Science Leadership Fellows 2026-28 Cohort
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Becky Burns, is a third-generation educator born and raised in West Virginia. I currently teach 7th-grade science in Durham, North Carolina, where I have just completed my 20th year in education. In 2026, I was honored to be named my school's Teacher of the Year. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Marshall University in 2006, a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015, and an add-on licensure in Academically and Intellectually Gifted Education from Duke University in 2016. Since 2015, I have served as the Science Department Chair at my school, where I lead curriculum initiatives and coordinate our annual STEAM Night, providing families with engaging opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Throughout my career, I have secured multiple grants to enhance our 7th-grade science program and successfully led the restoration of our school's StarLab, creating immersive astronomy experiences for students through school-wide events and in-school field trips. My passion for science education centers on creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and help students develop a lifelong appreciation for science. |
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Carla Butts is the ITF and STEM Teacher at Overhills Elementary School in Harnett County. A former middle and high school science teacher, she is a dedicated advocate for science education and is passionate about inspiring students through STEM learning, with a special love for Earth and Space Science. Carla is an active member of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association (NCSTA) and the North Carolina Space Education Ambassadors (NCSEA). She holds a B.S. in Geology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, an M.A.Ed. in Science Education from East Carolina University, and an M.S.A. from UNC Wilmington. Beyond education, Carla is passionate about theatre and can often be found either on stage or in the audience at Harnett Regional Theatre. |
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| is the Director of Secondary Curriculum and Advanced Learning for Lee County Schools, and he serves as the district’s K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist as part of that role. He considers it a profound privilege to support science teachers across the district, and he is passionate about providing teachers with the resources and environment needed to realize their vision for science education, where “all students in all grades will receive a relevant, world-class science education, fostering curiosity for lifelong learning.” Prior to working at the district level, he worked at Southern Lee High School, where taught science (mostly Biology and Zoology) as well as Latin and AVID, coached Science Olympiad and Quiz Bowl, served as the AIG Department Chair, and served on the school leadership team. His teaching was heavily influenced by attending an AMTA Biology Modeling Institute through The Science House early in his career, and he maintains a continued interest in teaching practices rooted in mental models and conceptual development. While teaching, he was recognized with the NCSTA Outstanding Science Teacher Award for District 4 in 2019 and named district Teacher of the Year for Lee County Schools for 2021-2022. He has earned degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Clemson University, and Appalachian State University, and he is currently pursuing his Ed.S. at East Carolina University. He finds that he thrives best when operating in disciplinary dualities: studying both comparative literature and biology, teaching both science and Latin, and now supporting both STEM teachers and humanities teachers. Outside of teaching and leading, he enjoys reading literary nonfiction, watching political dramas, and traveling to botanical gardens. |  |
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Kelly Dillman serves as the STEM Coach for Onslow County Schools, supporting science educators and leading initiatives that connect classroom learning to authentic STEM experiences. Prior to her current role, she taught high school science in Onslow County for 12 years. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is a Kenan Fellow Alumni and recipient of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about advancing high-quality science instruction, STEM integration, and teacher leadership. Kelly enjoys collaborating with educators across North Carolina to create engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong interest in science. |
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| Blair Driver is an 8th Grade Science and Social Studies teacher at E.B. Aycock Middle School in Pitt County Schools with 17 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Science and Social Studies and a Master of Arts in Science Education from East Carolina University. Blair has dedicated her entire career to Pitt County Schools and has been involved with the Kenan Fellows Program, the Educators of Excellence program through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and Science Olympiad. She has also presented at the North Carolina Science Teachers Association Conference and is committed to supporting high-quality science instruction, student engagement, and teacher leadership. |  |
| Courtney Ferguson is a passionate educator dedicated to fostering inquiry-based science instruction and empowering both students and educators. With more than 14 years of experience in elementary education, she has served as both a K–5 Science Specialist and 4th grade teacher and at Bluford STEM Academy in Guilford County Schools. As she begins a new chapter teaching 6th grade science at Northwest Guilford Middle School in the 2026-2027 school year, Courtney is committed to inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Science Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a district STEM/Science Teacher Leader, professional development facilitator, curriculum writer, mentor teacher, and leader of a Science Community of Learning focused on strengthening science instruction across Guilford County Schools. Her leadership extends beyond the district level through contributions to statewide science initiatives with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, including curriculum development, instructional materials review, and science assessment design. Courtney is passionate about building teacher capacity and advancing high-quality, standards-aligned science instruction that promotes student success. She believes that strong teacher leadership and meaningful collaboration are essential to fostering innovation, lifelong learning, and positive outcomes for all students and educators. Outside of education, Courtney enjoys spending time with her dog, Quinn, gardening, and exploring the outdoors—especially relaxing at the beach. |
