2026 STEM Ed Conference

Keynote and Guest Speakers

●       RunningHorse Livingston

  RunningHorse Livingston is the founder and CEO of Mathematize Inc., an organization dedicated to expanding high-quality educational opportunities for STEM learning communities and organizations. A citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, he is a nationally recognized educator and instructional coach with more than two decades of experience supporting schools across the country. RunningHorse’s work focuses on promoting mathematics understanding, engineering design thinking, and place-based STEM learning that honors Indigenous knowledge systems and promotes student identity and agency. Known for his engaging, practical approach, RunningHorse specializes in experiential professional learning, guiding teachers and educators by demonstrating models of student-centered instruction. He partners with schools and organizations to co-design and facilitate local, place-based STEM learning experiences that empower teachers to lead classrooms where every student can thrive.

• John Golden

John Golden, Professor of Mathematics GVSU, was lucky to become a math teacher educator. He’s spent almost 30 years working with future teachers, in-service teachers and K-12 learners. He spends way too much time thinking about math and games and math and art. He and his son, Xavier, an art teacher, have a fantasy math graphic novel soon to be published.

   Katy Dornbos

○       Katy Dornbos believes that people thrive when great things are expected of them, and she loves to support both students and teachers as they grow.  Katy teaches chemistry, STEM, dual-credit chemistry, and serves as science department chair at Norris High School just south of Lincoln, NE. She is a 2021 recipient of the PAEMST (Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching).  Katy leads teachers with a highly interactive style, leveraging their experience, hopes, and questions.  She enjoys leading professional development at the district, state, and national levels. She loves finding ways for her students to improve their communities through science, whether through designing (and raising $11,000 for!) outdoor learning spaces on campus, testing private wells for contaminants, or hosting science days for elementary school students. Some of Katy's favorites in STEM education: POGIL, Johnstone's Triangle, and labs with many trials.

Linda Stegemann

○       Linda Stegemann is passionate about helping educators establish systems in their classrooms that not only support student learning but also promote healthy work-life balances for teachers. After spending a decade in the classroom as a chemistry and physics teacher, she found her niche in supporting the science education community with EdTech solutions made by the community, for the community. She's now a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations team, supporting schools and organizations as they incorporate the sims into their education services.   Linda has a BA in Chemistry from the University of West Florida and an MS in Chemistry from South Dakota State University. When she's not working, you can find her playing Magic: The Gathering with her three kids or looking for an awesome new restaurant to try!