Melissa A. Fischer, Ph.D.
Dr. Fischer received her B.S. in Genetic Bioengineering from Purdue University and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is currently the Scientist in the Classroom for the Interdisciplinary Science and Research (ISR) Program at Hillsboro High School as well as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Biology at Belmont University. Through these two positions, it is her goal to utilize her passions for science and teaching to spark a desire to be a life-long science learner in each of her students, regardless of their chosen profession.

ReGina Etter, Ph.D.
Dr. ReGina A. Etter (Instructional Designer/MRT) brings to Hattie Cotton STEM Magnet Elementary School over 25 years of experience in the area of professional development and classroom instruction.  Through the MSAP grant, our MRT (Materials Resource Teacher) provides: curriculum designing, professional development and science enrichment opportunities. ReGina has worked with Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, Trevecca University, Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Aquinas University in the area of INQUIRY BASED science instruction. She is a graduate of the Science Exploratorium in San Francisco, Ca. and The Sally Ride Science Academy. Her belief in the “power and promise” of education is quite evident in the innovative and exciting lessons she designs and presents for the teachers and students.

Kimberly Mulligan, Ph.D.
Kimberly Mulligan attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University where she received her B.S and M.S in Chemistry. After leaving Florida A&M, Kimberly pursued her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. Her dissertation research examined the mechanism by which insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake is impaired in the presence of inflammation. In addition to her graduate work, Kimberly was a founding member of the Alliance for Cultural Diversity in Research (ACDR) and served as the Community Outreach Chair for several years. During this time she was able to initiate member participation in key outreach activities including Family Science Night and Volunteer Scientist in the Classroom at several middle schools. Upon completion of her graduate work, Kimberly decided to go the nontraditional route and became a Research Fellow with the Center for Science Outreach (CSO) at Vanderbilt University. In this position she has been able to merge her love of science and desire to enhance STEM education at the K-12 level. In her current position, she focuses on the development of novel, research-based scientific curriculum for implementation at the secondary education level at Stratford STEM Magnet and Hillsboro High Schools. Additionally, she works in conjunction with other scientist to provide professional development opportunities for teachers to foster scientific learning across curriculum. She also serves as the Program Coordinator for the Research Experience for High School Students (REHSS) which is a 6-week scientific research internship for rising high school seniors. A number of national publications as well as scientific professional societies have called for increased involvement of university scientists in the education of our K-12 youth. Kimberly is hopeful that her role in developing CSO programs will provide a model for how scientists can and should be involved.