STEM City Board of Directors
President: Tom Safranek
Director of College & Career Development, Flagstaff Unified School District
As the Director of College & Career Development for FUSD, Tom Safranek works with a variety of stakeholders to build, steward, and expand the career awareness, exploration, and preparation opportunities for students and their families. By doing so, students in FUSD have enhanced access to interest-driven, relevant aspects of education that give meaning and purpose to their journey, and inform their post-secondary choices.
Tom has been an educator for more than two decades and has a variety of experiences at both the junior high/middle school and high school levels. After completing an agriculture degree in Plant Science at the University of Arizona and working for a time as an agronomy consultant, he began his career in education teaching 7th grade biology and earth science in Yuma, Arizona. During this time he also taught outdoor education classes for the City of Yuma and earned an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University. When a new high school opened in the area, Tom accepted a position as an agriscience teacher, but also taught biology, welding, construction, and established a robust, award-winning FFA program. Since completing an M.Ed in Educational Leadership and earning his principal certification, Tom has served in assistant principal and principal roles at both the middle and high school levels.
Tom enjoys working with his hands, being creative, and taking advantage of the endless opportunities the southwest provides for getting into the outdoors to hunt, fish, hike, and explore.
Director of College & Career Development, Flagstaff Unified School District
As the Director of College & Career Development for FUSD, Tom Safranek works with a variety of stakeholders to build, steward, and expand the career awareness, exploration, and preparation opportunities for students and their families. By doing so, students in FUSD have enhanced access to interest-driven, relevant aspects of education that give meaning and purpose to their journey, and inform their post-secondary choices.
Tom has been an educator for more than two decades and has a variety of experiences at both the junior high/middle school and high school levels. After completing an agriculture degree in Plant Science at the University of Arizona and working for a time as an agronomy consultant, he began his career in education teaching 7th grade biology and earth science in Yuma, Arizona. During this time he also taught outdoor education classes for the City of Yuma and earned an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University. When a new high school opened in the area, Tom accepted a position as an agriscience teacher, but also taught biology, welding, construction, and established a robust, award-winning FFA program. Since completing an M.Ed in Educational Leadership and earning his principal certification, Tom has served in assistant principal and principal roles at both the middle and high school levels.
Tom enjoys working with his hands, being creative, and taking advantage of the endless opportunities the southwest provides for getting into the outdoors to hunt, fish, hike, and explore.
Treasurer: Mike Thomas
President, Kinney Construction Services
As an active member in the community, Mike has been involved in several non-profit organizations and boards for more than 20 years. He was drawn to STEM City because of its involvement with young students and its promotion and exposure of STEM related careers in the classroom.
Originally from Chicago, Mike moved to Flagstaff in 2002 and immediately started working in commercial construction with Kinney Construction Services, Inc (KCS). As President of KCS, Mike sees first hand the need for an inspired and trained STEM workforce across all industries. He spearheads the firm’s involvement in STEM related activities including STEM City’s Full STEAM Ahead program.
Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, two kids, and dog including trail running and kayaking.
President, Kinney Construction Services
As an active member in the community, Mike has been involved in several non-profit organizations and boards for more than 20 years. He was drawn to STEM City because of its involvement with young students and its promotion and exposure of STEM related careers in the classroom.
Originally from Chicago, Mike moved to Flagstaff in 2002 and immediately started working in commercial construction with Kinney Construction Services, Inc (KCS). As President of KCS, Mike sees first hand the need for an inspired and trained STEM workforce across all industries. He spearheads the firm’s involvement in STEM related activities including STEM City’s Full STEAM Ahead program.
Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, two kids, and dog including trail running and kayaking.
Lane Fisher
Engineer, Joy Cone
Lane Fisher has had a passion for STEM from a very young age, kindled by his parents, teachers, and friends. This passion persisted through College where he attended NAU, graduating in 2011 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering at NAU and a Mathematics minor.
