Staff

Jenn Moore believes EUREKA! is an intersection of math, science, and art—bringing students and the community together for exhibitions, hands-on activities, and classroom learning. Moore hopes to make EUREKA! a magnet for creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. She hopes to redefine the way people think about, learn about, and interact with science and technology by making science fun for everyone.

Moore comes to EUREKA! from the Timberline Field Institute at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville where she taught courses in Natural Resource Management. Having always had a passion for science and teaching, she developed new programs, wrote grants for student driven research, and managed an internship program for students to have hands-on work experience. Previous to her work at the college she was a research hydrologist for the US Geological Survey in Grand Junction. Her educational background is in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech and Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University.

In her free time Moore enjoys mountain biking, gardening, reading books, and traveling the world with her husband Jesse and their daughters Madalyn and Acadia.

Briana (aka “B”) joined the EUREKA! team in Sept. 2018. She is motivated by Eureka!'s mission to inspire a passion and respect for math and science in our communities. B considers it an honor to be involved in Eureka!'s programs from leading Pre-K family programs to travelling with active adults over 55 and working with volunteers to maintain exhibits.

Prior to joining EUREKA!, Briana taught outdoor education in Montana and at Colorado National Monument. She also taught 9th and 10th grade science at Juniper Ridge High School in Grand Junction.

In winter, B can be found ski patrolling at Powderhorn. The rest of the year she loves exploring with her husband, Paul and kids, Wren and Fisher.

Christina joined EUREKA! in 2018 as the STEAM instructor. She is originally from the Philadelphia area, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Bryn Mawr College. After graduating, she moved to New York City for graduate school, and became a member of the first graduating class of the Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science program at The American Museum of Natural History. All of her formal training as a science teacher was completed at this world renowned science museum, and taught by the museum’s curators and educational experts.

Following graduate school, Christina taught Earth Science at a high school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn and, then taught general science at an all-girls public charter middle school in the South Bronx. In the summer of 2017, she journeyed across the Atlantic to work at The American School of Tangier in Morocco, where she taught middle school science and coached elementary science.

Christina is so excited to have moved to Grand Junction and joined the EUREKA! team, where she hopes to help grow the educational programs. In her free time she likes hiking, trail running, gardening, cooking, and traveling with her husband, Kishan.

Originally from Minnesota, Phaedra completed her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, is currently working towards an advanced certification in Nutrition Education, and joined EUREKA! in early 2019. A rat lover, you will most likely find her with one (or more!) of the resident rats Ernest, Emile, or Franklin in tow. When not practicing Muay Thai or jiu jitsu, Phaedra spends her free time gardening, hiking, backpacking and running in the mountains, and playing with her furry family of cats, rats, and goats.

Austin is a recent graduate from Colorado Mesa University, coming on with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Originally from Aurora, CO, he enjoys the wide variety of activities that you can enjoy in the Western Slope. Before coming to EUREKA!, Austin spent 7 years running various programs through the City of Grand Junction Parks & Rec department including STARS summer camps and basketball programs. He loves animals of all shapes and sizes, especially all of our critter friends here at EUREKA!, and is the one to go to if you want to get up close and personal with any of our scaly/furry full time residents! Austin enjoys simple things during his free time, including hiking, camping, slacklining, and most of all, riding his motorcycle whenever he can!

Adam joins EUREKA! with joy in his heart and a desire to connect students to conservation issues local to their communities through authentic field science excursions. He has spent time teaching and leading in Joshua Tree and Mount Rainier National Parks, and has worked the last six years in Yellowstone, connecting middle and high school students to the National Park Service’s Home on the Range study, a citizen science effort to understand the grazing relationships between Yellowstone’s ungulate species. He believes empowering students to live and work as researchers on a field expedition is the best way to instill a love of learning and a lifelong curiosity for science. Science is a lens through which we can understand the natural world, anyone can do it, and Adam is driven to show his students that. After many hundreds of days tracking bison with students, he is excited to trade in his snow shoes and telemetry receiver for the desert mesa’s of the Western Slope.

