Our Staff

Suzi Taylor is Director of the Science Math Resource Center. She has a long history of leading outreach programs for Montana State University, including serving as MSU lead for Montana NSF EPSCoR's Track 1 projects, and partnering with faculty on programs funded by NASA, USDA, the Department of Energy and other agencies to create outreach projects that support the citizens of Montana. Suzi has a special interest in reaching youth in Montana's smallest and most rural communities. Her favorite projects have included launching a geospatial skills camp for rural Montana youth; working with 40 Montana classrooms as they virtually followed an MSU geology expedition to Mount Everest; and leading a statewide geocaching project tied to the Montana Climate Assessment.

Suzi also serves as executive director of the Montana Science Teachers Association and as co-leader of the Montana Girls STEM Collaborative, a statewide network of adults who collaborate to engage and inspire girls. She also served on the advisory board for The STEM Effect, a National Science Foundation-supported project that examines the long-term impacts of STEM programs for girls.

Jeannie Chipps facilitates professional development at the Science Math Resource Center. As a former high school science teacher and after school science team coach/makerspace director, she enjoys working with teachers to create learning environments that support diverse learners. She has been leading professional development for the Next Generation Science Standards with a focus on environmental chemistry since 2017.

Jeannie completed her Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University in the summer of 2022, with an emphasis in Mind, Brain & Teaching.

Olivia supports several of SMRC’s projects, including the Noyce Master Teaching Fellowship, American Mathematics Competitions, Montana Girls STEM Collaborative, and Quantum Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development. Olivia earned her B.S. in Mathematics and M.S. in Computer Science from MSU.

As a graduate student, her primary research interest was computer science education, with a special focus on qualitative needs assessments for current computer science teachers. Prior to joining the SMRC, Olivia spent time working as an academic mentor for high school math students, teaching developmental math courses, and as a director at Montana Science Center.  

Molly Iversen does outreach work for K-12 students in Montana related to Quantum science with the goal of awareness and workforce development. Major projects include activities related to World Quantum Day, Quantum summer camp, and preservice teacher training. Molly has worked in the world of informal education for many years – and truly enjoys finding creative ways to communicate complex science concepts to a variety of audiences. 

Molly completed her Masters of Science in Science Education and her Bachelors of Science in Geology both at Montana State University. 

Jill oversees the management of several flagship programs at the Science Math Resource Center including the annual Science Olympiad State Tournament, the American Mathematics Competitions, and the Math Circle Summer Camp.  She offers administrative support to programs like the Research Experience for Teachers, STEM Summer Institute, and more.

Jill moved to Montana from Vermont to earn her Civil Engineering degree from Montana State University.  Upon graduation, seeking a hands-on experience rather than an office environment, Jill learned the trades of log building and timber framing; crafting with chainsaws and chisels for nearly a decade in the booming ski town of Big Sky.

As a single Mom of three, Jill launched a STEM children’s program with LEGOs™ and managed a small business in Bozeman.  Jill brings to the SMRC a Jill-of-all-trades approach with talents in marketing, management, team building, hospitality, project development, technical writing, and more.

When not in the SMRC office, she's at the master's alpine ski race circuit, volunteering, or enjoying the vast Montana landscape in her restored vintage camper.

Fenqjen Luo is the Associate Director of the Science Math Resource Center and founder of the Montana Mathematics Circle, a club for aspiring mathematicians in Montana middle and high schools. Fenqjen implemented the American Math Competitions and Math Summer Camps on the MSU campus.

She received her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a faculty member at the MSU Department of Education.

Jack Pearson is a science communication specialist working to document and publicize the work of the Science Math Resource Center. He specifically works on the Applied Quantum Core project to increase public literacy of quantum concepts, Montana State University's quantum research, and educational opportunities for a future quantum workforce.

Jack graduated from MSU's Directed Interdisciplinary Studies degree program in 2022 and was a 2022-23 Fulbright Research Grantee in Jordan, studying the implications of water scarcity on conservation.

Rebecca assists with communications and logistics for SMRC, including its Discovery Research K-12, Noyce Master Teaching Fellowships, and Quantum Education and Workforce Development programs. She holds an M.S. in Plant Biology from Arizona State University and a B.S. in Archaeology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Rebecca contributes diverse experience with a dynamic career spanning non-profit and business administration, the sciences, graphic design, international development, education, and communications. Beyond her work with SMRC, she supports a couple of other MSU units and enjoys climbing, hiking, dancing, and sharing laughter.