Shortly after graduation, he got an opportunity to be the plant engineer at Joy Cone. Lane's contributions at Joy Cone have been integral to growing, improving, and streamlining plant operations. After years of working to develop skilled maintenance technicians and skilled workforce generally, his preconceptions of what scientists, technologists and engineers have changed. Lane says he has met more engineers than he can count. They couldn’t have become what they are, or known what they would be, until they were exposed to the technology, processes, and crafts at the factory.
As a Father of children with the same passion for STEM, a member of a community small enough to make an impact in, he has recognized his new purpose.
Engineer, Joy Cone
Lane Fisher has had a passion for STEM from a very young age, kindled by his parents, teachers, and friends. This passion persisted through College where he attended NAU, graduating in 2011 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering at NAU and a Mathematics minor.
Shortly after graduation, he got an opportunity to be the plant engineer at Joy Cone. Lane's contributions at Joy Cone have been integral to growing, improving, and streamlining plant operations. After years of working to develop skilled maintenance technicians and skilled workforce generally, his preconceptions of what scientists, technologists and engineers have changed. Lane says he has met more engineers than he can count. They couldn’t have become what they are, or known what they would be, until they were exposed to the technology, processes, and crafts at the factory.
As a Father of children with the same passion for STEM, a member of a community small enough to make an impact in, he has recognized his new purpose.
Anne Hamlin
Research Associate, NAU Center for Science Teaching & Learning
Anne Hamlin started her career in the field of geology where, over a period of 9 years, she earned a master's degree, authored peer-reviewed academic papers, and consulted on environmental pollution investigations including the 2010 BP oil spill. Ms Hamlin then transitioned her career to science education and has incorporated her knowledge of STEM careers and earth sciences into educational opportunities for students across the 4-corners states in a variety of place- and/or project-based learning initiatives.
Since 2014, Ms. Hamlin has designed multiple K-16 science curricula, worked as a formal and informal educator, and has provided mentoring, professional development, and/or curriculum training in both formal and informal ed for over 100 educators. Current interests and projects include out-of-school-time learning in planetary science www.planets-stem.org and robotics education www.nau.edu/cstl/robotics/.
Research Associate, NAU Center for Science Teaching & Learning
Anne Hamlin started her career in the field of geology where, over a period of 9 years, she earned a master's degree, authored peer-reviewed academic papers, and consulted on environmental pollution investigations including the 2010 BP oil spill. Ms Hamlin then transitioned her career to science education and has incorporated her knowledge of STEM careers and earth sciences into educational opportunities for students across the 4-corners states in a variety of place- and/or project-based learning initiatives.
Since 2014, Ms. Hamlin has designed multiple K-16 science curricula, worked as a formal and informal educator, and has provided mentoring, professional development, and/or curriculum training in both formal and informal ed for over 100 educators. Current interests and projects include out-of-school-time learning in planetary science www.planets-stem.org and robotics education www.nau.edu/cstl/robotics/.
Sheryl Wells
STEM Coordinator
Mrs. Wells has enjoyed working at W.F. Killip Elementary School for over 28 years. This is her sixth year as the STEM Coordinator, and she loves working with all the PreK-5th grade students and their teachers. She likes assisting students with communicating, collaborating, being creative, and using critical thinking skills as they use STEM throughout the day and various subject areas. When she was a young student, Mrs. Wells explored different STEM topics with her teachers and through the educational activities and projects her family provided. She remembers working in an outdoor learning area with her sixth grade teacher and asking for science kits for Christmas. It is wonderful to be able to share the joy of discovery with her students now.
When Mrs. Wells is not at school; she is usually out exploring the world with her husband.
STEM Coordinator
Mrs. Wells has enjoyed working at W.F. Killip Elementary School for over 28 years. This is her sixth year as the STEM Coordinator, and she loves working with all the PreK-5th grade students and their teachers. She likes assisting students with communicating, collaborating, being creative, and using critical thinking skills as they use STEM throughout the day and various subject areas. When she was a young student, Mrs. Wells explored different STEM topics with her teachers and through the educational activities and projects her family provided. She remembers working in an outdoor learning area with her sixth grade teacher and asking for science kits for Christmas. It is wonderful to be able to share the joy of discovery with her students now.
