Project Leadership

Ruth Krumhansl

Principal Investigator

Principal Scientist and Founder of EDC’s Oceans of Data Institute, Krumhansl leads research that is advancing the field’s knowledge of how students learn to work with data and is drawing upon findings to design innovative instructional resources that help teachers foster students’ data literacy. Before joining EDC, Krumhansl was a high school science teacher and department coordinator, a chief scientist and senior project manager in environmental consulting on Superfund sites, and a petroleum exploration geologist. Her career in applied science immersed her in the search for patterns in complex geospatial data, providing a foundation for her current interest and work in preparing students to live in a data-intensive world.

Randy Kochevar

Principal Investigator

Managing Project Director and Director of EDC’s Oceans of Data Institute, Kochevar leads a team that is working to transform K-16 science education to support students' entry into a world of big data through instructional design, research, and strategic partnerships with education and industry leaders. A marine biologist, he brings passion for science and conservation—as well as a proven ability to make complex scientific concepts engaging and comprehensible for diverse audiences—to his research and development of innovative online educational resources for teachers, students, and the public.

Cheryl Peach

Principal Investigator

Director, Scripps Educational Alliances at U.C. San Diego and Program Scientist at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Peach is focused on supporting the interplay between science and education at Scripps, specifically spearheading new initiatives and partnerships in outreach and education, as well as incorporating aspects of Scripps research activities into high quality education and outreach programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Erin Bardar

Co-Principal Investigator, Project Director and Curriculum Lead for Ocean Tracks: College Edition

Bardar led the development of curriculum modules for undergraduate students. She brings 10 years of experience in Earth and space science curriculum development, teacher professional development, and education research to her work with the Oceans of Data Institute.

Kira Krumhansl

Co-Principal Investigator, Science Coordinator and Curriculum Developer for both Phase 1 and Ocean Tracks: College Edition

A marine biologist, Krumhansl acts as a bridge between scientists and educators. Her work on Ocean Tracks has involved development of curriculum modules for both high school and undergraduate students as well as research and dissemination.

Josephine Louie

Co-Principal Investigator, Phase 1, Research lead and Project Director, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

A Research Scientist at EDC, Louie has extensive experience conducting research in education and social science, with a background in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Jackie DeLisi

Co-Principal Investigator, Phase 1, Research lead

A Research Scientist at EDC, DeLisi brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education as both a researcher and a practitioner. Her primary research interests include understanding the intersections between school organizations, pedagogy, and students’ adoption of scientific and engineering practices.