BASBE Team

	Jane Pfeilsticker (Principal Investigator) pfeilsj@scf.edu Jane Pfeilsticker has taught majors’ biology for the last 16 years at SCF where she has infused molecular techniques into the laboratory components of several courses and led a group of SCF students to perform molecular cloning as part of their coursework. She also authored an award-winning educational program for high school students that utilized molecular techniques to solve a fabricated crime. Her graduate research at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine was an early step toward the first gene replacement therapy. Prior to teaching, she worked in various molecular biology labs, investigating immune system stimulation triggers, gene regulation, viral oncogenesis and gene amplification. In addition to serving as PI for this grant project, Pfeilsticker is chair of the natural science department and program manager for SCF’s new Associate in Science in Biotechnology Program.
	Judy Griffin (Co-Principal Investigator) griffinj@fc.manatee.k12.fl.us Judy Griffin started with the School District of Manatee County (SDMC) in 1987 as a health education resource teacher. Since 1993 she has served as health education specialist, curriculum resource specialist and now is a curriculum specialist for K-12 Science, Health Education and Physical Education for the district. In addition to coordinating the development and implementation of the K-12 Manatee core curriculum for science and providing teacher professional development, Griffin is a state science and engineering fair director and board member with responsibilities to provide direction for conducting science research projects. She also has served as the president of the Florida Science Supervisors State Committee and director of “Science Master,” a $2 million grant funded by the Florida Department of Education and Florida Science Partnership.
	Matthew Keirle (Co-Principal Investigator) keirlem@scf.edu Before coming to SCF in 2008, Dr. Matthew Keirle taught high school biology (in both English and Spanish) as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay and subsequently for the San Francisco Unified School District. As a lead teacher for the San Francisco Biotechnology Alliance for Science Education (SF BASE) program, he integrated new laboratory exercises including genetic transformation and gel electrophoresis into the biology curriculum. As a graduate student, Keirle gained expertise in the use of molecular tools to study population biology and phylogenetic systematics while working in the Pritzker Lab at the Field Museum in Chicago. Since arriving at SCF, he has revamped the curriculum for Fundamentals of Biology II and written custom lab manuals which incorporate extensive examination of live specimens.
	Brad Porinchak (Co-Principal Investigator) brad_porinchak@sarasota.k12.fl.us Brad Porinchak is the science program specialist for Sarasota County Schools. With 10 years of experience in the high school science classroom, he has taught Honors Physics, Honors and AP Chemistry, Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology. While teaching at North Port High School, Porinchak served as the Small Learning Community Chair and the Summer Bridge Project Coordinator. He also worked with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to implement ideas and projects to increase student interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
	Andy Swanson (Co-Principal Investigator) swansoa@scf.edu Dr. Andy Swanson has a wide range of college teaching experience, having designed and developed an introductory biology course at SCF for freshman non-majors called “Diversity of Life,” as well as providing mentorships for advanced biology students conducting original research. He has grown familiar with introducing students to the basic tools of molecular biology, for introductory as well as advanced applications. Swanson also served as a project manager for the award-winning grant-supported “CSI” summer program at SCF wherein high school students were taught the tools of biotechnology in order to help solve a mock crime.