Director
Amanda Smith, M.Ed.
Email: ajs398@psu.edu
Amanda began her career as a middle and high school science teacher, engaging in outreach and professional experiences that dramatically impacted her work and teaching philosophy. These experiences included participating in the Zero Gravity Flight program sponsored by Northrop Grumman and leading a K–12 group on an ecological trip to Costa Rica.
Since 2014, she has served as the STEM outreach liaison for the Penn State Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS). She co-founded a STEM Learning Ecosystem in central Pennsylvania to drive cross-sector partnerships which established the Chief Science Officers (CSO) program, Remake Learning Days, and STEM Workforce Summits. Amanda, along with other STEM Learning Ecosystem leaders across Pennsylvania, was an integral part of the team to develop the PA STEM Education Policy memo to the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden administration. Currently, she serves as the Director of K-12 Engagement Network, where she is responsible to further bridge K-12 and Penn State University.
Amanda earned a B.S. in biology and science education from Penn State in 2005 and an M.Ed. in education leadership with a K–12 administration certification from George Mason University in 2009.
Executive Advisers
Justin Aglio, Associate Vice President for Outreach, Penn State and Executive Director, Readiness Institute at Penn State
Larry Terry, Vice President for Outreach, Penn State
Marketing and Communications Contacts
Sarah Naylor, Marketing Strategist
Email: san53@psu.edu
Vincent Corso, News and Communications
Email: vbc5000@psu.edu
Strategic Support Team
Development — Susan Kukic, Penn State Outreach and Online Education Development and Alumni Relations
Finance — Tracey Demko, Penn State Outreach and Online Education Central Finance
Compliance and Contracts — Marci Tomasacci and Michele Whitman, Penn State Outreach and Online Education Compliance and Contracts
Web Strategy and Technology — Greg Angle, Penn State Outreach and Online Education Marketing, Technology, and Operations
Operations — Juliana Gabany, Penn State Center Pittsburgh
Grant Proposals and Awards — Jennifer McCahan, Penn State Outreach and Online Education Central Finance