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Christy J. Hall is entering her twenty-third year as an educator in North Carolina. She graduated from Salem College in Winston-Salem with two bachelor of arts degrees in mathematics and biology. Upon graduation, she went into the workforce as a laboratory specialist with Tyson Foods, Inc. After six years, Christy realized that she longed to be in education, and she returned to school through Appalachian State University. It was while at ASU that she earned her teacher certification. She is certified to teach middle school math and science, as well as high school math and science. Christy has taught in Wilkes and Alexander County Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Iredell-Statesville Schools She is currently teaching honors biology and honors chemistry at Alexander Early College High School in Taylorsville where she has been since its foundation in 2016. Christy is a member of several professional organizations and regularly presents at both local and national conferences sharing what she does in her classroom with other educators. She enjoys spending her free time with her son and her pitbull, Pinky. |
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Heather Mallory is a scientist, National Board Certified Teacher, and 2025 NC PAEMST Finalist currently teaching biology at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. My scientific expertise ranges from studying insect behavior in the field to examining brain development in the wet lab, while my teaching spans 9th grade classrooms to upper-division college electives. Whether I am in a kindergarten classroom doing outreach, outside doing field work with high school students, or in a large college theater facilitating a discussion, my goal is the same: to share my love of biology with others and help them understand the process of science and its power to improve the world. |
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| Kimberly Monohan is an experienced biology educator, researcher, and instructional leader with over 15 years of experience teaching high school and college-level science. National Board Certified Teacher with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a strong commitment to inquiry-based instruction, student research mentorship, and curriculum innovation. Throughout my career, I have worked to expand authentic research opportunities for students, foster scientific literacy, and support excellence in science education. As I continue to grow professionally, I am seeking opportunities to contribute to science education leadership across North Carolina, collaborating with educators and organizations to strengthen STEM learning, advocacy, and student success throughout the state. |
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Vashti A. Mosby is a National Board Certified Teacher with over twenty years of experience in middle school ela and science education within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She currently teaches 6th grade science, where she is known for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application of scientific concepts. Mrs. Mosby holds advanced degrees in education and is a passionate advocate for professional growth, Mrs. Mosby actively pursues leadership opportunities and is dedicated to expanding her impact beyond the classroom. She is particularly interested in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching and learning. Through her work, Mosby strives to empower both students and educators, fostering environments where all learners can succeed and thrive. |
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| Peter Panico, is a masterful and enthusiastic lead teacher from Charlotte, NC. He specializes in making experiences meaningful for every student. Peter is an expert in the art of technology, maker spaces, and engaging lessons. His students benefit from his "out of the box" thinking. In CMS- Peter is known as the science guru and is often seen presenting at conferences to share his ideas. Although Peter has many areas of expertise, his greatest strength is reaching out and helping educators around him. |  |
| Leslie Parker is a high school Biology and Chemistry teacher at Burns
High School in Lawndale, North Carolina where she serves as science
department chair. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Secondary
Education from Appalachian State University and a Masters of Arts in
Education from Wake Forest University. In her classroom, Leslie
utilizes modeling instruction pedagogy, a student-centered process where
students construct and test explanations (models) of scientific
concepts based on their own explorations. Recently, she has worked as a
Biology Modeling Instructor for The Science House at NC State
University. She enjoys spending her free time gardening and traveling. |
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My name is Lori Robinette. I have a BA of Elementary Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Masters of Elementary Education from UNC- Charlotte. I am Nationally Board Certified as a Middle Childhood Generalist and just renewed for the second time. With 28 years of experience in the classroom, I just completed my fifth year as the 3-5 STEAM teacher at Shiloh Valley Elementary in Monroe, NC. My personal mission statement is “Be Better Today than Yesterday.” This idea is the driving force for me as I am always seeking learning opportunities for continuous self improvement. Most recently I participated in the SteamBridge Program, several Out Teach courses, and presented at the Carolinas STEM Teaching & Learning Conference at UNC Charlotte. I also serve as the Leader in Me Lighthouse Coordinator for my school. Through this role, I impact all staff and students. As a result of my work, I guided my school into becoming a LIM Lighthouse School during the 24-25 school year. I supported the successful implementation of the components of LIM and as a result we are a model school for others creating a positive culture, aligning academics with leadership, and have empowered both staff and students to become leaders in both life and learning. |
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| Orna Sabas is a National Board Certified science educator with more than
25 years of experience teaching middle school science in North
Carolina. She currently serves as an Eighth Grade Science Teacher and
Teacher Leader at Northern Guilford Middle School in Guilford County
Schools.