When Mrs. Wells is not at school; she is usually out exploring the world with her husband.
Renda Fisk
Coordinator of Learning, Technology & Innovation, Flagstaff Unified School District
Renda recognized early in her career as an educator the value of integrating STEM education into classroom learning. She believes STEM education is a powerful way to bring real-world learning and engagement to life and supports preparing students to become problem solvers and world changers.
In her current role in the Flagstaff Unified School District, Renda develops learning opportunities to support teachers with the power of technology integration. She is a co-facilitator of FUSD’s internationally recognized Technology Peer Coaching program.
Renda was born and raised in Flagstaff, attended FUSD schools K-12 and graduated from Northern Arizona University. She was awarded the STEM City Teacher of the year in 2017 and has been a STEM City board member ever since.
In her free time, Renda loves spending time outdoors with her husband and family while supporting the many sports and activities her son & daughter participate in. She is thankful to raise her children in America’s first STEM City!
Coordinator of Learning, Technology & Innovation, Flagstaff Unified School District
Renda recognized early in her career as an educator the value of integrating STEM education into classroom learning. She believes STEM education is a powerful way to bring real-world learning and engagement to life and supports preparing students to become problem solvers and world changers.
In her current role in the Flagstaff Unified School District, Renda develops learning opportunities to support teachers with the power of technology integration. She is a co-facilitator of FUSD’s internationally recognized Technology Peer Coaching program.
Renda was born and raised in Flagstaff, attended FUSD schools K-12 and graduated from Northern Arizona University. She was awarded the STEM City Teacher of the year in 2017 and has been a STEM City board member ever since.
In her free time, Renda loves spending time outdoors with her husband and family while supporting the many sports and activities her son & daughter participate in. She is thankful to raise her children in America’s first STEM City!
Beau Vezino
Assistant Teaching Professor, Northern Arizona University
Dr. Beau Vezino earned his PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education with a concentration in Science Education from the University of Arizona. His primary research interest is integrating engineering into K-12 classrooms. Prior to his doctoral studies, Beau earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in curriculum and instructions, and spent five years as a second-grade teacher in central Phoenix.
Beau strives to be a leader in K-12 engineering education. He is committed to the strong preparation of teachers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), especially in the elementary grades. He has worked to develop courses, curriculum, and pedagogical practices that support teachers with integrating STEM in their classrooms while promoting equity, growth mindset, and productive struggle.
Beau loves to adventure in the outdoors and spends most of his free time river rafting, packrafting, snowboarding, backpacking, surfing, canyoneering, and skateboarding. He enjoys listening to science fiction and fantasy audiobooks and playing board/card games with his friends and family.
Assistant Teaching Professor, Northern Arizona University
Dr. Beau Vezino earned his PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education with a concentration in Science Education from the University of Arizona. His primary research interest is integrating engineering into K-12 classrooms. Prior to his doctoral studies, Beau earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in curriculum and instructions, and spent five years as a second-grade teacher in central Phoenix.
Beau strives to be a leader in K-12 engineering education. He is committed to the strong preparation of teachers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), especially in the elementary grades. He has worked to develop courses, curriculum, and pedagogical practices that support teachers with integrating STEM in their classrooms while promoting equity, growth mindset, and productive struggle.
Beau loves to adventure in the outdoors and spends most of his free time river rafting, packrafting, snowboarding, backpacking, surfing, canyoneering, and skateboarding. He enjoys listening to science fiction and fantasy audiobooks and playing board/card games with his friends and family.
Amelinda Webb
Faculty Member. Coconino Community College
Amelinda teaches geology, environmental science, biology, and Colorado Plateau studies as a faculty member at Coconino Community College. She considers herself and "accidental geologist," because her initial major in college was theatre - and she thought geology was boring.
Luckily for her, an excellent professor changed the way that she saw the world, and she dived in to studying about ancient life on Earth.
