Our People
THE BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH EDUCATION CENTER
curiosity meets discovery
At the Biotechnology Outreach Education Center (BOEC), we believe curiosity is the spark that drives discovery. Our mission is to ignite that spark in K–12 teachers and students by creating authentic science experiences that connect classrooms to the cutting-edge research happening at Iowa State University.
Jeanne Serb
Director, Office of Biotechnology
Dr. Serb is the Director of the Office of Biotechnology and leads the advancement of biotech research, education and outreach. She oversees 9 core facilities that offer a range of services, from genomic sequencing to high-resolution microscopy. She also manages an active education and outreach center, which helps to connect researchers with K-12 STEM teachers and students through programming like this RET.
Dr. Serb is also an associate professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology. Her research focuses on the origin and evolution of traits in invertebrate systems,including how genetic and structural changes of light-sensitive proteins have changed how eyes function over time.
Maureen is the program coordinator for the Iowa State University Office of Biotechnology’s Research Experience for Teachers Program (RET). She coordinates efforts with researchers across campus in building their broader impact identity in conjunction with their research focus. She facilitates professional learning for teachers during the summer research experience and maintains a connection with program participants throughout the academic year.
Before her appointment at ISU, Maureen was a chemistry teacher, department leader, administrator, and instructional leader in the Des Moines Public Schools for 22 years. Maureen was a teacher/researcher at Iowa State for eight summers in the Chemical Engineering department, Chemistry department, and the Centerfor Bio-renewables in Chemistry. Maureen received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa and a Masters in Educational Administration from Iowa State University.
Eric is the program coordinator for the Iowa State University Office of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Outreach Education Center (BOEC). He manages K-12 educational programming for the BOEC, including educator professional development workshops, K-12 student learning experiences, and K-12 curriculum material development.
Prior to his appointment at ISU, Eric served as the science education program consultant for the Iowa Department of Education and spent 23 years in the Des Moines Public Schools at Hoover High School. He received a B.A. in biology from Simpson College and an M.A.T. with an emphasis in teacher leadership from Morningside College.
Diana Oberender
Business Administrator
Diana is the business administrator for Iowa State University Office of Biotechnology’s Outreach Education Center (BOEC). She assists in the planning and preparing for the Research Experience for Teachers program (RET), classroom supplies lending and other BEOC outreach programs.
Before her appointment with the Office of Biotechnology, Diana has a background in pre-college outreach after assisting with 5 years of summer programs with the Center for Bio-renewable Chemicals. Diana received her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University.
Want to know more?
To learn more about Biotechnology Outreach Education Center at Iowa State contact us today!