Our Team
Science United Project is a Civic Non-Profit Company registered in Greece, co-Founded by professor of science education Erika Gillette, EdD and science educator Katerina Tsikalaki, MScEd. With the guidance and support of a small team of dedicated volunteer teachers, engineers, researchers and designers from around the world, SUP is an initiative with an important impact for displaced students and their teachers.
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Erika Gillette, Co-Founder & Director
Erika Gillette is the Cofounder of Science United Project (SUP). She is a science educator with 10 years of STEM teaching experience and an EdD in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Erika started SUP in 2017 and developed easy to use kits, curriculum, and professional development materials for educators who work with displaced students. She is also the Cofounder of HYPOTHEkids, a STEM program in Harlem, NY. She believes that through science, displaced students around the world can develop science skills and a passion for science that will support them in being global science citizens. |
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Katerina Tsikalaki, Co-Founder & Lead Teacher
Katerina Tsikalaki, Co-Founder and Lead Teacher of Science United Project, is a biologist and a science educator holding a Master’s in Education and has been working in non-formal science education and science communication for 13 years. The past 4 years, Katerina has been focusing on refugee science education, having taught Science, STEM and Mathematics in refugee accommodation sites and community centers, participating in the production of science education material for refugee students, and leading teacher seminars. She believes that science literacy is an important skill that all children should have equal access to.
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Alexandra Gkosiou, Educational Work Team Leader
Alexandra Gkosiou is a Physicist and has a Master’s degree in Robotics, STEAM and New Technologies in Education. She was a private tutor in science for a decade and the past year was a non-formal education teacher in math and science for refugee children in Camp Serres. Through this year Alexandra was the lead teacher of the S.S.S.T(Serres Super Science Team) for the 2022 Science United Festival. Alexandra believes that education is the most useful tool in a person’s life. As an educator she hopes to help as many people as she can to get a fair and multi-faced education.
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Desiree Halpern, Program Specialist Desiree Halpern has been working with Science United Project since 2017. Over the years, she has piloted science kits, collected data, assisted and translated for children, and provided technical and communications expertise. She holds a master’s degree in International Educational Development and currently works for an international nonprofit serving refugees. Desiree is excited to be on the communications team for Science United Festival, which she hopes will bring joy and unity through science to children all over the world.
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Brian Gillette, Lead Engineer
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Layhing Siu Munro, Advisor
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Ashwin Chandra, Program Specialist Ashwin Chandra believes in harmony and equality for all. He joined Science United inspired by the mission of delivering science education and teacher training to displaced students and their teachers. He is a lifelong learner himself, believes access to education is paramount for society to grow. He had previously helped create holistic curriculums and facilitate experiential learning programs which took students through journeys across sacred rivers in India. He holds a degree in biotechnology engineering and is passionate about all things design. |
