Faculty

Below are the faculty and staff members of Nova Southeastern University, Nova Blanche Elementary School, and the Alving Sherman Library that make Science Alive possible. 

Emily Schmitt Lavin, Ph.D.
NSU Department of Biological Sciences Department Chair, Professor

​My Name is Dr. Emily Schmitt Lavin (or Dr. Emily when I lead young students) in the joy of scientific discovery through our Science Alive programs. Science Alive is exciting for both the younger students and the more advanced college students. Being able to explain complex science topics in an easy to understand way to younger students really helps college students enjoy their studies even more. Since a young age, I dreamed of becoming a college professor. I earned my Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Miami in 1997 and joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2001.  I now hold the rank of Professor and serve as the Department Chair for the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography.

Aarti Raja, Ph.D.
​NSU Department of Biological Sciences Associate Professor 

Hi! I am Aarti Raja and I am excited to be part of Science Alive. Joining Science Alive and Dr. Emily’s team has been a rewarding experience for me. I enjoy interacting with college students and young children alike as we try to explain scientific concepts together. It is a wonderful learning experience for me as young students ask brilliant questions and keep me on my toes. I come from a family of educators and am proud to have become one myself. I obtained my Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Maryland in 2000 and joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2012.  I now hold the rank of Associate Professor for the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography.

Michele Parsons
Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School, Before and After Care Supervisor 

Hello, my name is Michele Parsons and I am teach and organize the aftercare program at Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School. I have been teaching in Broward County for over 20 years. I have assisted in fostering the relationship between Nova Blanche and the Science Alive program, and believe Science Alive brings a wonderful variety of positive experiences to the students at Nova Blanche.

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Senior Group Leaders

Here are a few of our outstanding Group Leaders! All of these students are looking to pursue careers in science. Below, they detail why they love science, as well as why they love to participate in Science Alive. 

Hanna Stewart
Junior Behavioral Neuroscience/Biology Double Major

Hi, my name is Hanna! I’m currently working on a dual Bachelor Degree of Biological Sciences and Behavioral Neuroscience at Nova Southeastern University, and I plan on entering medical school in the fall of 2020. Until my freshman year of high school, I had absolutely no interest in science. However, I was blessed with an incredible biology teacher and she completely changed my career path. Since then, I have been a huge advocate for science education, and have spent years tutoring high school and college aged students. I started volunteering with Science Alive during my sophomore year of college, it has been a blast ever since. I created the neuroscience subsection of the Science Alive program, and it is a great way to expose children to a unique niche of biology, and helps them learn the many ways that their brains communicate with their body. While some days it may be challenging, it is such a rewarding experience when you see the light bulbs go off while they are having fun. My favorite part about Science Alive is getting to act as a mentor for children who grew up like me, with a negative view of science, and showing them in a relaxed environment just how fun it can be.

Svilen Guenov
Junior Biology Major

Hi, my name is Svilen. My vision is to help people become the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. Currently, I’m working on my Bachelor Degree of Biological Sciences at Nova Southeastern University and I plan on entering a healthcare profession. I started volunteering at Science Alive during my Sophomore year and what I’ve been able to take in from the organization is insurmountable. My Experience with Science Alive has taught me the importance of guiding children and bringing novelty into their education. I have an intent on helping them expand their creativity and creating experiences what will last with them forever. Science Alive has also changed my perspective as a student because when you teach something, you get to learn it twice; it’s truly amazing. I look forward to working with the team members and sharing our knowledge for years to come.

Alexander Martinek
Junior Biology Major

​Science Alive gives me the opportunity to learn how to explain and teach topics I'm studying on a daily basis at an elementary level. I love the idea of exposing STEM topics to elementary school students because I never received such exposure at a young age. I believe it motivates and inspires the children to learn more about the topics they've participated in. Teaching chemistry to elementary school students via Science Alive has been one of my more impactful service experiences. It is been extremely rewarding and I'm looking forward to continuing the fun!

Morgan Will
Junior Marine Biology/Environmental Science Double Major

Hello, my name is Morgan and I am a Senior at NSU, pursuing a double major in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. Science Alive is an amazing program, giving me the opportunity to reach out and engage the community in science. I first became interested in marine science through the Mentoring Young Scientists Program, hosted at the Virginia Aquarium.  As I have continued to pursue my passion for marine sciences, it has been my pleasure to reach out to young students through the Science Alive program, offering more students a similar opportunity to the one I was lucky enough to experience. I look forward to continue working with the Science Alive program, sharing what I have learned so far and inspiring passion in the next group of students. 

Samantha Burgess
Junior Marine Biology/Environmental Science Double Major

Hi, my name is Samantha! I am currently working towards a dual Bachelor Degree of Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University. After I graduate I plan on pursuing a career in Ocean Conservation. I have always struggled with science because I found it to be the most interesting subject but also sometimes the hardest. It wasn’t until high school that I had the most amazing teacher and found my passion for the Ocean and all of the Earth’s natural environments. I am part of Science Alive because I love teaching kids, it gives me hope that if a child can understand why environmental science is so important maybe the rest of the world can too. I believe that kids are the future and I want to help them find science interesting and fun.