Brian Cowan
Brian Cowan is a graduate of the University of West Georgia with a B.S. in Geology. He is working on his Masters in Hydrogeology at the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include fluctuations in cave air CO2 levels, contaminant transport in groundwater and understanding how changing climatic conditions affects the natural chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater in karst aquifers. Brian believes that all children are naturally curious about their surroundings and hopes to use the students curiosity to spark their interest in the natural environment and how humans have altered the environment. Brian is working with Rob Quarles 7th grade science classes at Park View Middle School.

Christian George
Christian received an A.B. from Franklin and Marshall College, a M.S. from the University of Florida, and is completing his PhD work at the University of Texas at Austin in Vertebrate Paleontology. He is a veteran of the GK-12 Program, having served as a Fellow from 2004-2005, and brings a myriad of experience to the classroom, including: curriculum input, mentoring students, leading field trips, and conducting teacher workshops. He is paired with 8th grade teachers Tania Tasneem (Science) and Alex Hendrex (Social Science) at Kealing Middle School in AISD.

Roxi Steele
Roxi has earned a B.S.M.E from Christian Brothers University, an A.S. in Biology from York College of Pennsylvania, and is currently completing a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Plant Biology. She specializes in native plant research and hopes to excite her students about science in general. Roxi is partnered with Rob Quarles in Pflugerville ISD at Park Crest Middle School teaching 7th grade Pre-AP science and Crystal Rushing at Fulmore Middle School in AISD teaching 6th grade science and an after-school GT Program.

Corinne Wong
Roxi has earned a B.S.M.E from Christian Brothers University, an A.S. in Biology from York College of Pennsylvania, and is currently completing a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in Plant Biology. She specializes in native plant research and hopes to excite her students about science in general. Roxi is partnered with Rob Quarles in Pflugerville ISD at Park Crest Middle School teaching 7th grade Pre-AP science and Crystal Rushing at Fulmore Middle School in AISD teaching 6th grade science and an after-school GT Program.

Elizabeth Abernathy
With a B.S. in Geoscience from the University of the Pacific, Corinne brings experience as a substitute teacher and a Peace Corps worker to the GK-12 Program. She is currently working on a Masters in Hydrogeology, and hopes to culminate with a PhD. Corinne plans to take an integrative approach to teaching science and wants to stress the importance and relevance of science to her students. She is working in an 8th grade science classroom on the Bedicheck Middle School campus in AISD, with Elizabeth Abernathy.

Michael Armstrong
Michael earned a Bachelor's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas State University in 2003. He is in his fourth year of teaching at Barbara Jordan Elementary. Michael teaches 5th grade, all subjects. He hopes to gain more content knowledge, get his students more interested in Science and how they could apply an interest in Science as a career, and more experience with science inquiry methods.

Candy Ellard
Candy has a B.S. in Education from East Texas Baptist University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. Candy brings more than 25 years of teaching experience to the program, and currently teaches 5th grade Math and Science at Pillow Elementary School (in AISD). She sees the GK-12 Program as a sensible, effective strategy to improve science education.

Alex Hendrex
Alex graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in History. In his 12 years at Kealing Middle School (Austin Independent School District), he has taught 8th grade American History and an Amazing Discoveries elective. As a social science teacher, Alex strives to connect the study of the past with concepts that are relevant to today’s society, with a focus on sustainability.

Robert Quarels
As a graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington, Rob received a B.A. in Education. He has worked at Park Crest Middle School in Pflugerville I.S.D. for 4 years. Prior to this, Rob served as an administrator for several advanced placement programs, and mentored new teachers. Rob focuses on the wildlife and habitat around Park Crest, and emphasizes local water resources in his Pre-AP 7th grade science classes.

Crystal Rushing
Crystal is a graduate of Texas Tech University, with a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies. She currently works at Fulmore Middle School (in AISD), teaching 6th grade science and facilitates the GT program’s after-school club. In her six years at Fulmore, Crystal has worked to incorporate technology into her curriculum and provides opportunities for “ah-ha” moments for her students through field experiences.

Tania Tasneem
Tania received a B.A. in Biology form the University of Texas at Austin, in 2006. As an undergrad, Tania worked with Dr. Daniel Bolnick, studying individual specialization the Stickleback fish. At Kealing Middle School (in AISD), she teaches 8th grade science, and health, and coaches Science Olympiad. Tania is always eager to find new experiences to connect student’s everyday lives to the real world.