As the STEM Education Specialist, Hope coordinates statewide outreach, designing hands-on programs, and making sure science reaches every corner of North Dakota through Gateway to Science.  

Impacting the Mission 

Hope brings the mission to life by building bridges between formal education, community engagement, and informal science experiences. She guides the development of nearly 60 STEMkit programs, coordinating school visits and community events so that every corner of the state can access interactive, high-quality science learning. She champions “science for all ages,” creating programs that connect generations, geography, and perspectives. 

She also helps expand NDGTS’s reach through major initiatives and grants, including digital-literacy and emerging-technology workshops for adults over 50 and summer STEM programming that connects students to science and career pathways. 

🧪 Program Design & Delivery|🌍 Community & Partner Engagement|🚐 Mobile STEM Outreach 

Experience and Expertise  

Hope’s journey in STEM education is deeply rooted in her own experiences. As a STEM Ambassador with the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium, she helped provide hands-on STEM opportunities while still in college. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Dakota, with minors in biology, middle-level education, and music. 

In her role at NDGTS, she draws this background to lead high-energy, interactive STEM workshops and events for all ages, both in the gallery and off-site.  

Outside of NDGTS  

Hope is deeply rooted in her North Dakota community. She serves on the Alumni Advisory Board at UND for the College of Education and Human Development, giving back to her alma mater. In her free time, she’s involved in youth and service, serving as a board member for North Dakota Miss Amazing, a local titleholder for the Miss North Dakota Scholarship Organization, and supporting the Western North Dakota Honor Flight.  

Favorite Exhibit, Event, or Experiment

It is very hard to pick a favorite, but one of Hope’s favorite events of the year is International Observe the Moon Night! This event allows her to channel her love of space into an event that brings the community together and encourages lifelong learning. Everyone has seen the moon, and the event offers the opportunity to bring generations together to celebrate the amazing things that are happening in the world of space exploration. Plus – it’s a great reason to pull out our Digitalis Dome!