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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in tow. When not practicing Muay Thai or jiu jitsu, Phaedra spends her free time hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and playing with her furry family of cats, rats, and goats.

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.

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.

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!

Hello! My name is Joely Anysz, and I am originally from Upstate New York and Northern Colorado. I graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with an emphasis in ecosystem management. While at CMU I grew fascinated with local sagebrush ecosystems and the Gunnison sage grouse. I enjoy learning about the soil beneath our feet and the many different aspects that join to create the ecosystem that surrounds us every day! I am so excited to be able to introduce so many students to the wonderful interdisciplinary world of STEAM! In my free time I can be found cycling, painting, and hanging out with my two one-eyed tuxedo cats, Captain and Chewie. 

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 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!

Hello! My name is Quinn Shea. I am from Aurora, Co, but have lived all around the Denver area. I studied Elementary Education Math and Applied Geology at Colorado Mesa University for 3 years and 1 year of Geology focus in Volcanics and Geothermal Engineering at Metropolitan State University Denver. I hope to finish these and work at Yellowstone or at a geologic site somewhere in Colorado! I have wide variety of interests form video games, fantasy, and art; to ice skating, rock hounding, or just being in nature. Basically, all the fun stuff!

I recently moved back out to Grand Junction for the scenery and a place to take my dog Bastion to run around with my husband and myself. I am so excited to be at EUREKA! And share the fun of science with kids and adults alike!

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.

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.

Gilberto G. Ramírez Macías joined EUREKA! in 2021 as the AmiGOs Coordinator. He is originally from Aguascalientes, México. 

Gilberto earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Literature and Language with a Minor in Mass Communication from Colorado Mesa University. After graduating he started working for School District 51/Migrant Education Program as Outreach specialist. Gilberto has been working for Suehiro Japanese Restaurant since August 2005-now. 

He worked as bilingual teller/personal banker for Wells Fargo Clifton branch from March 2018-May 2021.

He participated as board member of the Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce from January 2020 - September 2021.

He was certified as VIA trainer from John Hanley’s Transformational coaching academy in Los Ángeles, CA on 2016.

He was certified as transformational coach from the ATC Academia de Transformación Contemporánea in México July 2019.

He is the founder- director of Via Vitae LLC, Transformational coaching academy established on February 2020 and that serves the Latino community on the Western Colorado.

Hi! My name is Setareh. I'm from Houston TX  but moved to Colorado for college. I go to CMU and I'm majoring in Elementary Education with emphasis in Math. I hope to become a 3rd grade teacher. I enjoy going to hockey games and enjoying time outdoors with my friends and drinking some tea. I want to inspire kids to enjoy STEAM and show them that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.

Hello, my name is Abbey! I’m a student at CMU studying education and the outdoor recreation industry. I’m a big fan of outdoor spaces and public lands, whether that means hiking mountains, climbing rocks, snowboarding slopes, or just a leisurely hammock in the sun. Some things I value include my family and friends, dogs, music, photography, and new places/faces. I love working with kids at EUREKA! because I think they have a very inspiring perspective on the world; every day they seem to teach me something new about the world, themselves and even myself.

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 people, my name is Niah and I am an elementary math education major. I enjoy hiking, camping, and reading. You will  most likely catch me napping in a hammock if the weather permits. After I graduate I plan on working in Denver and then traveling to Australia. Working at EUREKA! has taught me just as much as its taught the kiddos, I can't wait to see what scientists come out of our camps. 

Hi! My name is Misty and I am a senior at Colorado Mesa University studying Criminal Justice. I grew up in Maui, Hawaii, and went to high school in Fort Collins, CO. I have worked at Eureka for almost three years teaching summer camps and working at the front desk. I also work on campus as a resident assistant. In my free time, I love to go hiking, snowboarding, and exploring new places. After I graduate I plan to continue my studies and pursue a career in forensic psychology.

Hi everyone! My name is Sora and I am majoring in Elementary Education at Mesa:) I love working with kids and watching them learn and grow. Kids at EUREKA! teach me something new everyday with their creative minds and eagerness to delve deeper into science.
Not only do I teach at Eureka, I also teach kids (and adults!) horseback riding lessons. Starting this business has been a big leap into a new world, but getting to combine my love for teaching and my love for horses has made it the most amazing experience.
My goal in life is to inspire kids to reach for the moon and even if they miss, they will land among the stars. I can not wait to see what our Eureka scientists will discover next!

Hello! My name is Jose, and I'm a Grand Junction native. I'm a student at CMU, majoring in business. I enjoy golf, basketball, and all things outdoors. I hope to inspire kids to find their love for learning, and hopefully one day to make a change in the world.

I'm a proud Colorado native with a strong passion for science! I got my Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science at Colorado Mesa University, and am currently working on my Masters in Athletic Training. I'm a big believer that exercise is our best medicine and I love advocating health and happiness to my students.

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! 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.