LEADERSHIP
After doing biological research for over a decade and teaching in Nashville public middle schools for 3+ years, Matt left his position as a postdoc at Vanderbilt's Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach in February 2021 to focus on GP full time.
Matt Wilkins, PhD
Founder, CEO
A scientist, teacher, writer, and pusher of boulders. Matt wants to live in a world where critical thinking and curiosity are as essential as breathing. Enjoys rock climbing, wildlife photography, and doing silly voices.
PRODUCT TEAM
Our multitalented group of contractors and volunteers includes scientists, artists, communicators, and education experts who are responsible for bringing each Galactic Polymath lesson to life.
Stephanie Castillo
DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST
A PhD candidate in science communication, award winning video producer,and previous Jackson Wild Media Lab Fellow. Stephanie is also founder of Phuture Doctors—a media company showcasing diverse voices in STEM.
Aarati Asundi, PhD
Video Creator
A scientist, entrepreneur, and storyteller. From biology to climate change, she loves learning about the latest scientific research and sharing it with the world.
Jayme Dyer, PhD
VIDEO CREATOR
A biology educator and science communicator, Jayme says Wow a lot(especially about science!) and works to help others do the same.
Caitlin Friesen
Learning Multimedia Artist
A biologist, scientist, educator, artist, and cyclist in constant pursuit of making things a little bit better. She loves learning, creating, and being outdoors!
DEV TEAM
The talented (mostly volunteer) group building and maintaining our site, as well as a growing variety of publishing and teaching tools. Fluent in React.js, SASS, CSS, HTML, R and other languages.
Kenzie Bottoms
Lead Developer, GP Publishing Workflow
A problem solver who codes, makes art, and roller skates, Kenzie is trying to pay it forward and delighted to work with such kind, talented people in the process.
Leigha Robinson
Lead Developer, JobViz
A Software Developer with a love of music, gardening, and using technology to make the world a better place. Leigha deeply believes in TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More!
Patrick Cheng
Lesson Plan UI/UX Lead
An earnest problem solver that loves to break things down and build things up. Loves food, beer, and communing with the great outdoors.
ALUMNI
We wouldn't be here without the hard work of these amazing folks!
Elaine Perignat, PhD
Education Specialist
A spirited over-thinker with genuine enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Elaine loves to paint, create, build, and play if it means getting her hands dirty. Literally.
Carver Lee, MSc
Graphic Design + Marketing Lead
A geologist, sailor, teacher, and designer all rolled into one, Carver believes that learning and creating are always the way forward.
Maria Brock
Front End Web Developer
A Software Developer who loves problem solving, puzzles, and art. Fan of gaming, learning, and crocheting adorable, nerdy things. Powered by coffee.
Castle Crawford
Front End Web Developer
A food fanatic, day hiker, video game vanquisher, Corgi lover, and Software Developer. Loves being part of a team focused on making a difference.
Tyler Lemburg, MSc
Previous Lead Developer, JobViz
A Senior Software Engineer working remotely for Cognito. Tyler built the first iteration of JobViz. He has worked for several nonprofits as a web developer and recently earned a Masters in Climatology.
Arda Turkmen
Back End Developer
Arda is a senior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. He was key in developing our early website in 2019-2020 using Node.JS, React, and SQL managed through AWS.
PARTNERS
The amazing organizations we work with to generate high quality multimedia, develop new education tools, and improve access to STEM careers for underserved communities.
STEM Advocacy Institute
Nonprofit Partner
As an SAI Affiliate, we are working together to tell the stories of scientists and STEM professionals, and connect with underserved audiences.
PhutureDoctors
Multimedia Partner
Galactic Polymath and Phuture Doctors are both committed to amplifying diverse voices in STEM and nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in everyone.
OneZoom
Nonprofit Partner
This UK-based nonprofit offers a tool for exploring the evolutionary connections between over 2 million species using a Google Earth-like interface! We are working to make this incredible tool accessible for young students and incorporating it into our biology lessons.