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Alec Barron, Ed.D.
Director
Alec Barron is the Director of the UC San Diego Science Project. In previous roles as a K12 science teacher, an instructional coach, and administrator, he led the design of new curricula, professional learning, and instructional coaching to support NGSS implementation. Alec has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Education, a Masters degree in Education, and an Education Doctorate degree. When not getting nerdy with science educators, he can be found on trails in nature exploring phenomena of our natural world.
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John Spiegel
Co-Director
John Spiegel is a 20+ year educator with a passion for science teaching and learning. Since 2013 he has worked closely with teachers, schools, and districts as they implement the Next Generation Science Standards. In addition to being a co-director of the UC San Diego Science Project, he is a Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the San Diego County Office of Education. John has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. When not working directly with educators, he enjoys being in nature, finding and exploring phenomena around him.
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Kristen Wrisley
Curriculum Coordinator
Kristen Wrisley is the Curriculum Coordinator for the UC San Diego Science Project, where she coordinates curriculum development and refinement on projects such as Problem Solve Like an Expert. She brings nine years of experience in a variety of STEM education roles. She is passionate about designing authentic and transformative educational initiatives with an emphasis on engaging, meaningful learning that centers student voice and choice. When not working, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones.
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Nan Renner, Ph.D.
Climate Education Co-Lead
Nan Renner facilitates university and community partnerships to engage public audiences with Scripps Institution of Oceanography science and to advance Birch Aquarium’s mission to understand and protect our ocean planet. Focused efforts include Earth systems, climate, environmental justice, integration of western science with Indigenous ecological knowledge, collaboration and co-design for teacher professional development, public programs, and exhibits. She holds degrees in Art Theory and Practice (BA, Northwestern University) and Cognitive Science (M.S. and Ph.D., University of California San Diego). She enjoys time with family, swimming in the ocean, and camping in wild places.
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Christina Matteson
Communication Coordinator
Christina graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Business Economics. As Communication Coordinator, she turns research into clear, accessible content for K-12 educators and public audiences. She works with researchers, educators, and project leaders to share evidence-based science and help bring it into classrooms.
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Faith Iwanaka
Communication Coordinator
Faith is a senior studying Business Economics and Design at UC San Diego, bringing experience in website design across the healthcare and higher education sectors. At the UC San Diego Science Project, she is focused on redesigning the organization's website to improve navigation and access to educational resources. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, crocheting, and discovering new foods to share on her food account.
Our Team
Meet the educators and researchers behind the UC San Diego Science Project. Our team brings together expertise in science and engineering education, curriculum development, and professional learning to support teachers and students across the region. We serve both San Diego and Imperial County and are a partnership between UC San Diego and the San Diego County Office of Education. The project is housed at UC San Diego CREATE and works collaboratively with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Birch Aquarium.