketing for GE’s Retail Services Division. In 2001 she joined the corporate citizenship team at GE Capital where she held responsibilities around global programs. In 2004, she was appointed to the GE Foundation as the Executive Director for Education and Skills. Kelli has extensive training in strategic planning and Fastworks training, it is all about design thinking to shift from talk to action.
STEM had an enormous impact on my life even before it was called STEM.
Being one of five children from the south side of Chicago, the son of a Chicago Firefighter and carpenter, I was lucky. I did well in math and science in high school and was accepted to the Civil Engineering program at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois turned out to be a top engineering school. Who knew? That lit the fire.
Today that passion for science and math that set me on my way still burns as I have the great honor and pleasure to have been named the President of the National STEM Honor Society by my partner and dear friend, Eric Magers, its CEO and Founder.
Our mission is to inspire and recognize excellence from K to Career in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
We believe that STEM needs to start early, from the very start. And to continue through all levels of education and into rewarding careers that can change the trajectory of people’s lives… as it did mine.
We are seeking educators, students, parents, and organizations who believe what we believe. If you believe that STEM education enhancement is vital for our students, our teachers, our parents, our nation and our world, please feel free to reach out to me personally.
After an early engineering career of building power plants and control towers, I formed my own company aimed at goal setting and time management consulting, teaching a 16 week course in goal setting and an 8 week course in time management including many motivational speaking engagements.
After several years, I veered again, moving to a long career in commercial real estate brokerage and eventually ownership of a portfolio of office, R&D and lab buildings.
Educationally, in addition to the undergraduate experience at Illinois, while an engineer traveling for projects, I attended the MBA Programs at both Washington University in St. Louis and Northeastern University in Boston.
On a personal basis, I had the pleasure of coaching 13 years of youth soccer and baseball and 1 year of being the strength coach for the high school wrestling team. In our now home city of Gloucester, Massachusetts I was appointed to the Planning Board and was then elected to the Gloucester City Council.
My passion and enthusiasm for helping as many kids in STEM across the country and the world as quickly as we can runs deep. We do this by having schools open National STEM Honor Society Chapters at their schools. We have Chapters from coast to coast and now internationally. Please feel free to reach out to me personally for more information on starting your Chapter!
Hi! My name is Libbey, and I am one of the Chapter Media and Communications directors at NSTEM. I’m a rising senior in California and I’m passionate about Business Entrepreneurship and hope to own a business of my own in the future! In my freetime, I like to work on my non-profit, the Urban Harmony Project aimed to connect underrepresented minorities to resources relating to social impact. Otherwise, I like going to dragonboat practice, trying new foods, watching new movies, and exploring new places with friends. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Student Advisory council can do this year and excited to be a part of it as the Co-Vice President!
I’m Patricia Kitchens, and my journey in thefield of education expands over a span of 33-years. When the Covid-19 lockdown disrupted the world, I seized the opportunity to embark on a transformative path. Choosing to pursue a Masters degree in Communications and Media at Notre Dame of Maryland University; this became a turning point that reignited my professionalflame.
In 2023, I stepped into a new adventure with an internship at the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in my career. Working hand in hand with Member Care, Human Resources, and as Eric’s Strategic Assistant, I have learned so much.
As my journey unfolded, I had the honor of taking on the role of Chapter Services Director. This new responsibility allowed me to bring my passion for education and communication to the forefront, further enhancing the support and services provided to our chapters. It’s a role that brings together my years of classroom experience with the fresh perspectives of what I have learned at NSTEM. It’s incredibly rewarding to leverage my experience to assist and guide these dedicated teachers to the success of their respective chapters.
My heart isfirmly rooted in education, and my mind is enriched with the latest insights into NSTEM. Being part of the NSTEM team allows me to contribute to the growth of the organization. I am fully committed to the success of this company.
Blending decades of teaching experience with the fresh perspectives gained from my master’s journey, I’m excited about the future! Advocating for education and innovation, I strive to leave a lasting impact on the educational landscape, making a difference in the lives of students and educators alike.
Riya Jain
President
Riya Jain
Hi! I’m Riya Jain, a rising senior from Parsippany, New Jersey, and I am serving as Co-President of the NSTEM Student Member Advisory Council! I’ve been actively involved with NSTEM for the past few years, and it’s been an incredible space to connect with like-minded peers and grow both personally and academically. I’m passionate about environmental engineering and computer science, and I’m excited to explore where these paths can take me. Outside of academics, I love dancing, singing, and reading. I’m looking forward to working with the Student Member Advisory Council this year and cannot wait to make a meaningful impact!
Accomplished Attorney and an accredited college professor with a demonstrated history of working in Corporate leadership, Non-Profit, and Academia. Strong community and social impact professional skilled in Organization Management, Project Planning and Management, Government Relations, Event Management, Marketing, and Board Management and Development.
