La ciencia es una herramienta indispensable para entender nuestro mundo, convertirnos en ciudadanos informados y enriquecer la vida de las personas. En el mundo actual, cada ciudadano debe tener una base sólida para comprender y apreciar los conceptos científicos y su papel esencial en el mejoramiento de la humanidad. El Centro de Ciencias de Aspen se creó para ofrecer a los maestros, estudiantes y la comunidad en general un centro vital de instrucción y exploración de la ciencia, y un recurso para la alfabetización científica.
Alex Tarika, ASC Executive Director, joined the Aspen Science Center with over seven years of experience teaching science at the middle and high school levels. After graduating from Colorado College in 2012 with a BA in environmental science, she explored education in a variety of settings , including teaching English in Vietnam, apprentice teaching at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, CO, and guiding naturalist tours with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. These experiences led her to pursue an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, after which she returned to the Roaring Fork Valley to teach science at Aspen Middle School, and later at the Carbondale Community School. Alex loves creating inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences and watching individuals explore and discover the wonders of science! She is passionate about sustainability and the ecological sciences. One of the things that fascinates her most is the diversity among the scientific disciplines and the opportunities to continually learn more. When she isn’t developing and delivering programs for ASC, you can find Alex trail running with her dogs, doing yoga, skiing, cooking and baking, taking care of her chickens and alpacas, or hanging out with her husband and infant son!
Lillian McIntyre, ASC Educator, graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2020 with degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. In college, she was in the first cohort of the SUPERB (Students United in Preserving, Exploring, and Researching Biodiversity) scholarship, a multi-year program for biodiversity research, conservation, and natural history collections focused in the upper Mississippi river delta region. She was part of a pollination lab where she assisted with field and lab work collecting and identifying pollinators in the Shawnee National Forest. Lillian moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2021. She taught preschool at the Aspen Early Learning Center for a year and has the PDIS Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 – Level 3 which is equal to a Lead Teacher Certification. When she is not developing and teaching programs, Lillian can be found reading, skiing, or hiking.
Graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2018 with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. Since arriving in the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 10, Paul has been interested in the inner workings of machines and, inspired by his father who was a Mechanical Engineer, has developed a lifelong passion for tinkering. While at CSU he began building skills in software development and design, eventually parlaying this interest into employment as a software engineer and coding teacher for both teens and adults. While working for Aspen Skiing Company over the past two years he designed a program to more efficiently schedule all 140 lift operators on the company’s four mountains in the Valley. Paul is multi-lingual, fluent in English and Tagalog. As the Director of Technology, he’s involved in all aspects of ASC’s education activities but is especially excited about bringing his real-world experiences to our technology, engineering, design, robotics, rocketry, and coding programs. When he’s not at work, Paul can be found in front of a screen coding his next project, riding his motorcycle around town, or snowboarding on the slopes.
Ana Chavira, ASC Educator, grew up in the Colorado River Valley and earned a BA in Education with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse K-12 Endorsement from Colorado Mountain College. She taught at the elementary level in the Roaring Fork School District for eight years, where she helped change language programming to be more equitable and provide a bilingual pathway to success for Hispanic students at Glenwood Elementary. From 2022-2023 she held two Fellowships – a Colorado Policy Fellowship with Teach Plus and a Research and Leadership Fellowship with the Institute for Teachers of Color. Prior to her classroom teaching experiences, Ana was an Education Outreach Coordinator with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, focusing on health education in rural counties in Western Colorado, especially for Hispanic and Latina women. In 2022 she began pursuing an MA degree in Bilingual Curriculum and Instruction and in 2023-2024 she served as an Education Organizer with Voces Unidas. Ana is inspired by the rich diversity found in communities throughout the Valley and loves creating bilingual learning experiences that help individuals explore and discover the wonders of science in culturally meaningful ways. In her free-time she enjoys hanging out with her son and nephews.
