Announcing the 2024–25 Master Teacher Fellows

Daniel Baker, from ABE Greater Los Angeles Area, first worked as a research scientist at Amgen Thousand Oaks after graduate school, managing the core molecular profiling and genomics lab for the Clinical Biomarker and Diagnostics Development group. In 2017, he left industry to pursue a second career as a science educator and is a core faculty member of the Bioscience Academy at Foothill Technology High School and adjunct professor at Ventura College. In both settings, Dan draws on his enthusiasm and extensive industry expertise to help prepare the next generation of science professionals for successful careers..

Matthew Clough, from ABE Australia, is a high school science teacher who specializes in biology. He works in southwestern Sydney at Cecil Hills High School. He is excited to develop teaching and learning resources to support students to engage with biotechnology and ethics.

Georgia Ewan, from ABE Australia, is a passionate teacher of biology and Earth & environmental science in Sydney. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Environmental Science. For the past 6 years, Georgia has had the privilege of guiding senior biology students through ABE, which has become an annual highlight. Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and bushwalking. Georgia is excited to create resources that help students develop their writing skills in biotechnology.

Vanessa Gibbens, from ABE Australia, is a dedicated science teacher with a passion for genetics and biotechnology who strives to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for all students. Her mission is to inspire curiosity and a love for science, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cathartic boxing sessions and loves spending quality time with her dogs. 

Joi Hiraishi¸ from ABE Greater Los Angeles Area, has been teaching science at Adolfo Camarillo High School in Ventura County, California, for 23 years. This will be her 15th year providing my biology honors and college prep students the ABE curriculum. Her students enjoy learning and benefit from ABE as a 3-week-long capstone project. 

Michael Lobdell, from ABE Rhode Island, is an instructor in the CNA and Biomedical CTE programs at South Kingstown High School in Wakefield, Rhode Island. He coaches robotics, teaches CAD, and facilitates HOSA and SMILE chapters.

Tracey Mason, of ABE Ireland, is a biology and agricultural science secondary school teacher. She completed her undergraduate science degree and master's degree at the University College Dublin. She just completed a postgraduate diploma in school leadership and has great interest in molecular biology and genetic engineering. She enjoys bringing exciting experiments into the classroom to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Gina Revelas Nicoletti, from ABE Canada is the vice principal at Simcoe County District School Board. She has 20 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry including sterile manufacturing, antibiotics, and solid dosage. In education, she has experience teaching secondary school chemistry and biology and was the first educator to launch the ABE lab series in Canada. She is passionate about introducing students to real-world experiences to connect complex theory to practical applications and ignite a spark for STEM careers.

Fethi Ahmet Oner, from ABE Türkiye, has been working as a biology teacher in Türkiye for 21 years. As a result of being burned as a young child, he has burn marks on his right hand, face and some body parts. This has not, however, slowed him down. He has carried out national and international studies in the schools where he has. As a disabled person, he tries to be a role model for his students by working hard. He is currently working as a teacher at Murat Kantarcı Science and Art Center, where his goals include mentoring young scientists and producing projects that will increase the social benefit of science.

Christine Thompson, from ABE Rhode Island, worked as a biophysics researcher at the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research before becoming a high school educator. She has been working at the Algonquin Regional High School as an AP biology, biology, and biotechnology educator for the past 21 years. She has been teaching ABE since its inception in Rhode Island and has been participating in the ABE bicoastal book club. 

Maaike Vollebregt, from ABE The Netherlands, is an enthusiastic and energetic person who always starts new challenges full of drive. With her inquisitive and hard-working attitude, she gets the best out of herself and continues to grow. Her passion for biology and technology drives her to discover and apply innovative solutions.

Sarah Yearby, from ABE San Francisco Bay Area, has been teaching Biotechnology I (Medical) for 22 years and created a Biotech II (Food Sustainability and Environmental) 2 years ago. She is an experienced teacher leader who is passionate about increasing STEM enrollment for all students, with a focus on inclusiveness for females and students of color. She believes that if teachers are passionate about what they teach and they connect with their students, there are no limits to what they can achieve.