Cindy Susanto

Mary Starr

Michigan Math and Science Leadership Network (MMSLN)

Executive Director

Mary Starr focuses the work of the MMSLN on OER high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in mathematics and science. She has led the MMSLN for 14 years, through the new standards adoption, development of curriculum materials, and the implementation of Framework-aligned professional learning across Michigan and the country. She earned a B.A. from UM-Dearborn with an elementary teaching certificate. She currently sits on the Alumni Society Board for the university. She also earned an M.A. and PhD in science education from UM-Ann Arbor. Previously, she authored middle school Project-based curriculum (Project-based Inquiry Science), led science and math work in a University department, received grants and served as an advisory board member and co-PI for multiple research projects. She presents frequently at national conferences including the National Science Teaching Association.

By Cindy Susanto, ago

Naomi Field

Northwestern University

Research Assistant

Naomi Field grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains where she spent a lot of her time exploring and learning outdoors with her family. In her undergraduate education at Occidental College, she continued to explore the natural world through biology and art, but found that she was drawn to work that defied these disciplinary boundaries. Through working on LIP she hopes to contribute to outdoor learning environments through understanding the role of science and art in transdisciplinary learning environments. She especially sees great potential  in shifting conceptions of art’s role in education and changemaking. She is deeply invested in contributing to work that supports ethical learning environments and people learning to make ethical decisions in a changing world.

By Cindy Susanto, ago

Breigh Rhodes

Northwestern University

Research and Design

Breigh Rainey Rhodes has served as a teacher and leader in education for the last 16 years, most recently as the Director of Math, Science, and STEM at the Louisiana Department of Education from 2018-2023, where she led a division of agency specialists to oversee all aspects of K-12 standards and curriculum implementation and support, non-summative assessment, and aligned professional learning for math, science, STEM, environmental education, and computer science. She has served in various leadership roles in STEM education, including as Board Director for the national Council for State Science Supervisors and as a Steering Committee Lead for the OpenSciEd effort. Breigh has earned several honors and awards in recognition of her contributions to STEM education, including the Essie Beck Rising Star Award, the Disney Planet Challenge National Grand Prize, the 2017 National Geographic Grosvenor Fellowship, and the Council for Elementary Science International’s Muriel Green Award. Breigh holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and M.Ed. from Louisiana State University.

By Cindy Susanto, ago