Meet The Teachers
Mrs. Brandy Solomon
Teacher, 7th Grade Science Department Leader
Boyertown Middle School East
Hello scientists! My name is Mrs. Brandy Solomon and I am excited to be working with the STEM YEA this summer. I am a graduate of Moravian College, earning a BS in Biology, and Lebanon Valley College, earning a Master of Science Education.
I have taught science for over 20 years, mostly in the Boyertown Area School District, as a seventh-grade science teacher. In addition to teaching, I work with science education companies including Discovery Education and Legends of Learning to help review and develop lessons, labs, and virtual activities for science students K-12.
I love being outdoors whether I am hiking, fishing or traveling with my husband and 3 children. Additionally, I enjoy coaching youth sports, and am often found at the softball field. I look forward to seeing everyone this summer at Kutztown University!
Mr. Steve Rhoades
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning for Grades 5 – 9
Wilson West Middle School
Hello science explorers! My name is Mr. Steve Rhoades and I am looking forward to learning with you. I am a graduate of Kutztown University where I have received a BS in Earth and Space Science and General Science, a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and my K-12 Principal Certification.
I taught science for over 22 years and astronomy was always one of my favorite areas of study. When I am not working with teachers at Wilson, I enjoy spending time with my family playing music, camping, working out, or playing video games. I can't wait to see what we will create together this summer!
Mr. Adam Molis
Seventh Grade Science Teacher
Wilson School District
Hello science explorers! My name is Mr. Adam Molis and I can't wait to be joining you on this learning adventure. I graduated from Kutztown University where I received a BS in Elementary Education with a focus in Science and went on to complete my qualifications in math and science education for 7-12 grade.
I began teaching 5th grade science and math in South West Philadelphia. I am currently in my twelfth year of teaching with the Wilson School District in West Lawn as a seventh grade science teacher.
Besides science, my other passions are spending time with my wife Melissa and five year old daughter Grace. We love our time outside camping, hiking, fishing, woodworking, and tending to our chickens and turkeys. I eagerly await our chance to meet and learn some awesome science together this summer!
Mr. Shawn Foster
Teacher, 5th Grade
East Penn School District
Hello, science enthusiasts! My name is Shawn Foster, and I am looking forward to working with the rotary this summer. Before receiving my teaching degree, I worked as the East coast representative for a laser light show company, conducting educational assemblies at schools from Maine to South Carolina. I currently hold my Master’s Degree, focusing on teaching English as a second language. I am highly excited about STEM, having taught math and science in 4th and 5th grades for the past nine years, being certified to teach math K-12.
In my free time, I read comics, play video games, garden, and spend time with my five four-legged “children.” I am highly anticipating exploring STEM, science, and space with you all this summer!
Ruth DeLong
First Grade Teacher
Willow Lane Elementary School
Hello Scientists!
My name is Ruthie DeLong, and I am thrilled to be part of the STEM YEA team this year! I have been teaching Elementary School in East Penn for the past 18 years. I LOVE doing STEM projects with my classes and used to run an after-school STEM program for 5th graders.
I have 2 teenage boys of my own and a 1-year-old golden retriever. I love being outside and spend a lot of time in the summer kayaking and helping my parents at their farm. I am excited to meet you this summer and see what we can accomplish together!
Meet the Interns
Conlan Gilmor
My name is Conlan Gilmor and I am going to be a 4-8 math teacher. I am studying at King's College where I am at my 4th year and going to get my master's as well.
My favorite hobbies are to play soccer and relax in the sun. I enjoy teaching and have enjoyed my observations while I have been studying at my campus. I am excited to start teaching at the camp!
Lauren Murphy
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Graduate
My name is Lauren Murphy. I recently graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor's degree in astrophysics where I had the opportunity to be part of the discovery of four exoplanets.
I am currently working with a research group that studies Algol-type interacting star systems. Besides astronomy I enjoy spending time in nature, and creating art.
Aditi Mangal
Greetings, future STEM leaders! My name is Aditi Mangal, and I am excited to work with all of you and the talented team that makes STEM YEA possible.
I currently attend Drexel University, studying biological sciences with provisional acceptance into DUCOM. I'm deeply passionate about selfless service and leadership, values that align with those of Rotary. I also love STEM greatly, hence I have chosen to pursue it in my professional life.
I was born and raised in Phoenixville, PA. I have graduated from Spring-Ford High School, where I was the Student Representative to the School Board, representing the voices of nearly 12,000 students throughout the district in board meetings. I also founded my Non-Profit during my time as a student there, connecting students who were interested in the sciences with one another, providing tutoring to underprivileged students. Over the last four years, I have been actively tutoring students in the sciences and serve as a mentor to budding high school seniors.
I look forward to bringing this experience to the Academy and seeing you all in July!
Skye Scarlett
My name is Skye Scarlett and I am a rising Junior at Cornell University studying Materials Science and Engineering. Although I am majoring in materials sciences, I have a passion for physics and astronomy and am excited to share my love of the universe.
I also love drawing and painting when I have spare time. I am a fencer and I teach students to fence at Cornell’s recreational fencing club. I also started the Souderton Area Fencing Club during my time at Souderton Area High School. I love teaching and am so excited to be in this year’s STEM YEA camp!
Michael Lafferty
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Graduate
Hi! My name is Michael Lafferty and I recently graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics.
I was lucky enough to be part of two separate research groups at Kutztown, one working within the field of quantum scattering and the other working in nanoscale heat transfer. In August I’ll start at The University of Virginia to continue working in nanoscale heat transfer while pursuing a PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Aside from the nerd stuff, I also really enjoy trying my hand at fixing any kind of broken machine and hanging out with my dog, Cooper.