OUR MISSION
The mission of STEM in Action is to engage and inspire future innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs through high-quality STEM-based immersive academies and field opportunities. We work to bridge educational gaps, connecting industry partners to K12 schools to shape the future STEM workforce through strategic initiatives supporting STEM career pathways both military and civilian.
JROTC STEM Leadership Academy
The JROTC STEM Leadership Academy equips high school cadets with hands-on STEM design challenges and leadership experiences directly connecting them to real-world military and civilian career opportunities. The Academy builds teamwork, leadership, and 21st-century skills, preparing JROTC cadets to contribute to the nation’s STEM workforce. Link to the 2024 Program Wide Cadet Report HERE.
Julie Cwikla, PhD
CEO and T.W. Bennett Distinguished Professor
Dr. Cwikla, as CEO and T.W. Bennett Distinguished Professor, has led over $30 million in STEM education research and programming, creating immersive opportunities for K-20 students, educators, and families across the nation. Her work spans research on JROTC cadet learning and STEM career pathways, professional development for mathematics faculty, out-of-school STEM initiatives, classroom technology integration, interdisciplinary STEM/STEAM curricula, and NASA-funded studies on algae cultivation for Mars.
Her mission is to secure transformative funding that advances STEM learning nationally and internationally. Dr. Cwikla holds degress in mathematics, chemistry, applied matheamatics and mathmatics education. She’s earned research support from the National Science Foundation, NASA, DoD STEM, the U.S. Department of Education, and more. Dr. Cwikla is the author of two books, over 50 journal publications, and has delivered hundreds of presentations worldwide.
CORE Program Elements
RESEARCH-DRIVEN APPROACH
Investigate questions of national and international significance in STEM education
Bring research funds into regions to improve STEM learning opportunities
Design transformative educational programs that enhance learning at all levels
Build partnerships that work collaboratively to illuminate STEM career pathways both military and civilian
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Develop community and industry relationships that support STEM learning opportunities
Create engaging STEM learning experiences for all
Develop interdisciplinary programs that inspire future innovators
Support educational development through cutting-edge research and technology
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
Out-of-school STEM programs for students, teachers and military cadre
Interdisciplinary curriculum development and design for in-school exploration
Support for emerging STEM professionals, illuminating access points and career opportunities
Professional learning for educators and students on location through internships and STEM research experiences
STEM in Action Board Members
STEM in Action’s Board reflects the broad reach and impact of our programs, uniting leaders from all areas of the STEM community. Our board includes flag officers, accomplished scientists, skilled engineers, dedicated educators, and public relations experts, each offering distinct perspectives and expertise. This wealth of knowledge shapes our strategy with real-world experience and a shared passion for advancing education, fueling our mission to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.
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Vice Admiral John “Jay” Donnelly, U.S. Navy, (Ret.) is formerly corporate vice president of advanced technologies for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) where he was responsible for coordinating Independent Research and Development (IRAD) priorities and technology development. He retired from this position in July 2020.
Donnelly served 35 years in the United States Navy. A submarine officer by training, his commanding officer assignments included USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) and USS McKee (AS 41). Selected to flag rank in 2000, he served as Commander, Submarine Group SEVEN in Yokosuka, Japan and Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. His final assignment was as Commander, Submarine Forces, responsible for establishing force-wide strategies on core submarine issues such as force structure, budgetary requirements and manpower. After retiring from the Navy, Donnelly initially served as vice president with the advanced technologies group of Oceaneering International, Inc. before moving to Huntington Ingalls Industries, the nation’s largest shipbuilder.
A native of Groton, Connecticut and a second-generation submarine officer, he was a physics major and distinguished graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1975. He received a Master of Science degree in Engineering Acoustics from the Naval Postgraduate School and attended MIT Seminar XXI on Foreign Politics, International Relations, and National Interest.
Donnelly lives in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife of 49 years. They have three married children and a daughter-in-law and son-in-law who each became naval officers following college. Jay and his wife are happily accumulating grandchildren.
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Tanya Rankin, a resident of Brandon, Mississippi, serves as Vice President of the C Spire Foundation, where she champions initiatives in STEAM education, digital literacy, and workforce development, all aimed at improving lives through technology. With nearly three decades of expertise in public relations, brand strategy, and event planning for leading technology firms—including C Spire, Affiliated Computer Services, Dataplex, and SunRiver Corporation—Ms. Rankin is recognized for her leadership and commitment to community advancement. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. in Marketing Management and international marketing studies at the London School of Economics, she is a member of the Public Relations Association of America and the Southern Public Relations Federation. Her professional excellence has been acknowledged through honors such as PRAM’s Outstanding Professional of the Year and Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Businesswomen. Among her signature achievements are the Mississippi Science Fest, the C3 Jr. coding challenge, and the STEAMposium conference, each fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of technologists.
