Summer Challenge - Meet the Staff
Faculty
Peter Donaldson (Salmon Nation Generation)
Peter Donaldson is a master storyteller, educator, and community organizer who tours the Pacific
Northwest in two one-man shows: "Leonardo da Vinci," and "Salmonpeople." Mr. Donaldson's "Leonardo"
was recently staged at the State Theater in Olympia. He received the national award for Youth Theater
Director of the Year from the American Alliance for Theater and Education in 1991, and has over 25
years experience as a curriculum designer and teacher of teachers, creating numerous public school
partnerships integrating history, science, economics and civics through theater, dance, drawing, and
writing. For more information about Peter, visit
his website.
Jeramy Gee (The Meaning of Life)
Jeramy Gee is a third year graduate student in the University of Washington's Philosophy department
where he is looking for a dissertation topic. Jeramy's philosophical interests lie primarily in
ethics, ancient philosophy, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion. His other interests
include all things outdoors, bow-making and archery, boxing, and medieval European martial systems.
No stranger to education, Jeramy previously taught high school Biology and General Science and he
is also an instructor at Sylvan Learning Center. This is his second year teaching for Summer
Challenge.
Ana Larson (The Physics of Roller Coasters)
Ana Larson is a co-instructor for the Physics of Roller Coasters class. She has a B.S. in Physics
and Astronomy from the University of Washington and a PhD in Physics from the University of
Victoria. Ana is currently teaching Astronomy at the University of Washington.
Brian Mattern (The Physics of Sports)
Brian Mattern graduated from the University of Texas with Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics
and Mathematics in 2004. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics and teaching introductory physics
labs and tutorial sessions at the University of Washington.
Jared Nance (The Physics of Sports)
Jared Nance is a 1st year graduate student in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the
University of Washington where he is studying experimental Nuclear Physics. Born and raised in Topeka,
Kansas, he has a BS in Physics from Beloit College in Wisconsin, and has studied Physics at two
national laboratories and two major research universities. Jared is very interested in how people
learn physics, and has taught several levels of Physics and Mathematics to pupils of all ages.
Charlene Short (Energy)
Mrs. Short teaches 8th Grade Science and Tech at Tolt Middle School in Carnation, WA. She has 14
years of teaching experience, specializing in Earth and Physical Sciences.
Teaching Assistants
TA bios will be available online in June 2008.
Staff
Dr. Maren Halvorsen is the Associate Director for Bridge Programs, as well as the Principal of summer programs and the History instructor for the Transition School/Early Entrance Program. She also administers the UW Academy's Jump-Start Program. Dr. Halvorsen received her Ph.D. in History from the University of Washington in 2002 with a focus on Early Modern Europe, with special interest in medieval and early modern spirituality. She has taught numerous courses for the UW Department of History, ranging from freshmen general education classes to advanced senior seminars. She joined the Robinson Center in 1990.
Carol Hayes is the Program Coordinator for Transition School, the Washington Search for Young Scholars, and Summer Programs. She joined the Robinson Center in May 2007, coming from the Registrar's Office here at UW, and having previously worked for 15 years in the K-12 system and at Oregon State University.