Mr. Abdouch is a passionate naturalist, educator, and writer with over 50 years of experience. As President and Founder of juST-EAMagine, an educational services company, he brings science to life for students and adults alike. His journey includes serving as Administrator of the famous La Brea Tar Pits museum and editing Ranger Rick's Nature Magazine. A globe-trotter, Mr. Abdouch has trained teachers from Turkey to Qatar, always emphasizing the wonder of discovery. Mr. Abdouch's work spans from creating nature trails to penning children's books about mammoths. With a knack for making complex topics accessible, he's equally at home in a classroom or on a wildlife expedition. His diverse background and approachable style make him a favorite among learners of all ages.
John Anderson, a former US Army combat engineer specialist, mastered engineering solutions under combat conditions. Transitioning to industrial design, he created products for airliners, utility vehicles, and medical devices. As Advanced Planning Manager for Anaheim, he initiated major projects, earning the State Planner Emeritus Award. Passionate about flight, he contributed to the Google X-Prize moon landing competition and taught innovation-related classes at the UCI Gifted Students Academy. When not working, John enjoys family time, exploring new places, and inspiring young engineers with his love for flight.
Ms. Martinez is a promising young scientist who holds degrees in Chemistry and Public Health. She had a keen interest in health at the molecular level, which led to a passion for research and medicinal chemistry that continues to drive her academic pursuits. Ms. Martinez works as a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Celia Goulding at the UCI School of Medicine. In this role, she continues to explore the intricate relationships between the human body and medicine at the molecular level. Her dedication to the field of medicinal chemistry extends beyond her accomplishments at UCI, as she prepare to embark on pursuing her PhD in the upcoming academic cycle. With a solid foundation in chemistry and public health, coupled with hands-on research experience, Ms. Martinez is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry in the years to come. Ms. Martinez looks forward to not only furthering her own knowledge and research capabilities but also to inspiring and educating future generations of scientists.
Ethan Nguyen is a compassionate and dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with a unique blend of healthcare experience and a special interest in civil engineering. Mr. Nguyen has experience working at skilled nursing facility and in hospital settings. With certifications in CPR, First Aid, and as a Stop The Bleed Trainer/Instructor, Mr. Nguyen brings valuable life-saving knowledge that can be shared with students. Mr. Nguyen's current pursuit of a Civil Engineering degree at Cal State Fullerton, coupled with his passion for healthcare, uniquely positions him to explore the intersection of living environments and health. This interdisciplinary perspective can provide students valuable insights into how our built environment impacts our overall well-being. As a professional with a strong foundation in healthcare and a growing understanding of environmental design, Mr. Nguyen is well-equipped to inspire and educate students about the importance of health, safety, and the impact of our surroundings on our quality of life.
Melanie Nguyen is the Program Director for the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory Facility and the Chemistry Academy at UCI. Her academic training spans Chemistry, Biology, Education, and Instructional Design and Technology. She has published in areas of chemistry laboratory instruction. Through her interdisciplinary background, coupled with decades of experience supporting faculty in chemistry lab course development and coordination, Ms. Nguyen is an expert in designing and implementing customized STEM educational programs for both online and in-person delivery. As Program Director, she customizes exceptional education experiences that leverage scientific research and emerging technologies to stay ahead of industry trends. An alumnus of UCI’s Atmospheric Integrated Research (AirUCI) and an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers (NAOSMM), she advises the student chapter of the Cosmetic Chemist Society (CCS). Ms. Nguyen is passionate about inspiring the next generation of critical thinkers and scientists.