Adam is finishing his graduate work at Montana State University where he studies science education. Outside of work, he is passionate about rock and alpine climbing, skiing and geology. He tries to bring patience and kindness to all that he does, and is thrilled to be a member of the Eureka! team.

Emily May joined the team at Eureka! in the summer of 2020 with enthusiasm for STEAM education. She believes that all children are scientists and most enjoys seeing the wonder in her students’ eyes when they are learning and discovering science, technology, engineering, art and math. She has taught in diverse circumstances, including third grade at Dos Rios Elementary, third grade at Footprints International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, camps and overnight programs at The Museum of Science in Boston, and high school Physics in the Peace Corps in Kenya. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics in 2010 from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.

Emily is happiest when she is in nature and exploring the outdoors. Some of her hobbies include road biking, fly fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping and cross country skiing. She loves to travel and try new and exotic foods with her husband, Scott.

Shannon is excited to join the Eureka! team in May of 2020! She completed her BA in Liberal Arts with an Elementary Education License from Colorado Mesa University. Prior to her work with Eureka!, Shannon taught kindergarten and first grade for 5 years in District 51. She is excited to continue cultivating curiosity and expanding the minds of children through the education programs at Eureka! She is originally from Denver, but has fallen in love with the Western Slope. In her free time, Shannon enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, and exploring our beautiful state with her husband, Drew, and their dog, Millie.

Coming from the far lands of New York, Barbara joined the Eureka! team in August of 2020 as part of her AmeriCorps service. She graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a minor in Philosophy. While studying at F&M, Barbara had written two theses and performed behavioral ecology research. After graduating she worked in New York City as a data analyst, and then in Long Island, NY as an assistant farm manager. She is happiest outside, discussing abstract concepts and interacting with wildlife.

Barbara comes to Eureka! with an excitement to make science and science education more accessible, as well as a hope to inspire the next generation of scientists.

My name is Vonnie Davis and I have graduated in 2011 from CMU with a degree in sociology. I have many years of experience working with kids and enjoy the different experiences each child brings. In my down time I love reading, going to the movies, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I am happy to be a part of the EUREKA! staff and getting the chance to meet new people.

Hello! My name is Maeve Bowdish, I recently moved to Grand Junction from Northern New York, where I was born and raised. It is also the location of my alma mater, St. Lawrence University, where I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. During my undergraduate career I was fortunate enough to travel to Iceland, New Zealand and several locations throughout the U.S. to study the local geology. I am very excited to bring my knowledge in the earth sciences as well as my enthusiasm for learning to EUREKA! as an Assistant Instructor during the spring and summer of 2019!

Hello, my name is Nicholas Tibbs, I recently graduated with my BA in Psychology from Humboldt State University. I grew up in a little small farming town called Manti in the middle of Utah where I spent my time playing sports and hunting. I have worked a variety of jobs over the years, from a sue chef at a ski resort in Lake Tahoe to a program director at the Boys and Girls Club in Humboldt County.  New to Grand Junction I am excited to continue doing what I love and be working with kids. Outside of work my interests includes almost everything that involves the outdoors. When I am not working you will find me snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, camping or off-roading in my 4runner with my puppy Appa.

Hi! I'm a student at Colorado Mesa University and I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I enjoy art, math, science and being around kids. I can't wait to inspire children about these things I'm passionate in.

Hey! I’m Sam Brennan and I have lived in Grand Junction for 9 years. I am studying Mechanical Engineering through the CMU-CU partnership program. I enjoy seeing kids learn about science by having fun and using their curiosity. I hope to fix and build exhibits that kids will enjoy and learn something from. Science shouldn’t be complicated and boring for young people. In my spare time I like to learn, fix cars, build websites and apps, and ride dirt bikes.

Hello, my name is Emie! I'm studying English/Secondary Education at CMU and hope to become a middle school or high school teacher. I've lived in the valley since 2009 and graduated from Fruita Monument in 2016. When I'm not spending time with my dog, Odin, I am reading, drawing and dusting off the old saxophone to play some jazzy tunes! I enjoy working with kids of any age and am very excited to help further their learning into the wondrous world of math and science!