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STEM in Action Board Secretary
John Brenke is a strategic executive whose 27-year career has been defined by his ability to drive organizational growth, navigate complexity, and cultivate competitive advantage. Renowned for his mastery of statistical analysis, market assessment, and risk evaluation, Mr. Brenke possesses a unique talent for distilling actionable insights from data and connecting quantitative findings with broader historical and cultural contexts. His visualizations and narratives empower audiences to grasp complex technical issues, while his commitment to mentorship has accelerated the development of emerging leaders. Mr. Brenke’s expertise continues to shape organizations seeking clarity and direction in an ever-evolving landscape.
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Co-Founder of the JROTC STEM Leadership Academy (est 2015)
Lieutenant Colonel Barrow’s, U.S. Army (Ret.), distinguished career spans nearly five decades. Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of South Alabama, complemented by advanced degrees in administration, liberal arts, and education. A graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Armed Forces Staff College, Colonel Barrow’s service included command and operational assignments in Germany, Fort Bragg, and NATO headquarters in Ramstein. Upon retiring from the Army, he dedicated himself to shaping future leaders as Senior Army Instructor and later Director of Army Instruction for Mobile County Public Schools. Now a consultant specializing in JROTC integration with STEM and workforce development, Colonel Barrow’s legacy is further distinguished by numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Master Parachutist Badge, and by his steadfast commitment to mentorship and service. Lieutenant Colonel Barrow is married to the former Cheryl K. Ellis of Daphne, Alabama. They have two daughters, Corey and Lauren.
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Misty Shaw-Feder, APR, CDME, is a development professional at the R&B Feder Foundation, where she helps advance military history, cultural, and arts initiatives across Mississippi. With more than 20 years of experience as a marketing executive, Misty is skilled in digital strategy, nonprofit management, crisis communications, event planning, and media relations. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Economics from William Carey College and brings a strong business development perspective to her work
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Shalaya Morisette stands at the vanguard of the clean energy revolution as Vice President of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at Walker-Miller Energy Services. Her career encompasses pivotal leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she advanced economic empowerment in the energy sector. Ms. Morisette’s expertise spans utility safety, compliance, higher education, and global transportation, and her service as the first African American board member of New England Women in Energy and Environment and as past president of the Greater Boston chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy. A passionate advocate for youth and clean technology, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Gwinnett College and a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and continues to inspire through her work with Girls Inc., Write Boston, and numerous nonprofit boards.
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Vice Admiral Fred Midgette, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), is a revered maritime leader whose 36-year career was distinguished by command at every level of the Coast Guard. His notable assignments included Commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Forces West, Deputy Commandant for Operations, and military advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security. A career Cutterman, Vice Admiral Midgette commanded four cutters and a Spruance Class Destroyer, earning recognition as the 14th Gold Ancient Mariner of the Coast Guard. His joint service includes key roles at U.S. Northern Command, the U.S. Customs Service, and the Pentagon’s Joint Staff. A native of Virginia Beach, he holds degrees in Civil Engineering, Management, and National Security, and continues to serve as a senior advisor and board member, upholding the highest standards of maritime excellence and public service.
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Dr. Nashlie Sephus is a pioneering force in artificial intelligence and community empowerment, serving as Principal AI/ML Evangelist for Amazon AI, where she leads efforts to ensure fairness in machine learning systems. Previously, as Chief Technology Officer of the acclaimed startup Partpic—acquired by Amazon—Dr. Sephus spearheaded the development of visual search technology now integral to the Amazon Shopping app. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, she earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech and her B.S. from Mississippi State University, with research spanning digital signal processing and machine learning. Dr. Sephus is the founder and CEO of The Bean Path, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide through free technical consulting, youth coding workshops, and the ambitious Jackson Tech District project. Her influence extends across academic, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit spheres, where she is celebrated as a mentor, advisor, and advocate .
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STEM in Action Board Counsel
Mr. Flottman is an accomplished attorney with a 25-year career advising government contractors in the defense and healthcare sectors. Renowned for his expertise in federal contracts, compliance, investigations, and restructuring, he possesses a deep command of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards, and the operational nuances of both Navy and industrial environments. A graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School and licensed in Mississippi, Mr. Flottman has successfully led major contract appeals, national bankruptcy practices, and federal fraud prosecutions. Beyond his professional achievements, he serves as pro bono general counsel and board member for nonprofit organizations dedicated to international development and energy transition, reflecting his unwavering commitment to public service and ethical leadership.
About Us
STEM in Action is a dynamic non-profit corporation dedicated to transforming STEM education and creating opportunities for all students. Our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently under review by the IRS.
STEM in Action operates at the intersection of innovative learning, community partnerships and educational empowerment.
We design, implement, evaluate and research entire programs for the region and the nation but we also assist scientists with their individual broader impacts co-developing creative ways to bring STEM content to more learners.
1803 Government Street Ocean Springs, MS 39564
info@STEMinAction.org