Clark Addington, ASC Educator, earned a BA in History from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College. He has been enjoying teaching for almost 30 years. More than half of that time was spent living in the Roaring Fork Valley, where he taught grades 4 and 5 at Aspen Country Day School years, co-leading outdoor education trips, as well as teaching skiing and coaching soccer. Most recently, at St. Mary’s Academy in Denver, Clark taught Pre-K through 5 grade science, especially enjoying age-appropriate biology, chemistry and physics lessons. He also focused on educating younger students about recycling, composting, and respecting the planet. Clark is a member of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). In addition to his teaching, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, camping, paddle boarding, and traveling with his wife, Suzanne, and their daughter, Amelia.
Graduated from Pitzer College in 2019 with a BA in Physics. After graduating, Lindsay spent time working for Los Alamos National Lab, contributing to nuclear non-proliferation satellite data. From there, Lindsay further developed their coding skills with Ada Developers Academy, a coding boot camp focused on empowering women, BIPOC, and queer people entering the tech industry. In 2021, Lindsay moved to the Roaring Fork Valley and has worked in Aspen and Snowmass as both a Ski Technician and Ski Instructor, bolstering their stoke for the slopes. Prior to joining ASC, Lindsay also worked for the Aspen Institute and volunteered at the Aspen Center for Physics. Lindsay is driven by the desire to understand the science behind everyday life, from the mechanics of skiing to the energy of our mountains, to the vast mysteries of the universe.
A lifelong resident of the Roaring Fork Valley. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Prevention and Intervention Studies. Before joining ASC, Bella served at the Marble Charter School as a K-8 teacher, special education instructor, summer program director, and office manager. Her experience spans program coordination, office management, fundraising support, and community engagement. At ASC, she oversees office and administrative functions, including public inquiries, program registrations and promotion, donor and community partner relations, the ASC website, and social media. Outside of work, Bella enjoys traveling, skiing, boating, crafting, and taking advantage of all the Roaring Fork Valley has to offer!
Graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BS degree in Biology - Secondary Education, and then spent two years teaching high school science before pursuing her Master's in STEM Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Denver and is excited to move to the Roaring Fork Valley. She believes that science is for everyone and is committed to making learning STEM accessible, engaging, and hands- on. Outside of her work, Megan enjoys hikes, paddle boarding and photoshoots with her dog Copper!
Peyton is a Junior at Basalt High School and is thinking about pursuing a career in science in college. She believes experimenting, and learning science is a fundamental part of being a kid, and hopes to bring that into her community. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball, skiing, climbing, acting, playing the violin, and experimenting.
Sloan Bauer a Freshman who is attending Aspen High School. Her interests are Marine Biology and Business. Outside of school and work, she likes to read and spend time with my family and friends. Connection and Discovery are really important to me.
Brielle is a sophomore attending Aspen High school. She has an immense interest in coding and other technology’s. She wants to pursue computer engineering in college and for a future career. As well as technology Brielle plays soccer and pursues band.
Hayley Hoyt is a senior in high school with a strong interest in engineering. Hayley hopes to pursue a career in biomedical engineering and continue developing innovative ways to support her community through STEM.
Hank is a junior at Roaring Fork High School who loves skiing and exploring the outdoors. Born in Denver, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, especially aircraft and space technology. I plan to pursue a career in aerospace engineering and turn that curiosity into innovation.
Xander Arnette is a junior at Coal Ridge High School. He is interested in Engineering and Mathematics. His free time is spent rock climbing and playing geoguesser. Along with spending time with my family.
Micah is a junior at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale Colorado. He was born and in Carbondale. He rides freestyle BMX and used to ski on a big mountain competition circuit. In school he is interested in Physics and Biochemistry, and after high school he plans to attend college to study either of those two topics.
Aria is a senior at Coal Ridge High School in New Castle, Colorado, and an elementary school tutor. Before moving to Colorado in my sophomore year, I lived in Texas and in Switzerland, where I was born. I strive to ensure my time at the Aspen Science Center will successfully expand STEM related programs to my community. Outside of work and school, I enjoy shopping, skiing, and hanging out with my friends!
Gunner is a junior enrolled at Coal Ridge High School. He enjoys Climbing and anything tech related. He was born in Oklahoma and was raised in the Western Slope. He is excited to have the opportunity to teach newer generations about engineering and technology and is committed to being an effective teacher.
Ximena is a senior at Glenwood Springs High School. She hopes to study medicine on a premed route for her future plans. She enjoys learning new languages, reading and traveling in her free time.