Orna holds a Master’s Degree in Science Education and is licensed in
Middle Grades Science, as well as Biology and Chemistry at the high
school level. She is passionate about developing engaging,
standards-aligned curriculum that fosters inquiry, critical thinking,
and student achievement. In addition to her classroom responsibilities,
she serves as a curriculum writer, professional development instructor,
and mentor to both new and experienced teachers at Northern Guilford
Middle School.
In 2024, Orna received the Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher
Award for District 5 from the North Carolina Science Teachers
Association. She continues to advocate for excellence in science
education through leadership, collaboration, and service to the North
Carolina science education community, supporting both students and
educators in achieving their highest potential. |
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| Jessica Trent is an innovative educator and instructional leader with
extensive experience in STEM education, curriculum development, and
teacher leadership. She currently serves as a STEM Specialist at
Summerfield Elementary School, where she designs and facilitates
engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity,
collaboration, and critical thinking in students. Jessica holds a
Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has completed her
Educational Leadership endorsement through James Madison University.
In addition to her school-based leadership, she serves as a Science
Curriculum Leader and Writer for Guilford County Schools, contributing
to the development of high-quality instructional resources and science
programming. She was recognized as the 2025 Teacher of the Year for
Summerfield Elementary, as well as, the Elementary Science Teacher of
the Year for District 5 by the NCSTA. She was recently selected to serve
as one of the inaugural members of the Teacher Advisory Collaborative
with the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
Jessica’s dedication to the direct correlation between zoological
preservation and education is so strong she committed to a lifetime
membership of the NC Zoo Association’s lifetime Director’s Guild
Association.
Jessica has built a passionate career based on creating meaningful
learning opportunities that empower both students and educators to
succeed.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and
three children making memories and traveling. |
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| Joshua Trujillo is a National Board Certified chemistry teacher at
Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School (ECHS) in Cabarrus County
Schools. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry, B.A. in Psychology, and M.A. in
Science Teaching from Arkansas Tech University and the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln. At ECHS, Joshua teaches Chemistry, Earth and
Environmental Science, and Decision Education. His teaching centers on
helping students move beyond memorization to build genuine conceptual
understanding, using real-world phenomena, structured inquiry, and
decision science frameworks to develop reasoning skills that extend well
beyond the chemistry classroom.
Joshua contributes to science education beyond his classroom. He serves
as a curriculum developer for Cabarrus County Schools and was selected
as a revision team member for the POGIL Project. He is a Senior Fellow
with the Alliance for Decision Education and a Kenan Fellow focused on
NC's energy future in partnership with Siemens Energy. Joshua was named
Teacher of the Year at ECHS and Teacher of the Year Finalist for
Cabarrus County Schools for the 2026-27 school year.
Outside of the classroom, Joshua enjoys gardening with a particular
interest in plant propagation and is always happy to talk plants with
anyone who will listen. |
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