Board of Directors

Kristina has spent the last 27 years in marketing and business development roles within the biotechnology industry, serving unique needs of researchers and biologic drug manufacturers. 

A specialist in the field of gene therapy, she focuses on providing manufacturing solutions for gene therapy vectors to enable life-saving treatments for genetic disease. She enjoys sharing her knowledge in classrooms to inspire a mutual love for the promise that science delivers to patients and families.

Kristina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biopsychology from State University of New York at Binghamton and a Master’s of Business Administration from California Lutheran University. Most recently, Kristina earned early childhood education accreditation through UCLA. 

Kristina resides in Thousand Oaks, California, with her husband and two children.

Email me: kristina@stemsgrow.org

Adele brings a thorough knowledge of, and skills in, STEM programming and outreach, grant management, research, evaluation, and education policy, along with a lifelong passion for providing high quality educational experiences for all, to STEMs Grow.  

Adele has worked in various education roles and from the start she has been focused on ensuring highly qualified and empowered teachers and equitable classrooms across the US.  Creating impactful learning experiences has motivated Dr. Hermann throughout her career and philanthropy. 

Her passion for STEM education and promoting youth opportunities in STEM was evidenced in her role as a Founding Board Member of KidSTREAM Children’s Museum in Camarillo, CA where she dedicated 10 years as part of the group bringing that space to the area. 

Dr. Hermann received a Masters Degree in Education Policy and Evaluation from Stanford University and has a Ph.D. in Social Context and Policy Studies in Education.

Email me: adele@stemsgrow.org

Emiko joined STEMs Grow in 2019 while beginning her education at California State University, Channel Islands. Since then, she has earned a B.S. degree in Mechatronics Engineering from CSUCI and a M.S. degree in Medical Devices Engineering from Keck Graduate Institute.

An incredible scientist, leader and constant contributor to STEMs Grow platforms and content, she has earned her role as a Board Member where she will leverage her scientific acumen, enthusiasm and passion for science outreach to directly influence and guide the future of STEMs Grow.

Email me: emiko@stemsgrow.org

Science: Gracyn loves being a STEM Ambassador because she gets to share her love of science with kids. She really enjoys learning from the scientists at STEMs Grow. They help her expand her scientific knowledge and in return it deepens what she can bring to kids through outreach. She is most interested in space and loves our nebula in a jar project which she designed! Gracyn is proud of having been a part of her school's winning Superquiz team in both elementary and middle school, most recently achieving the highest score in the city-wide competition on her individual test. Gracyn has earned a Bronze and Silver Girl Scout Award, both STEM related! She also completed over 300 hours of STEM related outreach the previous two years earning her two Gold Presidential Service Awards. She is currently working towards her Congressional Award.

Email me: gracyn@stemsgrow.org

Science: Jacob's favorite thing about being a STEM Ambassador is having fun with the kids and building STEM concepts into play! Jacob's enthusiasm for STEM is contagious and we always turn to him to lead STEM games and large group projects! Jacob is proud of having been on his school's Superquiz team twice (he won first in individual and team competitions both times). He was most proud of his team's bond and ability to work hard and support each other. Jacob has earned Silver and Bronze Presidential Service Awards to honor him for all of the time he has spent providing STEM related outreach over the past two years! 

Email me: jacob@stemsgrow.org

Math: Math is Vance's favorite subject in school because he likes solving hard equations. As a STEM Ambassador Vance loves to help kids learn different ways to solve problems and to break them down and realize they aren't as challenging as they seem.  Vance plans on being an engineer and emphasizes how important it is to test things and make changes accordingly in this field. He loves helping kids with all of our engineering challenges and helps them to test and correct to find success! Vance enjoys being a part of his high schools wrestling team. Vance is the proud recipient of a Bronze Presidential Service Award for completing over 50 hours of STEM related outreach in a single year! 

Email me: vance@stemsgrow.org