Jamie is a senior at Glenwood Springs High School. She wants to study neuroscience and psychology and eventually become a neuropsychologist. She likes to play tennis and golf. She also plays the clarinet and likes to learn new hobbies!
A rising 11th grader at Grand Valley High School, who is deeply interested in science and loves being involved in her community. She has been a very active member of the Grand Valley High School Key Club, doing various service projects in Parachute and Grand Valley, and raising thousands of dollars this year to provide a fishing trip for a child fighting cancer. When not volunteering with the Key Club, she is an enthusiastic teammate on her baseball team. She is looking forward to further developing her leadership and skills, and sharing her love for science with children this summer as an ASC Junior Intern.
Alivya is a current senior at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. She has lived in Carbondale her whole life and is interested in pursuing a career in engineering or biology. She loves science and is very excited to help spread access to STEM in the valley. Outside of work she is a dedicated lacrosse goalie, horseback rider and snowboarder.
Nadia Snyder is a Junior attending Grand Valley High School. Her STEM interests included biology and ocean science. Outside of school my family, friends and animals are important to her.
Divia is currently a junior at Rifle High School. She has been her class president for two years and is part of student council at her school. She aslo really enjoys planing music with her peers. She is in 6 performing ensambles including the JAS street horns, Symphony in the valley and Participates as the drum major in her high school marching band. Outside of school, she works at the rock climbing gym.
Evelyn Cordero is a Junior at Rifle High School, taking IB classes and CMC classes. She was born in Glenwood Springs and lives in Rifle. She is excited to bring STEM to the community of Rifle through Science fairs, as well as learning more about civil engineering or architectural engineering. Outside of school, she loves to read, play her saxophone in band and sing in the choir, as well as hang out with her family, and learning new life skills.
Returns to the Aspen Science Center for her third summer as a Lead Intern Educator, bringing important experience and leadership to the Summer of Science Intern Team. Growing up in the Aspen area, some of Hailey’s favorite classes at Aspen High School were IB Biology, IB Physics, and Astronomy and Meteorology. Those interests led her to major in Astrophysics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she graduated from in 2024. Since graduation, Hailey has been a Temporary Researcher at the University of Colorado, Boulder, studying topics such as rotation curves and dark matter fractions. Hailey is currently applying to PhD programs in Astrophysics, with the goal to study galaxy evolution and formation and dark matter, and the origin, structure, and formation of the universe. Hailey likes all areas of science, especially Astronomy and Physics, and enjoys connecting and fostering a growing love for science within the community.
Returns to the ASC as a Lead Intern Educator, after working with us last summer as an Intern Educator. He just graduated from Aspen High School, where he’s taken a variety of STEM courses and developed a strong interest in engineering and technology. Last summer, he also spent 4 weeks as an Engineering Intern at Bugatti Rimac in Zagreb, Croatia, assisting a mentor in researching and developing thermal systems for EV battery packs and powertrains. While he first discovered his love of science and engineering in his middle school’s FIRST Robotics program, his interests and leadership experiences go far beyond STEM. Three years ago he co-founded the Aspen Indigenous Foundation Support Club where he taught a financial literacy course for Native American students, and in 2023 he co-founded the Unity Soccer Camp, a free kids soccer camp promoting global accessibility to soccer. In addition to English, Luka also speaks Spanish and Croatian. After the summer, Luka will continue pursuing mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.
A rising junior at the University of Alabama, where he is pursuing a Bachelor in Science in Psychology. Originally from Rifle, Oliver has extensive experience working with youth, ranging from his Youth Services Internship at the Rifle Branch Library, to working as a music therapist at two different centers in Alabama. Oliver partially attributes his interest in STEM to attending public events with the ASC through his local library, and he is excited to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for science in a new generation through working with children at ASC’s summer camps and programs. In addition to his STEM and youth skills, Oliver is also proficient in American Sign Language, and in Spanish.
