Jennifer Hadley, our Director of Operations, traces her interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to a childhood of building, tinkering, and fixing things with her father, an engineer. These early experiences sparked an interest in STEM, and propelled her to design and complete Science Fair projects throughout middle and high school. Jennifer’s participation in these events ignited an interest in Science Fair, which she draws on daily in her work with the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS).
Jennifer greets volunteers at the 2023 Minnesota State Science Fair with her husband, Dustin (who is frequently found lending a hand at MAS events).
Jennifer’s experiences in Science Fair as a student fostered a love for hands-on field work and experiments, and she decided to pursue a STEM degree in college. After graduating with a degree in Ecology and Environmental Science, she worked as a research scientist and environmental consultant, conducting ecological field surveys and using this information to inform decisions about natural resource management in the southwestern United States.
Jennifer presenting her biology research at a previous position in New Mexico.
Later, she coordinated education programs for The Fractal Foundation, a nonprofit that uses the beauty of fractals to inspire interest in science, math and art. She also served as a researcher at the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program, where she coordinated ecology and hydrology data collections, working alongside K-12 students and their teachers along the Rio Grande.
Cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Photo: Jennifer Hadley
In her current role at MAS, Jennifer combines data management skills with an excitement for STEM learning that has been a part of her life since childhood. Jennifer’s coordination of MAS volunteers is crucial to our success, bringing critical support to our events from Minnesotans who are just as passionate about STEM as she is. Jennifer is motivated by passing on her lifelong love of STEM to Minnesota students, and says that “one of my favorite parts about working for MAS is knowing I am helping foster the next generation of STEM students!”
Jennifer shares her love of STEM with 2023 Minnesota State Fair attendees alongside Linnea, a member of our Minnesota Junior Academy of Science.
