STEAM Week

1. Michigan State University, SSTEM
2. UM School of Engineering
3. UM: College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA)
4. Kettering University
5. Wayne State University: Engineering
6. Square One
7. UM School of Information
8. WCC Student Activities
9. STEM Scholars 1
10. Scio Flyers

Myron is in his 16th year of teaching at the college level, alongside a previous professional career in management with The Kroger Company. He believes strongly in open inquiry in the classroom and strives to connect course content to real-world experiences and everyday life. Myron is a dedicated advocate for student learning and professional development. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Family Communication, and Small Group Communication. When he is not teaching or thinking about teaching, Myron enjoys spending time in the Ann Arbor and Detroit metro area with his wife, Shira, and their four remarkable children.

I am William Nelson, MA, RT(R), and I have dedicated over three decades to the field of radiography, combining my passion for clinical work with a commitment to education. I began my career as a radiographer in December 1988, gaining valuable experience at various hospitals, including St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where I eventually took on the role of Shift Coordinator in the Radiology Department.

In November 1992, I transitioned into academia as the Clinical Coordinator for the Radiography Program at Washtenaw Community College. I later became a full-time faculty member in 2005 and was appointed the program’s director in 2019. In this role, I am dedicated to developing innovative courses that enhance student learning by integrating technology and employing engaging teaching methods. My educational background includes an A.A.S. in Radiography, a B.S. in Allied Health, and an M.A. in Education, all earned with honors.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in radiography. I am passionate about advancing the field and am proud to have designed several courses aimed at better preparing future professionals. My goal is to inspire students and contribute to their success in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

Patrick Johnson is the lead faculty for WCC’s Exercise Science program and also teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology for health science students. He emphasizes hands-on, evidence-based teaching that connects science to real-world health and performance. His goal is to make complex scientific concepts approachable, practical, and engaging while helping students build confidence and career-ready skills.

Sandy McCarthy is a faculty librarian at the Bailey Library and a part-time instructor, at Washtenaw Community College. In her current position, she holds many responsibilities, including serving as a liaison to STEM Scholars, nursing and health sciences, biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, and pre-engineering programs, and computer science. She is the co-chair of the college's Bee Campus USA initiative, established the college's seed library, and is currently serving as chair of the Sustainability Literacy Task Force.

Nathan Ayers is the founder of Chiwara Permaculture Research and Education L3C and Director of the Michigan Agroforestry Partnership. Since 2010, Nathan has led the integration of permaculture, agroforestry and nature-based systems-thinking into many landscapes, schools and organizations throughout the United States. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, a former WCC student and a graduate of Indiana University, Nathan's newest project is called "The Tree Lab" - a mobile team of experts leading place-based circular innovation projects in forestry, agriculture & natural resource management.

Nathan and his wife own a 20-acre coastal agroforestry farm in Oceana County, Michigan.

Eric S. Jackson was born in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and raised in both Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor — proudly claiming “dual citizenship” in both communities. He walked to school from Perry Elementary in Head Start through Chapelle, West Middle, Ypsilanti High School, and on to Eastern Michigan University.

With 37 years of active experience in college and professional athletics — including two Ivy League championships, NCAA playoff appearances, and a 98% graduation rate among his student-athletes — and the past five years serving as a College & Career Readiness Coach and Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), Eric brings a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and opportunity.

He is a positive encourager who focuses on helping students grow through curiosity, strong relationships, and real-world learning experiences that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.