Just graduated from the University of Denver where she majored in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a minor in Philosophy. Originally from the Roaring Fork Valley, she is looking forward to returning this summer to share her love of STEM with children and the public as a Lead Intern Educator for the ASC. While at DU, she founded the Algorithms Club, which regularly saw over 30 students at each meeting! She also tutored her peers in computer science, and elementary students in math, and she mentored high school girls interested in STEM fields through a program called STEMBlazers. She is excited to continue building her teaching skills as a Lead Intern as she goes on to pursue her dream of being a professor, which she’ll begin as she enters a graduate program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, this fall!
A rising 11th grader at Aspen High School; he loves all kinds of science and hands-on tinkering with things, but he is particularly interested in aerospace engineering. His interests were sparked after building a model rocket that could launch, log flight data, and return with a parachute! Since middle school, he has been avidly involved with his school’s Robotics programs; after winning the Coach/Mentor Award at the Colorado FIRST Lego League State Championship for mentoring six FIRST Lego League robotics teams at Aspen Middle School in 2022, he went on to compete as the Lead Engineer for his Robotics Team in the state championships for the following three consecutive years. Jack fondly remembers how ASC programs as a child brought him into this world of science exploration, and he wants to continue that as an ASC Intern, and keep the passion for science going.
A rising 11th grader at Roaring Fork High School, where she has really enjoyed her STEM classes, particularly AP Computer Science Principles. She is actively involved in increasing equitable learning opportunities in her community through her involvement with the RFHS STEM Club, and as a representative on both the RFHS Student Council and Student Equity Club. She is fully bilingual in Spanish and English, and particularly loves using her language skills to translate for students and families at club activities and events. Last summer, Dani volunteered as an assistant Third Grade teacher for the Basalt Elementary Summer Advantage Program, where she helped the students engage in their summer school activities. She is excited to work with kids again this summer as an ASC Intern Educator, helping kids and the public nurture similar passions and curiosities to hers that might spark future STEM careers or hobbies!
Just graduated from Indian Springs School in Pelham, Alabama, where her favorite STEM classes were physics and environmental science. She has worked in previous summers as a swim instructor, where she really enjoyed teaching and working with kids. She will be entering her Freshman year at Clarkson University in the fall, where she plans to study environmental engineering, with the goal of pursuing a career in renewable energy implementation. She is excited to combine her love of STEM with her enjoyment of working with kids as an ASC Intern this summer, and to develop her leadership and communication skills as she works toward her goals of using STEM to address environmental challenges through education and engagement.
A rising 12th grader at Aspen High School, where he is taking rigorous STEM courses such as IB Physics and IB Environmental Systems and Societies. He has always really enjoyed science, and he is looking forward as an ASC Intern to getting kids at ASC’s STEM camps as excited as he got to feel about science at a young age. In addition to his STEM interests, he is a competitive State Champion rugby player, aspiring to play at the college level. He has lots of experience in leadership positions, including serving on the Aspen High School Student Senate as the Class Vice President, and organizing the Ruggerfest Fundraiser, and he plans to combine his love for science, leadership, and entrepreneurship to study environmental engineering and business in college.
A rising 10th/11th grader at Glenwood Springs High School, aspiring to graduate in just three years! Her 9th grade science classes included Biology, IPS Chemistry, and Environmental Science, and she loves how there is so much unknown that is waiting to be discovered in science. She is excited to join the ASC as a Junior Intern for the opportunity to help teach younger kids more about science, and to get them involved so they can see if they enjoy it. She has sought out leadership roles as a volunteer at the New Castle Branch Library, and as a Where Everybody Belongs Leader at Riverside Middle School, leading group activities to foster a positive school climate and culture for incoming 6th graders. She aspires to pursue a path in a medical field, and she is excited about the opportunity to build skills as an ASC Junior Intern to start working toward these goals.
A rising 10th grader at Grand Valley High School, who loves science, particularly biology and anatomy, and is eager to become a neurosurgeon professionally! Nick has won numerous academic and service awards, and enjoys taking on responsibilities and being involved in his community. He loves working with kids and helping them learn about how the world works; as a 7th grader, he participated in his school’s science fair, where he particularly enjoyed showing his experiment to younger kids and seeing how excited they got about science. Nick is excited for the responsibilities he will have as an ASC Junior Intern, and for the new professional experiences he will gain to help him work toward his career goals.
