Joy Kubarek, Ph.D. - Co-founder and Partner

Joy (she/her) also brings more than 20 years of experience in science and environmental education. She holds a B.S. in Biology (University of Minnesota Twin Cities), an M.Ed. in Environmental Education (University of Minnesota Duluth), and a Ph.D. in Science Education (Illinois Institute of Technology). Joy has spent a considerable amount of time training, coaching, and supporting the work of K-12 and environmental educators, including serving as adjunct faculty teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at numerous universities, including Tufts University and Antioch University New England. She established a department dedicated to the evaluation and research of learning programs at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, and has facilitated evaluation capacity building with science and environmental learning organizations across the U.S. Joy has served on a number of professional organizations including the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and the Association for Zoos and Aquariums. She has presented nationally and internationally about research in informal science education.

What I love about research and evaluation?

Using evidence-based practices to provide exceptional learning experiences.

When I was younger I was pretty sure I’d be a ___ when I grew up?

Pediatrician - I loved working with kids but funneled that energy into understanding how to get them excited about science and the environment instead.

Brian Johnson, Ph.D. - Co-founder and Partner

Brian (he/him) has been working in environmental and science education for two decades. He holds a B.S. in Journalism (Northwestern University), an M.S. in Environmental Education (Lesley University), and a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies (Antioch University New England). He is the former Director of Educational Research and Evaluation at the Wildlife Conservation Society, where he established a research and evaluation unit at the WCS zoos and aquarium in New York City. He directed evaluations of informal learning programs for schools and families, as well as exhibit evaluations. He also co-led a long-term research study focused on STEM learning outcomes for New York City youth. Additionally, Brian has managed local environmental education programs at an urban nature center in New York City’s Prospect Park and national conservation education programs for Botanic Gardens Conservation International, a worldwide network of public gardens.

3 things I know a lot about and bring to my work?

1. Communicating evaluation findings clearly. (Once upon a time, I was a journalist.) 2. Both traditional (Who doesn't love a good survey?) and non-traditional evaluation methods. 3. Understanding the day-to-day realities of working in informal and formal science and conservation learning organizations.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me...

Baking, walking my dog, reading (mostly fiction), and lately playing kickball.

Amanda Lindell, Ph.D. - Senior Researcher

Amanda (she/her) is a former high school science teacher and has worked in informal and formal science education for almost 20 years. She holds a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology (University of Miami), an M.S. in Secondary Science Education (CUNY - Lehman College), and a Ph.D. in Science and Agricultural Education (University of California, Davis). Previously, she oversaw teacher professional development, youth programming, and in-park interpretation at the Wildlife Conservation Society, which oversees four zoos and an aquarium in New York City. She recently completed her doctoral research focused on urban environmental education for middle and high school youth. Additionally, Amanda has supported science education research in K-12 settings in California.

3 things I know a lot about and bring to my work?

1. Urban sites of environmental learning. 2. Youth Identity Development. 3. Survey Development.

When I was younger I was pretty sure I’d be a ___ when I grew up.

Marine Biologist.

DeDee Ludwig-Palit, M.S., M.Ed. - Researcher

DeDee has worked at the intersection of informal learning, science, and communication for over 25 years. She is a Ph.D. student in Technical Communication (Texas Tech University) studying the application of user-centered design within the context of informal learning environments. She also holds an M.S. in User Experience (Arizona State University), an M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies (DePaul University), a B.A. in Anthropology and Communications (Purdue University), and a graduate certificate in Technical Communication (Arizona State University). Previously she ran DeDee Ludwig Consulting, LLC where she specialized in services related to evaluation, user experience research, and digital learning. DeDee is the former Vice President of Public Engagement at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation where she established an organizational division that included a portfolio of public-facing departments, including education, tours, and special events. She has also held leadership roles in the education departments of the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.

What I love about research and evaluation?

Using data to improve the effectiveness of informal learning experiences.

When I was younger I was pretty sure I’d be a ___ when I grew up.

A curator of anthropology

Nick Visscher, M.S.

Nick is the Principal Owner of Spotlight Impact Data Design, an independent design consultancy based in Seattle, Washington. His greatest professional joy is helping organizations transform their data into visual stories through more effective data visualization, report, and presentation design. He has nearly 20 years of interdisciplinary experience working in cultural organizations like museums, zoos, aquariums, and in higher education. Nick is excited to be working with the Inform team in helping to craft beautiful and engaging visual reporting products for their clients and collaborators! For design services and contacts check out Spotlight Impact or Follow Nick over on YouTube where he shares data design tips, tricks, and tutorials.