Science Education Research Foundation

Melissa Allen-Dumas, PhD

Melissa is a Research Scientist in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She holds a PhD degree in Energy Science and Engineering and a MS degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee. Her expertise includes global modeling and analysis of atmospheric species transport, statistical and dynamical downscaling of various climate model output, analysis of direct and indirect effects of climate change on electricity demand, and on other national and civic critical infrastructures. She leads ORNL's Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability theme within the Climate Change Science Institute; and is a member of the Urban Dynamics Institute.

Amy Broemmel, PhD

After more than 20 years working with graduate teaching interns at the University of Tennessee, Amy is now a Professor and the Associate Dean of Teacher Education at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses in two areas: supporting teachers’ professional learning and linking science and literacy instruction in elementary classrooms.

"Both areas fuel my interest in and support of the work of the SeER Foundation, which supports teachers who are interested in deepening their professional learning in science education through their own research. Thus, it directly supports teachers’ taking charge of their own professional growth, ultimately impacting the science literacy of the students they serve."

Arlene Garrison, PhD

Arlene is a chemist with a life-long passion for STEM education. She has a doctorate in analytical chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. She retired from Oak Ridge Associated Universities as Vice President for University Partnerships. Prior to that, at the University of Tennessee, her final role was Associate Vice President for Research. She is a Fellow of both the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Arlene had the privilege of carrying the Olympic Torch as it traveled to Atlanta in 1996.

"My involvement in SeER is based on my decades of STEM outreach to underserved communities. The application of the newest education research is critical to reaching students of all ages who have a variety learning styles and different levels of prior knowledge. STEM careers and knowledge must be available to everyone."

Dave Gorman

Dave is a middle school science teacher at Cedar Bluff Middle School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

"While my 22 years in the classroom has shown me that there is no limit to the creativity and professionalism shown by my fellow science educators, one consistent limiting factor has been funding. SeER seeks to create and amplify opportunities for our students to participate in a variety of teacher-created research projects and to connect students with a broader sense of connection between what they are learning and how they are living and thinking."

Ross J. Toedte, PhD

Ross is an educational psychologist and science education researcher. Previously, he was a computer scientist and science communicator, creating scientific visualizations for experimentalists and computational modelers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He resigned his staff position at ORNL in 2013, after developing a keen interest in science education. He subsequently took an MS in science education from the University of Tennessee, and a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"SeER has a unique approach to science education research in that it funds projects across the spectrum from teaching and learning to science-informed action in society. SeER makes investments where research is most needed and can make the greatest impact. Ultimately, SeER-funded science education research benefits all young learners, whether they go to college or not, or become STEM researchers or not. When it gets right down to it, we all use science every hour of every day. Improving learners’ science understandings at young ages improves their quality of living, and that of their communities, for their lifetimes."

Ken Freeman, CPP, USAF retired

Ken is a retired Air Force Colonel and former general manager of two large service delivery companies. He was project leader for major companies in energy 15 years before deciding to start his own consulting business. As part of his business experience, he participated in a number of nonprofit volunteer leadership roles with United Way of Northern New Mexico, Leadership New Mexico; Leadership Los Alamos and CNS East Tennessee Community Grant programs. Ken is a member of SCORE and advises the Board on matters related to nonprofit organization, strategy, accountability, and communication.

"I enjoy volunteering with nonprofit entities because they provide a unique way to move people forward, which is consistent with the SeER mission."

Sharon L. S. Toedte, ABD

Sharon worked in business research design and management for a number of advertising and media companies. Since 1993, she taught marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, and sociology at the University of Tennessee. She was a founding board member for the Knoxville (TN) Chapter of the American Marketing Association, and served as programs, conference, and outreach chairs and president of the chapter. Sharon got her B.A. in economics from The College of William & Mary in Virginia, an MBA from the University of Tennessee as well as an ABD in sociology and marketing. Sharon advises the Board on matters related to advertising, marketing, and social media.

"Climate change and health are science-focused issues facing all parts of the world. Suffering from these issues is compounded when negative impacts, causes, and potential solutions go unrecognized. Having served on boards of both nonprofit and educational organizations, I have seen the impact organizations like SeER can make in the future of society. I believe that SeER, by finding methods to better inform students related to these concerns, will have a positive impact on the world."