meet the team
Say hello to the amazing crew behind the North Carolina Science Festival!
This dream team brings science fun to the state every April and makes sure that everyone has the opportunity to experience incredible STEM events.
From the Statewide Star Party and NC Gravity Games to science expos and interactive demos, they take on all of the behind-the-scenes engineering to ensure that each year's Festival is the best one yet.
If you see them at any of our exciting events this year, give them a shout out for all the work they do.
Leadership
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
As Co-Founder of the North Carolina Science Festival and Director of the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Todd’s been making science fun and accessible since 2006. Before landing at Morehead, Todd served as CEO at The Health Adventure and Imagination Station. He's also a former President of the North Carolina Grassroots Science Museums Collaborative.
When it comes to science, Todd loves leading the pack.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Crystal is the dynamic, trailblazing leader who oversees all programming at Morehead to break down barriers and promote inclusivity. Her passion for science education has taken her all over the world, and it's no surprise that in 2013, she was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Informal Educator Award from the NC Science, Math, and Technology Center. Crystal is leading the way towards a more vibrant scientific community.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Erik's journey started at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center as an undergraduate in 2007. After a stint at NOAA's Office of Education, he knew he had to return to his roots in North Carolina. Now, he's spearheading the science revolution as Program Manager of the Festival. From explosive experiments to mind-bending demonstrations, Erik oversees the festival's many programs to champion a brighter, science-filled future.
Program Development
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Will is our passionate Community Education Specialist who loves to bring science to life through the art of storytelling! With his extensive background as a science educator, he is excited to lead some of the NC Science Festival's most popular public programs, including the Teen Science Café, Carolina Science Café, and SciMatch that is designed to connect scientists with middle schoolers. And as he takes the lead for the UNC Science Expo, he's more eager than ever to share the magic of science with everyone he meets.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
With her background in teaching, Nikitta knows just how important it is to engage students and inspire a love of science. That's why she's dedicated herself to developing new partnership opportunities for the Festival. Nikitta also serves as the lead for the NC Gravity Games and STEMville Science Spectacular – an interactive conference for upper elementary and middle schools students designed to spark an interest in science. With her enthusiasm and passion, Nikitta is redefining what it means to educate and inspire the next generation of scientific minds.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
With a career that has spanned both science and education, Kim is uniquely equipped to inspire the next generation of scientists. Through her volunteer work in school classrooms and science nights, and now as the Programs Coordinator for the NC Science Festival organizing Duke Energy Science Nights across the state, she is using her knowledge and experience to create engaging, hands-on experiences that will encourage children to discover the joy of science.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Amy is our passionate astronomy educator who leads the Statewide Star Party and helps communities discover the wonders of the night sky. She takes great joy in helping folks identify celestial objects and sharing fun facts about the sky, like how it provides a compass, clock, calendar, and can even be a time machine! Amy's enthusiasm for the stars inspires people of all ages to look to the skies and understand all the amazing things they see.
Sponsorship, Communications, and Design
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Nia is the person behind the camera (or phone), using social media to enrich our followers' lives through fun science facts and the promotion of our events. As a recent advertising and PR graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, she works to engage our audience in all the latest news surrounding Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and NC Science Festival.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
Want to know the secret behind the stunning visuals of the NC Science Festival? Look no further than Leslie, the creative genius who brings science to life through her expert design skills. With a keen eye for aesthetics and an endless supply of creativity, Leslie’s work engages and encourages visitors from across the state to participate in NCSciFest.
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
As the sponsorship lead for NC SciFest, Adam works tirelessly to meet sponsors’ engagement goals. Adam has raised millions of dollars for Morehead Planetarium and the NC Science Festival, and he makes sure our generous donors are recognized and appreciated for all their support. Thanks to his hard work, we're able to produce the most exciting science events in the state. Let's raise a beaker to Adam and all the incredible work he does!
Favorite Historical Science Figure:
With a lifelong passion for science and education, Chris is an enthusiastic promoter of the Festival, always eager to encourage people from all corners of the state to participate and engage in the event. He utilizes various PR, advertising, and marketing techniques to ensure that the Festival's message reaches a wider audience. Chris's aim is to bring the magic of science to everyone, from the mountains to the coast.