Hello! My name is Mike Digan. I am a Senior here at CMU studying computer science. My biggest role models have been educators in science and I hope to inspire a new generation to pursue mathematics and science the way they inspired me. When I’m not reading or learning about science I’m most likely rock climbing or playing guitar.

Hello! I am currently a student at Colorado Mesa University studying nursing, hoping to specialize in the field of pediatrics in some way or another. I have worked in the past as a figure skating coach and I love working with children of all ages. I love helping them learn and grow in any way that I can. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog, friends and family, volunteering on Sunday mornings at church, and going on the occasional hike or walk around the neighborhood. I am excited to help young campers delve deeper into the world of science!

Hello! I'm Simon, a Computer Science major who enjoys writing programs, cooking, music and exploring new places in town. I grew up in the Math and Science Museum through the  camps and other fun activities offered. I aspire to pass on the great and fun experiences that I had growing up and more!

Hi! I am graduating from Fruita Monument High School this year and will be attending CMU as a psychology major in the fall. I love being outside hiking, mountain biking, and doing other fun outdoor activities in the Grand Valley. In my free time I love to play soccer and I have spent a lot of time helping coach kids for the local soccer club. I am passionate about teaching kids and helping others!

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Hello, my name is Cassie Johnson! I am currently a student at Colorado Mesa University in their elementary education program with a concentration in mathematics. Fun fact I love to dance and have an associate's degree in performing arts: dance. I hope to become an elementary school general education teacher for our local district 51 after I graduate. Learning is one of my greatest passions in life, and that is why I couldn't be more excited to be part of the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum!

Hello! My name is Kristen Kollus and I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology here at CMU. I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona where I grew up going to work with my parents who are both elementary education teachers. When I'm not working or in class you can probably find me mountain biking, camping, or doing anything else outdoors! I am a coach for the Grand Valley Youth Cycling program, and love working with kids of all ages. I'm so excited to share my passion for science and the environment and hopefully inspire a new generation to take on the wonderful world of science!

I'm Regina Martin, and I've lived in Grand Junction for about four years. I'm a freshman at Colorado Mesa University majoring in Biology and minoring in Botany. When I'm not stuck in the library, I love hanging in the outdoors; hiking, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, the works! I'm so excited to teach camps, and learn from my experiences here at Eureka!.

Hi! My name is Nicole Mejia-Mendoza, and I am a from Eagle, CO. I am a Junior at CMU and studying Geoscience Secondary Education. I enjoy being outdoors, playing volleyball, soccer and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am bilingual and I have a great passion in working with kids. I am a officer for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists club on campus and also representative for the Latino Student Alliance. I am very happy and blessed to be apart of the Eureka team!

Hello! My name is Ali, and I am from Fruita, Colorado! I am a junior studying History/ Secondary Education at CMU! I spend my time running, biking, and camping! I love Type II fun (ask me about it), and I love to spend time with my family and friends! I have three dogs that I love very much, and I also have five horses!! I am so excited for all the campers this summer and to be helping with camps and the Environmental Institute!

Hello! My name is Logan, and I am currently a senior at CMU majoring in Business Management and Marketing. I enjoy finding science in everyday life and understanding how that affects the environment around us. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports and spending quality time with friends and family. I can’t wait to get the STEAM train rolling!

Hello! I am a sophomore at CMU studying Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology. I will go to medical school after undergrad and I am interested in surgery and integrative medicine. In High school, I taught children how to swim and in college, I am teaching children how to be thoughtful scientists. In my free time, I play chess online, read, and play water polo with our school's team.

Hello! I am currently a third year at CMU majoring in Civil Engineering. I have passion for math and science! I love to solve real world problems and am super excited to use my major to do that! I am passionate about sharing my love for math and science with the kiddos of the next generation. In my free time I love to read, hike, and ski.

Hello! I am currently a junior in the CMU/CU mechanical engineering program here at CMU. I am originally from Colorado Springs and came here for school. I am very passionate at getting more young girls interested in pursuing STEAM careers, which I am excited to do here at Eureka!. I am excited to show kids how fun and exciting STEAM can be. In my free time you can find me out on the trails going for runs, in the yoga studio, or snuggled up at home with a good book.