Meet the People Behind Kansas Corn STEM!

The Kansas Corn STEM team works for Kansas corn farmers who support our program, providing Kansas Corn STEM curriculum, materials and workshops to Kansas K-12 teachers. From developing lessons and labs with the help of our teacher advisory board—to ordering, assembling and delivering materials to teachers across the state, our Kansas Corn STEM staff is dedicated to supporting STEM learning through the lens of corn and agriculture! See our listing below showing the Kansas Corn staff that make up the Education Department.

 

Kansas Corn STEM Staff

Our Kansas Corn STEM works hard to bring free ag-based lessons to Kansas classrooms. Click on a staff member to see their bio.

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    Sharon Thielen, PhD Director of Education
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    Sharon Thielen Ph.D. is the Director of Education. Previously, she was Assistant Dean for K-State’s College of Agriculture for seven years and has over 14 years of experience in higher education focused on agriculture and education. She received three degrees from K-State: Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness and Master’s and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. As a Kansas farmer and rancher, she is passionate about agriculture and the opportunities it provides to youth as well as helping educators add agriculture lessons in the classroom.

    Sharon Corn Breakout PD

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    Erin Rios Assistant Director of Education
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    Erin Rios serves as Assistant Director of Education. Prior to joining the Kansas Corn staff, she worked for American Eagle Outfitters DC as a Human Resources Generalist for seven years where she managed event planning and leave management. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Emporia State University in 2006. Erin loves being “Santa” to teachers. Erin manages the Kansas Corn STEM program from the Garnett office, coordinates workshops and the ordering and distribution of classroom supplies to educators around the state.

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    Johnna Rios Education Coordinator
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    Johnna Rios is the Education Coordinator.  In this role she manages the preparation of totes for workshops, puts together printed materials, fills elementary kits and helps with distribution of supplies.  She has an associate degree of Social Sciences from Allen County Community College and a bachelor’s degree of Integrated Studies from Emporia State University.  Johnna enjoys knowing she is part of a growing education program that is a making a difference in today’s Kansas schools.