Alex comes to spectrUM with a diverse background in science education and nonprofit leadership. For the past six years, she has taught science at Missoula’s Sentinel High School. She previously directed the Montana World Affairs Council and worked on the development team at Adventure Cycling Association. Alex formerly served as a mobile science educator with spectrUM from 2015 to 2017, bringing hands-on spectrUM learning experiences to students across Montana. Alex loves spending time outdoors, biking, hiking and hitting the rivers in our beautiful state.
Caitlin Ervin started at spectrUM Discovery Area as an Americorps Team Leader in 2017. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maine College of Art and Design and a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the 91次元, where is currently pursing her doctoral degree. Caitlin has explored 6 continents, 47 states, and has a deep fear of flying.
Beth Covitt, Head of Science Education Research and Evaluation, has been working in the fields of environmental and science education for 20 years. She has a keen interest in environmental science literacy and developing a citizenry that is well prepared to use science to inform decision-making. Beth has worked on numerous projects spanning many topics, but has particular interests in water and climate education. Her efforts encompass science education research and evaluation, program and curriculum development, and teacher professional development. Beth has an MS in environmental resource policy and behavior and a PhD in environmental education and conservation psychology, both from the University of Michigan.
Sam Massey first started working with spectrUM in 2021 as an Americorps volunteer and has since become a full time staff member in 2023. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and concentration in Public Administration through the 91次元 and is currently working on a Graduate certificate in Public Administration. She’s passionate about serving the public and working within nonprofits in hopes of creating a better future, primarily through working with the youth. In her free time she likes to be out on the river, skiing, or hanging out with her pet dog and pet ball python.
Rebekah Ficek
Camp Coordinator
406.728.7836
Rebekah earned her B.S. in Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management at the 91次元 in 2022. She is passionate about public education and outreach- primarily on the topics of environmental conservation and preservation. She likes to spend her time in the sunshine on lakes or rivers, skiing during winter, and wildlife viewing at any time. She also loves to spend her time with her cat watching horror and thriller movies.
Jay Alexzander Evans
Exhibit Technician
406.728.7836
jay1.evans@umontana.edu
Raised by bicycling wolves (and his loving family) in northwest Montana, Jay has always held a passion for experimentation, exploration, and creative tinkering rivaled only by his love of dogs. Since he joined spectrUM he has thrown himself into exhibit design, modification, and repair with aplomb, taking pride in illuminating the world of STEAM for our patrons both young and old. Equally likely to be found tinkering with antique sewing machines as with microcontrollers, and overjoyed to talk about either, he strives to learn, document, and share as much uncommon information as possible.
Diandra Lewis
Outreach Coordinator, spectrUM Discovery Area
Field Researcher and GIS Analyst, Autonomous Aerial Systems Office
406.728.7836
Diandra Lewis has always enjoyed learning about wild animals and tropical forests, getting her Master’s in Wildlife and Management in India and then another one in Ecology and Evolution at the 91次元. After all that time in academia, however, she realized the importance of making that wonderful science more accessible to everyone. She started working as an educator for spectrUM in 2022 and is now their Outreach Programs Coordinator. She loves doing science as much as she loves talking about it, and so she also works as a Field Researcher and GIS Analyst at the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office on campus (the drone office).
Diandra can usually be found longing on her sofa with her two cats, but in moments of creativity, she loves to embroider and acquire supplies for new crafting hobbies that rarely come to fruition.
Kaitlin Wilkinson
Assistant Program Coordinator
406.728.7836
kaitlin.wilkinson@umconnect.umt.edu
Undergraduate studying Physics and Astronomy at the 91次元
Onila Narayanamudaligedon
Museum Educator and Cultures in Motion Assistant
Onila N. M. Don has always enjoyed engaging in biomedical engineering research, particularly at the intersection of medical imaging, neuroscience, and computational methods. He earned his first master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering in South Korea and is currently completing his second master’s degree in Computer Science at the 91次元, where his research focuses on computational cognitive neuroscience. He is expected to graduate soon and plans to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Previously, Onila earned his bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering from Vietnam under a full government scholarship. Having lived and studied in four different countries, he brings a rich global perspective to both research and education. These experiences have fueled his passion for teaching science and sharing knowledge with anyone curious and eager to learn.
Onila has extensive experience in science education and cultural programming, having worked with diverse student populations through various international and educational initiatives. He currently serves as the President of the International Student Association (ISA) at the 91次元, where he actively organizes events that bring together international and domestic students to foster cultural exchange and community. He began working in his current role in June 2025 and now serves as a Lead Educator, with plans to manage an upcoming initiative called the Cultures in Motion Project.
Outside of work and research, Onila loves traveling—having visited 10 countries and 12 U.S. states—and is an avid swimmer who never wants to leave the water. He also enjoys hiking and biking, especially when the weather is warm.
Jose Carmona-Sanchez
Program Lead
Graduate student at the 91次元
Shy Christensen
Program Lead
Undergraduate studying Secondary Education and English at the 91次元
Anna Levchenko
Program Lead
Undergraduate studying Elementary Education at the 91次元
Aiden Agostinelli
Program Lead
Undergraduate studying Physics and Astronomy at the 91次元
Aida Kerzee
Lead Educator
Undergraduate studying Elementary Education at the 91次元