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.
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!