A rising 10th grader at Grand Valley High School, who is deeply interested in science and loves being involved in her community. She has been a very active member of the Grand Valley High School Key Club, doing various service projects in Parachute and Grand Valley, and raising thousands of dollars this year to provide a fishing trip for a child fighting cancer. When not volunteering with the Key Club, she is an enthusiastic teammate on her baseball team. She is looking forward to further developing her leadership and skills, and sharing her love for science with children this summer as an ASC Junior Intern.
A rising 9th grader at Aspen High School, who has always been interested in science, especially space and the ocean, and who is excited to share his love for STEM with the community as an ASC Junior Intern this summer. He recently completed his 8th Grade IB Community Project, in which he worked with the local library, as he wanted to be engaged in an organization that is so integral to the community. A dedicated football player and wrestler, he enjoys working as a team player, and is able to adapt to whatever a problem requires. After being the captain of the 8th grade football team, he is looking forward to developing his leadership skills through assistant-teaching programs and engaging with the public at the Aspen Saturday Market as an ASC Junior Intern.
Desde Parachute hasta Aspen, nos enorgullece servir a las diversas y vibrantes comunidades del valle de Roaring Fork. Nuestros programas llegan a estudiantes de todas las edades y procedencias, reduciendo las brechas en la educación STEM y creando oportunidades para el crecimiento, la curiosidad y la innovación. Ya sea a través de asociaciones escolares, bibliotecas locales o eventos en el vecindario, nos esforzamos por llegar a los estudiantes allí donde están y despertar el amor por la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas. Cada taller, clase y conversación contribuye a una comunidad más fuerte, más conectada y empoderada por las STEM.
Ofrecemos programas STEM a Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt y Rifle.
Fundada en Aspen en 2005 por George Stranahan y un grupo de personas orientadas a la educación STEM.
7255 personas prestaron servicio en las 9 comunidades principales del valle de Roaring Fork.
Promover la comprensión pública de la ciencia a través del descubrimiento, la exploración y la educación de por vida.
El Aspen Science Center será reconocido como la principal organización que promueve y facilita la comprensión pública y la participación en la ciencia en todo el valle de Roaring Fork. Al actualizar esta visión, el Centro de Ciencias de Aspen hará lo siguiente:
Promover el aprendizaje de la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas (STEM) como un componente esencial y complementario de la cultura rica y única que distingue a la comunidad de Aspen.
Sea la entidad STEM de referencia para convocar y colaborar con otras organizaciones científicas, educativas, artísticas, culturales y políticas del área de Aspen.
Proporcione una cartera única de programas, recursos y servicios relacionados con STEM para los diversos residentes y visitantes de Aspen y Roaring Fork Valley.
Mantenga una presencia visible en Aspen, así como en otras comunidades de Roaring Fork Valley, a través de mensajes multimedia regulares y actividades de participación pública que inspiren y eduquen a audiencias de todas las edades, incluidos los jóvenes en edad preescolar y escolar, las familias, los educadores del área y otros adultos.
Construya una empresa sin fines de lucro estratégica, sostenible y en continua mejora que atraiga y retenga una junta directiva sólida, personal talentoso y un apoyo financiero diverso a través de los ingresos obtenidos y aportados.
La ciencia es una herramienta indispensable para entender nuestro mundo, convertirnos en ciudadanos informados y enriquecer la vida de las personas. En el mundo actual, cada ciudadano debe tener una base sólida para comprender y apreciar los conceptos científicos y su papel esencial en el mejoramiento de la humanidad. El Centro de Ciencias de Aspen colabora con otras organizaciones del valle de Roaring Fork, como escuelas, bibliotecas, museos, empresas, institutos y otras entidades artísticas y culturales, para fomentar la investigación, la exploración y la educación, lo que incluye el pensamiento científico y la resolución creativa de problemas.
Si tienes una pregunta, una idea o quieres programar una visita, nos encantaría saber de ti. Ponte en contacto con nosotros y conectémonos. Siempre estamos encantados de charlar sobre STEM, asociaciones o formas de participar.
9:00 A. M. A 5:00 P. M. (MST)
info@aspensciencecenter.org
(970) 236-2360
520 S 3rd St Suite 9, Carbondale, Colorado 81623