FULL-TIME STAFF

Dr. Irene Porro
Director
iporro@framingham.edu

Dr. Irene Porro is the Direc­tor of the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Inte­grated Science Learning at Framingham State Univer­sity. Under her leadership, the Center adopted its new mission to be a leader in developing opportunities for integrated science learning through the sharing of re­sources, building of partner­ships, and the advancement of educational practices. She is also the lead for the MetroWest STEM Education Network Ecosystem, a mem­ber of an international com­munity of practice dedicated to promoting quality educa­tion and career pathways in science, technology, engi­neering, and mathematics.

A professional scientist with a deep commitment to social justice, in her work Dr. Porro combines research skills in physics and astro­physics with an interdisci­plinary approach to educa­tion to promote equity and diversity in STEM fields. She works to support initiatives where both the arts and the sciences are fully respected and valued.

Suzanne Wright
Assistant Director
swright4@framingham.edu

Suzanne manages the operations and facilitation for all informal science education programs offered by the McAuliffe Center and MetroWest STEM Education Network, including Challenger Learning Center (CLC) programs, public events, the annual Science on State Street festival (April), and annual Massachusetts STEM Week activities (October). She assists with the creation and maintenance of all marketing and promotional materials, social media content, and websites for the McAuliffe Center and MetroWest STEM Education Network.

Suzanne received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Framingham State University and minored in Museum Studies, Business Administration, and Irish Studies. She is passionate about hands-on learning that takes place outside of the classroom, non-profit organizations, and volunteering.

Ross Barros-Smith
Planetarium and Media Technology Manager
rbarrossmith@framingham.edu

Denise Lau
Administrative Assistant
dlau@framingham.edu

Justine Greenwood
Communication and Digital Media Coordinator
jgreenwood1@framingham.edu

Justine implements her graphic design, web design, and web management skills for the McAuliffe Center and MetroWest STEM Education Network. She supports the marketing, promotion, and facilitaton of the Center’s educational programs and special events, like Science on State Street and Massachusetts STEM Week. Justine is an alumna of Framingham State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design and minor in Art History. She believes art enhances STEM learning and understanding.

PART-TIME STAFF

Laura Bilazarian Purutyan
Workforce Development and Community Relations Specialist
lpurutyan@framingham.edu

STEM PROGRAM FACILITATORS

WORK STUDY

Learn more about Work Study positions available at the McAuliffe Center.