A Celebration Supporting ISB Education
Ignite STEM was held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Join us in 2026 for Ignite STEM!
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) is dedicated to making quality STEM education a reality for every student. Ignite STEM is our annual event where we come together to support, connect, and recognize the incredible impact of ISB Education. Last year’s gathering was extra special as we celebrated 25 years of innovation, collaboration, and learning.
This year, enjoy refreshments, fun, and inspiring conversations as you mingle with teachers and students from past programs and our amazing Education team. Plus, help us honor the 2026 Valerie Logan Leadership in Science Education award recipient: Angie DiLoreto of the Bellevue School District.
Registration is $25 to attend and free for past students.
Valerie Logan Leadership in Science Education Award
Throughout her career, Valerie Logan Hood served as a visionary and active leader in science education. When Valerie and her husband, Dr. Lee Hood, moved to Seattle in 1992, they brought with them a passion and commitment for science education.
When Lee co-founded the Institute for Systems Biology in 2000, he maintained his commitment to education. Valerie’s leadership helped to establish ISB’s commitment to education and a vision that all students should have an opportunity to learn science.
In remembrance of Valerie’s profound contributions to ISB’s STEM education programs, we continue to recognize her impact and leadership by awarding an educator in the community as the recipient of the Valerie Logan Leadership in Science Education Award. This year we honor Angie DiLoreto of the Bellevue School District.
2025 Award Recipient
Angie DiLoreto
Teacher and Secondary Curriculum Developer
Bellevue School District
ISB Education Teachers, Students and Leaders
Sarah Clemente
AmeriCorps Member, Systems Thinkers in STEM Coordinator
ISB
Doug Dowell
STEM Coordinator & Grant Supervisor
Central Kitsap School District
Becky Howsmon, PhD
Ballard High School Teacher; Original curriculum developer of ISB's Systems Medicine
Seattle Public Schools
Shajaira Lopez, EdD
Director of Teaching and Learning, Secondary
Puyallup School District
Scarlett Luo
Edmonds-Woodway High School Student
2025 DREAM High, STISA & LEADS Scholar
Ridha Samad
Skyline High School Student
2025 DREAM High Scholar
Kari Schuh
Director of Washington Network for Innovative Careers
Lake Washington School District and Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Josh Simondet
Science Instructional Coach
Puyallup School District
Barbara Steffens
2014-2025 ISB Teacher & Curriculum Developer; Former Shorecrest High School Teacher
Phuong Tran
Undergraduate Student, UW Seattle
2022-2024 High School Intern & LEADS Scholar
Carmena Umdor-Singh
Nathan Hale High School Systems Medicine Teacher
Seattle Public Schools
STEM Education Activity
The ISB Education team hosted hands-on science activities during the event to share a few examples of how we bring engaging science into the classroom. Attendees took a moment to learn about transferring energy with bouncy poppers and tried their hands at ISB’s own card game Stress Busters to see if they could survive!
Sponsors
Questions about the event? Contact Audri Hubbard
Development Manager
ISB