Our Team

Marisa earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Chicago and MSW from Adelphi University. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit education organizations and mission-driven tech start-ups. Marisa is very grateful to lead an organization with such dedicated team members, inspirational program participants, and generous supporters.

Shannon has her Bachelor’s in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services from SUNY New Paltz. She has over ten years of experience working in nonprofits helping kids and families with mental health needs. She is excited to join the team of HYPOTHEkids to continue her work and support the vital mission of STEAM education.

Howard earned a BS in Chemical Engineering on the Biotechnology track with a minor in music from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is currently a Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University where his work focuses on exploring the effects of physical and chemical stimuli on cells and tissues. Howard has valuable experience in tutoring and advising middle and high school students through his involvement with the National Society of Black Engineers and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program. With his diverse background, research expertise, and dedication to mentoring, Howard is thrilled to join the HYPOTHEkids team!

With a rich background as an elementary educator spanning over a decade, Emily transitioned her teaching passion into a career in curriculum development. She excels in crafting engaging and inclusive educational content. Recognized for effectively bridging current teaching methods with evolving curriculum needs, Emily dedicates herself to a range of impactful educational projects, continually enriching learning experiences for diverse audiences.

Aishwarya earned her BS in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Biochemistry from Northeastern University, where she conducted research in the fields of microbiology and neurobiology. She is passionate about using her research background and teaching experience to make STEAM education more engaging and accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. Her experience includes designing impactful lessons, participating in educational outreach, and fostering creative thinking, all aimed at inspiring a love for science and inclusivity in education.

Kay is a doctoral student with expertise in computational neuroimaging research, specifically in creating algorithms for the detection of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) biomarkers in neuroimaging. Kay has worked and conducted research in the areas of software automation, analog and digital hardware design, software development, nano- and microfabrication, neural recording devices, and amplifier design.

Ellie earned her BS degree in Neurobiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has numerous research experiences in the fields of oncology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and neuroscience. She is currently a rising 4th-year graduate student in the lab of Elaine Fuchs at Rockefeller University.

As a Digital Communications Manager with experience in freelance and corporate environments, Dylan specializes in crafting impactful visuals and messaging that help brands connect with their audiences. From purpose-driven initiatives supporting historically excluded communities to managing social media campaigns and developing brand identities, Dylan brings a strategic and creative approach to digital communication.

Natalija has a strong background in mathematics, education, and nonprofit leadership. She has taught middle school mathematics and created impactful STEAM programs that engage and inspire diverse communities. Her expertise spans designing innovative workshops, managing large-scale science outreach events, and empowering marginalized groups through education and creativity.

Neeraj earned his BA in Applied Mathematics and is pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University as an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. A member of the Cellular Engineering Lab, his research focuses on tissue engineering of the knee joint. Inspired by those who have stimulated his academic curiosity, Neeraj continues to serve his local community through tutoring and instructional teaching across various Columbia programs.

Avery earned his BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University. He is currently the chief scientist at Bacon Bio, a Harlem based biotechnology start up. Avery has been a beloved instructor for HYPOTHEkids since 2021.