Staff
We have an amazing team at the Center for STEM Excellence who is excited to serve Maryland's K-12 students and teachers!
Dr. Mary Stapleton, Director
Dr. Mary Stapleton is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 20 years of experience in informal STEM education and program management. As Director of Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence, she leads innovative K–12 education and outreach initiatives that inspire students and support educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her expertise includes developing learner-centered programming, mentoring educators and interns, and securing external funding—having successfully obtained more than $2 million in grants to advance STEM. Dr. Stapleton earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Queen’s University and brings extensive experience in molecular ecology research. She integrates her scientific background into her work, effectively bridging the gap between research and education. Her scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications spanning topics such as molecular genetics and climate literacy. A committed advocate for diversity and equity in STEM, Dr. Stapleton has served in leadership roles on university task forces and nat
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Yvonne Eder, Administrative Assistant
Yvonne serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Center for STEM Outreach Program within Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications from the University of Baltimore and recently earned her Master of Arts in Integrated Design. With over 15 years of experience in higher education—including a decade at Towson University—Yvonne brings a strong background in design and photography to her role. She supports departmental branding initiatives, manages social media, and helps oversee the operations of the Equipment Loaner Lab and SciTech programs. Passionate about creative collaboration, Yvonne works with fellow designers to develop branding strategies, prototype logo designs, and enhance website experiences for grassroots nonprofits in the Baltimore area.
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Mr. Henry O. Jackson, Laboratory Technician
Mr. Jackson serves as a Laboratory Technician at Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence. A Baltimore native, he attended Fork Union Military Academy before pursuing higher education at Lincoln University, where he studied Pre-Medicine. He later completed his education at the Biotechnology Institute of Maryland. Prior to joining Towson University, Mr. Jackson spent over 20 years working in finance, with experience in investment banking, private placement services, and professional money management. In March 2008, he transitioned to higher education and became a valued member of the Center for STEM Excellence team. In his current role, Mr. Jackson is responsible for laboratory setup and maintenance, solution preparation, reagent testing, and equipment repair. He also coordinates the preparation and distribution of Maryland Loaner Lab kits and assists with the setup of SciTech lab activities.
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Ms. Debra Phillips, Laboratory Assistant
Ms. Phillips serves as a Laboratory Assistant at Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence. A lifelong Baltimore native, she attended Morgan State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Business. Ms. Phillips brings over 35 years of experience in the customer service industry, where she managed all aspects of food service operations ranging from fast food establishments to fine dining restaurants. She later expanded her skill set by attending the Biotechnology Institute of Maryland (BTI), where she gained the technical training necessary for a successful transition into the biotechnology field. In her current role, Ms. Phillips is responsible for preparing and distributing Maryland Loaner Lab kits, maintaining laboratory spaces, preparing solutions, assisting with SciTech lab setup, and managing spreadsheet-based record keeping.
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Kara Berger, Education and Outreach Specialist
Kara serves as an Education and Outreach Specialist for Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Studies, with a concentration in Informal Environmental Education, and her Master of Education in Secondary Education from Towson University. Prior to joining the Center, Kara worked for a Baltimore-based nonprofit, where she engaged youth in environmental and outdoor education through after-school programs, summer initiatives, service learning opportunities, and volunteer experiences. In her current role, Kara facilitates professional development programs, manages the Equipment Loaner Lab program, and serves as an instructor for the SciTech Student Learning Lab. She is passionate about helping students explore the world around them and is committed to making science education accessible and engaging for all learners.
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Annemarie McDonald, Education and Outreach Specialist
Annemarie serves as an Education and Outreach Specialist at Towson University’s Center for STEM Excellence. Prior to joining Towson, she worked as a first-grade teacher in the Chicago Public Schools system and as an informal science educator in a museum setting. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Spanish from Northwestern University and her Master of Science in Conservation Ecology from the University of Michigan, where she also conducted research in mathematics education. In her role at the Center for STEM Excellence, Annemarie is responsible for scheduling and teaching SciTech labs, assisting with the Equipment Loaner Lab program, and providing professional development opportunities for science teachers across Maryland.
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