Roxanne Greitz Miller is Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Education Director of the STAR (Science Teaching and Research) Institute at Chapman University. A former secondary science teacher, Dr. Miller has always been interested and active in researching the role of language and literacy in the construction of science knowledge, the transference of science inquiry skills to other subject areas, and pre-service teacher education and teacher professional development. Dr. Miller has served as Principal Investigator on over $3 million in grant projects with teachers in southern California public schools, and will coordinate all Project SMART activities and participate in teacher professional development.

Frank Frisch is Professor of Biological Sciences and Scientific Director of the STAR (Science Teaching and Research) Institute at Chapman University. Dr. Frisch has worked in various capacities with Orange County schools and science teachers since 1982. His area of scientific expertise is in comparative anatomy and physiology, and will work with Project SMART teachers on life science, mathematics, and technology. Dr. Frisch has been featured by the National Geographic channel as a science commentator for such shows as The Science of Superman and SpiderMan Tech.

Kimberly White-Smith is Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Chapman University. A former elementary school teacher in urban schools, Dr. White-Smith has extensive experience in teacher professional development through her projects at Teachers College Columbia University, University of Southern California, and California State University Dominguez Hills. Dr. White-Smith lends her expertise in integrated curriculum design and instruction, as well as exemplary professional development practices, to Project SMART.

Kelley Barrett is Curriculum Specialist for Anaheim City School District and focuses on science, environmental science, and literacy. Prior to working at the district level, she was a vice principal and classroom teacher for several years, spending five years teaching primary grades. Ms. Barrett’s Project SMART responsibilities will be to coordinate all of the school district’s activities, recruit teachers, arrange for substitute coverage for PD activities that occur during the school year, and assist the Chapman faculty team and other consultants to deliver content and pedagogy instruction that is appropriate for primary students, connected to the Preschool Learning Foundations, and grounded in techniques that will complement the district’s other programs. Ms. Barrett will visit project classrooms to observe implementation during the regular school year, and also assist in scheduling Teachers on Special Assignment that participate in the Project to visit classrooms and provide coaching to teachers as well.

Christopher Kim is Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences at Chapman University and specializes in earth science and environmental science. Dr. Kim has worked with teachers in our local area through the California Math-Science Partnership grants program and will be working with Project SMART teachers to develop their knowledge of earth science, earth processes, and environmental issues.

Chrisi Hughey is Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences at Chapman University and specializes in chemistry. Dr. Hughey has worked with local teachers as a part of the California Math-Science Partnership grants and will be working with Project SMART teachers to develop their knowledge of chemistry and scientific experimentation.

Fred Caporaso is Professor of Physical Sciences at Chapman University and formerly Professor and Chairman of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Dr. Caporaso has worked with local teachers and with future teachers during the university coursework for over twenty-five years. In addition to his specialization in food science and nutrition, Dr. Caporaso also works in animal science. He is a frequent visitor to the Galapagos Islands and maintains a collection of exotic tortoises at Chapman. Dr. Caporaso will work with teachers in Project SMART to develop their understanding of biodiversity, adaptation, and evolution.

Robert Calfee is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at University of California Riverside’s Graduate School of Education and Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. Dr. Calfee is a cognitive psychologist with interests in the effect of schooling on the intellectual potential of individuals and groups. He has studied literacy assessment, effective instructional practices for helping all students become competent readers and writers, and methods for assisting schools to become learning communities. He is a frequent invited speaker at conferences across the country, and author of over 200 published research articles and numerous books in the fields of education and psychology. Dr. Calfee will lead the research and evaluation team for Project SMART.

Jason Keller is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Chapman University. His research focuses on how ecosystems (in particular wetlands) function in the natural world. Dr. Keller works with Project SMART teachers to develop their knowledge of biological sciences, plant ecology, and environmental issues.