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Faces of STEM: Lindy Ibeling Joins STEM Council as Communications Manager
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| Lindy Ibeling manages communications for the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. |
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A national search for the all-important position of Chief Communicator for the Governor's STEM Advisory Council netted the search committee's top pick, right from the operations center's back yard. Lindy Ibeling assumed duties of lead Story-Teller, Enlightener and Messenger, otherwise known as lead STEM communications specialist, on November 13, commuting from Parkersburg, Iowa.
A graduate of
Wartburg College's
Communication Arts program with a business minor, Lindy brings eleven years of experience in coordinating events and managing public relations campaigns for a variety of high-profile clients.
Just prior to joining Iowa's STEM team, Lindy held the position of Vice President at
LS2group
, a Des Moines-based comprehensive client services agency handling public affairs, marketing, communications and event planning needs for private sector and government customers. Lindy personally held responsibilities ranging from strategic planning to managing and mentoring internal teams, leading the development of campaigns for diverse clients representing health care, technology, energy and manufacturing, including Ford Motor Company for whom Lindy was Midwest spokesperson. She is an accomplished tactician, communicator, relationship-builder and mobilizer whose impact is already being felt across Iowa's STEM galaxy.
When not on-the-job at UNI's Operations Center for the Governor's STEM Advisory Council, Lindy actively serves her community as a volunteer and raises daughters Lyla, age 3, and Sophie, age 1, with spouse Lance in Parkersburg.
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December 7, 2017 - 12 p.m.
Northeast Regional STEM Advisory Board meeting.
December 28, 2017 -
10:30 a.m.
NW Region Winter STEM Fest
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Faces of STEM: Kelly Bergman Joins STEM Network Team as North Central Regional STEM Manager
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Kelly manages the North Central Region for the Governor's STEM Advisory Council.
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Dr. Kelly Bergman recently joined the STEM network team as the north central regional STEM manager operating out of Iowa State University (ISU). Bergman joins five regional manager counterparts in Iowa who effectively implement the priorities of the STEM Council in local communities and school districts throughout the state. Collectively, the STEM managers deliver services and programming, create community connections and collaborate with businesses, industries, educators and many others to increase student engagement in STEM.
Bergman brings outstanding experience and background to the north central region. She received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Miami where she spent time as a research assistant and worked with middle school teachers and students to bring environmental science curriculum to the classroom.
After moving cross country, Bergman joined Chevron as an earth and petroleum scientist and served as a Bay Area Earth Science Institute workshop instructor. During this time, Bergman was active in youth STEM activities in the Bay Area, including judging Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair and serving as a presenter for Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program for third-graders interested in mathematics and science careers.
Most recently, Bergman held various positions at C12 Energy in Berkeley, California, including project geologist, vice president of geosciences and senior geologist before working as a consultant in Iowa.
STEM education and outreach have been intrinsic elements of Bergman's scholarly and professional careers. She taught several STEM courses in both classroom and outdoor settings and is dedicated to building partnerships with educators and students through outreach and mentoring.
"I am thrilled to be in Iowa and serving alongside knowledgeable and passionate individuals who strive to advance STEM initiatives in the state. This work is incredibly important as we look towards job growth opportunities and meeting future workforce needs," Bergman said. "I have focused my career on advocating for science and technology, which is one of the reasons I am excited to be a part of this team."
For more information on the North Central Iowa STEM Region, contact Kelly (kbergman@iastate.edu)
and join us in welcoming Kelly to our team.
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Faces of STEM: Ann Watts, the Driving Force Behind the Microsoft Imagine Academy
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Ann leads the Microsoft Imagine Academy for the Governor's STEM Advisory Council.
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Ann Watts leads the Microsoft Imagine Academy on behalf of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council. The Imagine Academy provides a bridge from the classroom to the business world through Microsoft Office training and certification opportunities.
There are 150 high schools, some in collaboration with the local community college, that are taking part in the program annually. The goal is to help encourage digital literacy, training and certification, and employability for Iowa students.
Watts brings more than 20 years of experience with Microsoft to the program. She received her Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa. Early in her career, she was responsible for the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) library and computer laboratory. She has taught continuing education in Microsoft Office programs, internet research and library instruction courses. She has also helped write a text book on internet research and was the project manager for the Microsoft Sharepoint portal, which helped bring shared workspaces to all six DMACC campuses in the state.
"I have always focused on bringing information to people in the format that works best for them. The STEM Council and Microsoft Imagine Academy are a natural fit for me in that way. This is incredibly rewarding work," said Watts.
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Faces of STEM: Assistant Director for Development Carrie Rankin's Path to STEM
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Carrie serves in a key role of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council as assistant director for development.
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As assistant director for development for the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council, Carrie Rankin plays a key role in STEM Council efforts.
Despite her many responsibilities, Rankin is primarily focused on furthering the investment in STEM Council initiatives through business to business partnerships. Her work is concentrated on sharing time, talent and treasure to invest in tools and programming that will be reciprocated through the future workforce.
"These partnerships produce further awareness and impact to Iowans, resulting in students who are well prepared for the future," said Rankin. "I truly believe that every business can use a STEM-educated student. It's just one of the many reasons I love what I do."
STEM has been present in one way or another throughout Rankin's previous 20 years of development experience. She was the development director for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Foundation and the Allen Foundation at UnityPoint Health. She also established the Waterloo Schools Foundation in 2010 where she served as executive director.
During her time with the Waterloo Schools Foundation, Rankin had the opportunity to attend a STEM Council conference in Des Moines. Her interest in attending was attributed primarily to having young children at home at the time and wanting to be involved in their education. Little did she know, the conference would forever change her perception of STEM and the impact it has on every student, career and industry.
"I have two daughters at home who inspire me every day to reach beyond what we think is possible and really move the needle for STEM in Iowa," said Rankin. "It is so rewarding to see the opportunities STEM brings to my kids, their friends and so many other students, teachers and businesses across the state."
For more information about partnering with the STEM Council, contact Carrie Rankin (
Rankin@IowaSTEM.gov
).
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