Originally from the Midwest, Amelinda's earned graduate degrees in the geosciences on both coasts of the United States and completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in the cold north of Canada. After finishing her formal education, she looked for a college where she could work with students who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see the world in a new way. Her goal is to pass on the gift of STEM opportunities that her professor opened for me so many years ago.
Amelinda loves doing community outreach surrounding STEM, as science is literally and figuratively the bedrock of our civilization. She believes everyone deserves a chance to see the wonder of the natural world. Amelinda has been teaching in northern Arizona since 2018 and relocated to Flagstaff in 2022. As a geologist and nature enthusiast, she feels there are few places better to be!
Faculty Member. Coconino Community College
Amelinda teaches geology, environmental science, biology, and Colorado Plateau studies as a faculty member at Coconino Community College. She considers herself and "accidental geologist," because her initial major in college was theatre - and she thought geology was boring.
Luckily for her, an excellent professor changed the way that she saw the world, and she dived in to studying about ancient life on Earth.
Originally from the Midwest, Amelinda's earned graduate degrees in the geosciences on both coasts of the United States and completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in the cold north of Canada. After finishing her formal education, she looked for a college where she could work with students who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see the world in a new way. Her goal is to pass on the gift of STEM opportunities that her professor opened for me so many years ago.
Amelinda loves doing community outreach surrounding STEM, as science is literally and figuratively the bedrock of our civilization. She believes everyone deserves a chance to see the wonder of the natural world. Amelinda has been teaching in northern Arizona since 2018 and relocated to Flagstaff in 2022. As a geologist and nature enthusiast, she feels there are few places better to be!
NOT PICTURED
Board Secretary Audrey Baird, High School Science Teacher, Flagstaff High School
John Saltonstall, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, City of Flagstaff
Sheryl Wells, Teacher, W. F. Killip Elementary School
Board Secretary Audrey Baird, High School Science Teacher, Flagstaff High School
John Saltonstall, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, City of Flagstaff
Sheryl Wells, Teacher, W. F. Killip Elementary School
STEM City Staff
Eli Cohen
STEM City Coordinator
Eli Cohen was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, in a family steeped in social and communal service traditions. After living in Toronto and New York City, Eli arrived in Flagstaff in early 2013.
Following the completion of a B.Sc. in Actuarial Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Manitoba, Eli has worked in the Insurance, Financial Services, and IT industries for over 30 years. During his career he has learned the value of administrative oversight and process, coordinated planning, and financial management. Eli currently works primarily as an independent IT consultant, supplementing his professional endeavors with work as a volunteer manager for local festivals and as an occasional substitute teacher.
On a communal level, Eli has been a volunteer and participant in one form or another since his early teens. Upon reaching Flagstaff he made the decision to lend his skills to a variety of local non-profit organizations and campaigns spanning the fields of civic engagement, social justice, environmental sustainability, the arts, education, and healthcare.
It is Eli's belief that both personal and shared community are strengthened by the participation and inclusion of all a community’s members. He is proud to help grow that vision here in his new home.
STEM City Coordinator
Eli Cohen was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, in a family steeped in social and communal service traditions. After living in Toronto and New York City, Eli arrived in Flagstaff in early 2013.
Following the completion of a B.Sc. in Actuarial Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Manitoba, Eli has worked in the Insurance, Financial Services, and IT industries for over 30 years. During his career he has learned the value of administrative oversight and process, coordinated planning, and financial management. Eli currently works primarily as an independent IT consultant, supplementing his professional endeavors with work as a volunteer manager for local festivals and as an occasional substitute teacher.
On a communal level, Eli has been a volunteer and participant in one form or another since his early teens. Upon reaching Flagstaff he made the decision to lend his skills to a variety of local non-profit organizations and campaigns spanning the fields of civic engagement, social justice, environmental sustainability, the arts, education, and healthcare.
It is Eli's belief that both personal and shared community are strengthened by the participation and inclusion of all a community’s members. He is proud to help grow that vision here in his new home.