Mrs. Lamb is Co-Founder and C.O. O. of Semforex, Inc., which designs and manufactures innovative ballistic apparel and body armor for the law enforcement, first responder, and private security community. She served as Administrator of Corporate Affairs and as General Counsel, before being appointed to her current roles with the company in 2013 and 2017.
Mrs. Lamb currently serves as an appointed member of the Governor’s Maryland Manufacturer’s Advisory Board and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust in Washington, D. C. She is the Advice Counsel and was formerly the Associate Director of the Community Center for Social Advocacy (CCFSA) in Houston, TX. She is a Lector at the Basilica of the National Shrine for the Immaculate Conception, and an ACUE accredited Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D. C. She is a native of Chicago, IL, and a graduate of the University Of Iowa College Of Law, and a retired member of the Bar. She currently resides with her family in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
I grew up in New York City, where I began my educational journey at Mercy University. After some time in school, I made the decision to join the Air Force, which gave me valuable life experience, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. My time in the military helped shape who I am today, especially in how I approach challenges, work with others, and stay focused on my goals. After completing my service, I relocated to Houston, Texas, where I currently live and am pursuing my Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. I chose to study HR because I have always been naturally good at organizing, planning, and leading others. I am very goal-oriented, and I enjoy being in positions where I can help create structure, improve processes, and support people in reaching their full potential. Even though I did not have prior experience in HR, I saw the opportunity with NSTEM as a chance to step outside of my comfort zone and gain hands-on experience in a field I am passionate about learning.
Accepting a leadership position with NSTEM was an easy decision for me because I wanted to grow both professionally and personally. I bring strong communication skills, a willingness to put in consistent effort, and a mindset of leaving things better than I found them. I believe these qualities will allow me to contribute positively to the team while also continuing to develop my leadership abilities. Throughout my academic journey, I have had exposure to STEM, as my bachelor’s degree focused on science. That background helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I still use today. While I am now pursuing a different path in HR, I still value the importance of STEM and understand the role it plays in innovation and growth. Overall, I am looking forward to growing in this role, improving my leadership skills, and gaining as much knowledge as possible during my internship.
Hi! My name is Tulika Punia, and I’m a high school student from Somerset, New Jersey with a strong passion for STEM, especially computer science, leadership, and using technology to solve real-world problems. I’ve been actively involved in STEM-focused extracurriculars, including Girls Who Code, where I was first introduced to programming and built a stronger foundation in coding and problem-solving. I also founded Code4Change, an initiative focused on making computer science education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Alongside this, I’ve worked on various STEM-related leadership and technical projects, including community-based initiatives and team-driven problem-solving experiences that strengthened my interest in both technology and collaboration. I’ve been interning with NSTEM for the past two years. I recently was promoted to Senior Director, where I act as a bridge between the CEO and executive team and the departments I oversee—Analytics, Social Media, Human Resources, and Art & Design. In this role, I help ensure smooth communication across teams, support project execution, and align departmental goals with NSTEM’s overall vision. Overall, I’m passionate about combining computer science, leadership, and community impact, and I’m always looking for opportunities to grow through new projects, experiences, and challenges in STEM.
I am William from Alameda, California, currently attending UC Davis. I accepted the position of Web & Tech Co-Director at NSTEM because I enjoyed my internship there and wanted to further my skills in managing a website. I have experience working on personal websites in the past, including one with WordPress. My skills with websites will help me excel in this position. I am excited to contribute my knowledge and passion for web development to the team at NSTEM. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to enhance the NSTEM’s online presence.
Zuzana Urbanova
Director of Marketing & Director of External Strategies
My name is Zuzana Urbanova and as a global-minded leader with a deep passion for education, people, and organizational growth, I bring a unique blend of psychology, business, law, and human resources to my work at the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM). My journey began in the Czech Republic, where I earned a degree from the Prague School of Advanced Legal Studies with a specialization in Employment and Labor Law. Later, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources.
At NSTEM, I serve as Director of External Strategies while remaining deeply engaged in Human Resources. My role allows me to connect innovation with people—leading initiatives that drive national growth, AI-powered prospecting, and cross-department collaboration, while also mentoring and supporting interns as they take on leadership roles of their own.
My dedication to HR and organizational development has been recognized nationally and internationally. I was honored as a Top HR Director by the International Association of Top Professionals and included in Who’s Who in America. These recognitions reflect my commitment to building ethical, inclusive, and forward-thinking structures that empower both individuals and organizations to thrive.
I believe in the power of education to transform lives and in the importance of fostering environments where people are supported to grow, collaborate, and lead. At NSTEM, I strive to align strategy with purpose, advancing our mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders while shaping a culture rooted in mentorship, innovation, and excellence.
