Profiles
FSU STEM Summit Faculty Member Bios
Dr. Michael B. Flinn understands that as a Computer Scientist, one must have a basic understanding of all fields, not just the STEM fields. For example, computer scientists must strive to work with written and oral language experts to build better natural language processing services (think Alexa and Siri) or real-time translation tools (think Google Translate). He has been committed to outreach at Frostburg State University and has worked closely with many disciplines across campus to build engaging activities for students in the K-12 space. Finally, Michael has organized STEM camps, planned and hosted regional conferences, and organized many other successful events.
Dr. Katie Gares is a lecturer in the Chemistry department at Frostburg State University and teaches general chemistry lecture and lab, and organic chemistry lecture and lab. She attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh and received her Ph.D. in July 2017 in Chemistry with a physical/analytical chemistry concentration. She also graduated from FSU and received her B.S. in Chemistry in 2011. She is the faculty advisor for the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) group at the university. The SMACS group does science outreach activities in the community and for the college.
Dr. Marc Michael is a professor of Mathematics at Frostburg State University. With expertise in mathematics and mathematics education, he has a versatile teaching background, instructing students of all ages, from elementary to adult learners. Dr. Michael thrives on the challenge of instilling a deep appreciation for mathematics in his students and cultivating a determined, problem-solving attitude.
Dr. David Puthoff has nine years of research experience focused on molecular plant-pathogen interactions with a special interest in plant-insect interactions. More recently, his research has focused on elucidating the genetic make-up of industrial hemp using microsatellites and their correlation with various cannabinoid production. He has over 15 years of college-level teaching experience including teaching Introductory Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Plant Physiology. In addition, he has been invested in teaching the importance of plants by hosting dozens of PK-12 plant-based outreach activities.
Dr. Jason Speights is an associate professor of Physics and the director of the Multimedia Learning Center at Frostburg State University. His research - focused on galaxy dynamics, galaxy evolution, data analysis, and instrumentation - is published in The Astrophysical Journal and The Astronomical Journal. Dr. Speights has 17 years of experience in both teaching and STEM outreach. He also has 10 years of experience working with summer STEM camps for high school and middle school students such as the Summer Science Program in Astrophysics at New Mexico Tech, the Physics of Solar & Wind Power at Frostburg State University, and Robotics at Frostburg State University.
Dr. Bill Wetherholt teaches Cartography and is an active member of the TeachOSM US community connecting educators to applications of open-source mapping. He has a background in geographic education with outreach facilitated by North Dakota View and the Dakota Science Center where he led varied geospatial workshops across North Dakota. Dr. Wetherholt investigated the inclusion of ethics in college-level Remote Sensing classes while earning his master’s degree in Geography from the University of North Dakota in 2008 with a Minor in Space Studies.
FSU STEM Summit Guest Speaker Bios
Gianni Jones is a double alumnus of Frostburg State University, graduating in Spring 2023 with a bachelor's in social work and in Spring 2025 with a Master's in school counseling. She is the coordinator of Adams/Wyche Multicultural Center and the Program Management Specialist of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on the FSU campus. Gianni has completed the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) campus training and co-facilitated the Diversity Retreat: FSU Social Justice Summit. She has been in her position for two years, working with diverse groups on campus. Before becoming employed at FSU, she was a student leader on campus who spread the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Willie Lantz is the Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Educator for University of Maryland Extension in Garrett County. Willie assists farmers with a wide variety of agriculture topics. Some of his specialties are small farm management, nutrient and crop management, dairy and livestock management. Willie has devoted time over the past 20 years to helping farmers develop fruit and vegetable operations and assist with local food marketing. Willie has assisted many farmers with high tunnel construction and production. High tunnels have had a major impact on increasing the length of the growing and marketing season for fruit and vegetable producers. Willie helped create Garrett Growers Cooperative, which markets fresh fruits and vegetables to local and regional restaurants, retail outlets and food access programs. In addition Garrett Growers has provided opportunities for local farmers to improve their on farm vegetable handling facilities and learn new techniques with vegetable production. Recently, Garrett Growers received a MDA Soil Health Grant to purchase equipment to help small sized vegetable farms with no-till production, cover crops and nutrient management. Willie has also helped create and manage the Western Maryland Food Council (WMFC). The WMFC is a voluntary group that promotes agriculture, food access, food education, and environmental stewardship in the three western counties. The WMFC serves as a collaborative for ideas and coordinates efforts to assist with the food system. Willie has also helped create the Appalachian Farm and Food Coalition (AFFA). The AFFA is a federal non-profit organization that assists with efforts to provide funding for agriculture and food programs in the region. In addition to his work with University of Maryland Extension, Willie assists his son, Levi with operating ALL Produce. Levi produces 10-15 aces of produce which is marketed locally through Garrett Growers, farmers markets and farm stands.
Sarah Llewellyn serves as the Master Gardener Coordinator and Agriculture and Food Systems Educator. She has been working for University of Maryland Extension for over two years. Her goal is to encourage others to safely and effectively garden and create healthier communities. She plans to use her background in education to meet the needs of both children and adults in agriculture and horticulture education. Sarah received her B.A. in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Reading Education from Frostburg State University.