Dr. Leslie Huling

Principal Investigator and Project Director
Leslie Huling, Ph.D., serves as Grant Director in the NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative project. Dr. Huling has directed a number of STEM-related educator professional development grants including the Mathematics for English Language Learners (MELL) project, the College and Career Readiness Initiative Mathematics Faculty Collaborative, and the Success Initiatives in Developmental Education – Mathematics (SIDE-M) grant. Her research interests include teacher induction and mentoring, teacher development, and school improvement.

Dr. Kristina Henry Collins

Co-Principal Investigator & Associate Director
Kristina Henry Collins, Ph.D., serves as program faculty for Talent Development and co-PI for NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative (EPDC) at Texas State University. She holds STEM degrees, certifications and formal training in quantitative research methods (PhD minor); mathematics (MSEd); AP computer science and technology education (MSEd add-ons); electrical engineering technology (BS); and cryptology and electronic surveillance (military science diploma, US Navy).

Dr. Collins earned her PhD in educational psychology and EdS in gifted and creative education (with educational leadership and administration certification) from the University of Georgia. As a published author and recognized expert in the field, she boasts over 30 years of experience and several awards for her research, teaching, and service related to culturally responsive STEM identity and talent development, multicultural program and advanced curriculum design, and mentoring across the lifespan.

Dr. John Beck

Senior Advisor

Dr. John Beck is Distinguished Professor Emeritus, and serves as Senior Advisor with the NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative project. His research and writing interests include teacher education, instructional technology, and educational leadership.

Dr. Beck holds degrees from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (Ph.D./Ed.S./MAT), University of Washington – Seattle (B.S.), and Southwest Texas State (B.S.). He holds Texas educator credentials in High School Mathematics and Physics, Principal, and Superintendent.

Karen Fabac

Grant Specialist (Operations Manager)

Karen Fabac, Certified Public Manager®, is the Operations Manager for the LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research.  Ms. Fabac manages post-award administration and provides project management support to federally funded grant projects, currently with the NASA STEM Engagement & Educator Professional Development Collaborative (NASA EPDC) and the Texas State University Round Rock Campus STEM-for-All Partnership.

Ms. Fabac is a graduate of Texas State University and is a professional member of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers (AACPM); Texas Society of Certified Public Managers; and the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).

Dr. Virginia Resta

Evaluation Specialist

Virginia Resta, Ph.D., serves as an Evaluation Specialist for the MUREP Educator Institute (MEI) initiative at Texas State University. She holds a BS in Elementary Education from Northeastern Oklahoma State University, a MA in Elementary Education and PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of New Mexico. Prior to her retirement, she served as Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Education and the Assistant Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas State University. Her research interest has focused on induction, mentoring, and retention of beginning teachers.

Edgar Gomez

Senior NASA Interface IT Specialist

Edgar Gomez, Certified Public Manager®, serves as Senior NASA Interface IT Specialist and he is responsible for reporting and managing NASA and Texas State University equipment and systems, as well as training for faculty, staff and students in the use of new and current systems.

Mr. Gomez serves as information technology, web/media and distance learning technology support specialist for Texas State University’s LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research and its major grant-funded initiative  “Texas State NASA STEM Engagement & Educator Professional Development Collaborative” (NASA EPDC). He also serves as technical support interface with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) webmaster, EPDC Education Specialists and technology subcontractors.