Meet the Team

Our Open Science, Consultation, and Development Team collaborate to democratize access to scientific knowledge, ensuring that everyone can contribute to Open Science.

topstschool community

November 23, 2024

Put together by TOPSTSCHOOL Development Team and Akshay Mestry

Palisades, NY & Chicago, IL

The SCHOOL project is an ambitious and innovative initiative designed to advance education in the field of data science, specifically within the context of NASA’s Earth Science Applied Sciences Program. This project is not just another online learning platform; it represents a comprehensive effort to democratize access to scientific knowledge and foster a new generation of learners equipped to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in Earth Science.

SCHOOL was conceived with the idea of bridging the gap between complex scientific research and accessible, practical education. At its core, it is about making the intricate processes of Data Science and Earth Science not only understandable but also engaging and relevant to a broad audience. The project’s guiding principle is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or prior experience, can participate in and contribute to the world of Open Science.

Below are all the amazing people who made TOPSTSCHOOL possible.

Open Science Team

Our dedicated Open Science Team Members are the driving force behind the SCHOOL Project’s mission. Each individual brings their unique expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing the vision of open and accessible science. Together, this dynamic team works tirelessly to break down barriers, foster collaboration, and create resources that empower students, researchers, and educators around the globe. Their collective efforts ensure that Open Science principles are not just ideas but actionable practices that inspire and transform.

Whether it’s through developing interactive learning modules, mentoring contributors, or pioneering innovative approaches to science education, our team members are at the heart of every milestone we achieve. We’re proud to collaborate with such an extraordinary group of individuals who believe in the power of knowledge sharing and inclusivity.

Navin Aade

Open Science Team

Emanuel Agú

Open Science Team

Jinyi Cai

Open Science Team

Hazem Mahmoud

Open Science Team

Josie Morkin

Open Science Team

Arina Moroz

Open Science Team

Alber Sánchez

Open Science Team

Hieu Tran

Open Science Team

Aneese Williams

Open Science Team

Xuan Zhou

Open Science Team

Akshay Mestry

Open Science Team

Alexandr Smagin

Open Science Team

America Munoz

Open Science Team

Dhruvil Prajapati

Open Science Team

Consultation Team and Subject Matter Experts

At the core of our success is the invaluable contribution of our Consultation Team and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to ensure that every aspect of our work reflects the latest research and industry best practices.

By combining their subject-matter expertise with a commitment to advancing Open Science principles, this team plays a pivotal role in:

Shaping Learning Modules. Providing expert guidance to design impactful, accurate, and engaging educational content.
Ensuring Relevance and Rigor. Keeping our projects aligned with current research trends and global challenges.
Fostering Collaboration. Creating bridges between disciplines and promoting innovative solutions for science education and outreach.

We are deeply grateful for the thoughtful leadership and expertise they bring to the SCHOOL Project. Their contributions help us empower learners, educators, and researchers with tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change.

Deborah Balk

Director at the CUNY Institute for Demographic Research and Professor at Baruch College

Robert Chen

Director Emeritus, CIESIN, Columbia Climate School, Columbia University and Manager Emeritus, NASA (SEDAC)

Nancy Degan

Senior Advisor for Education at Columbia Water Center

Laureline Josset

Associate Research Scientist at Columbia Water Center

Dr. Antonio Tovar

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Information Systems at National Louis University

Qian Huang

Research Assistant Professor at East Tennessee State University, Center for Rural Health Research

Maggi Glasscoe

Research Associate at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and Disasters Coordinator for NASA’s Applied Sciences Disasters Program

Ryan Meade

Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Binghamton

Dave Jones

Founder and CEO at StormCenter Communications, Inc.

Thomas Parris

President at iSciences

Development Team

The Development Team forms the backbone of our technical achievements, translating ambitious ideas into tangible, high-quality tools and solutions. With their expertise, dedication, and innovative thinking, they bring our technical vision to life, ensuring that our platforms and resources meet the needs of a diverse, global community.

Their contributions include:

Crafting Robust Tools. Developing reliable, scalable, and user-friendly solutions that empower learners and educators.
Driving Innovation. Exploring cutting-edge technologies to create platforms that embody the principles of Open Science.
Ensuring Excellence. Upholding the highest standards of quality to deliver solutions that make an impactful difference.

This team’s commitment to excellence and creativity plays a vital role in advancing the SCHOOL Project’s mission. By seamlessly integrating technology and accessibility, they ensure that our tools foster collaboration, learning, and discovery for all.

Deborah Balk

Director at the CUNY Institute for Demographic Research and Professor at Baruch College