Interest in science and a passion for education is a common thread among Minnesota Academy of Science staff - a point which is exemplified by Evangeline Holley, our Fostering Opportunities and Relationships in STEM Education (FORSE) Program Director.
Evangeline began coordinating our FORSE program in 2022. In this role, she works with our educational and community partners to organize science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities for students in the Twin Cities from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM.
Evangeline brings a deep and varied background in STEM to her work with the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS). As a child, she accompanied her archaeologist parents during their fieldwork trips, learning about geology and developing an appreciation for Indigenous cultures. Evangeline earned degrees in both Biology and Life Science Education from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She also holds a Masters in Environmental and Natural Science Education from Hamline University.
A one-year-old Evangeline ‘helps‘ her parents at a National Park Service training.
Prior to her work as the FORSE Program Director, Evangeline was a high school science teacher, instructing students in Biology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Physical Science, and Engineering. She has also worked as a science educator at museums and nature centers in Minnesota.
Evangeline’s work is not restricted to FORSE. She is also an integral part of other MAS programs, including Science Salon and the State Science Fair. During Science Fair, you can find her supervising the bustling project presentation hall, where she works to create a welcoming environment for students and their families, address printing needs, and tackle presentation display and safely issues. Evangeline has also been a leader in MAS’ ongoing work to bring diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles to all of MAS’ programs and operations.
Evangeline coordinates with a display and safety volunteer at the 2022 Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair.
We loved learning more Evangeline and what inspires her work to bring STEM learning opportunities to Minnesota students.
MAS: When you were younger, what topics and experiences sparked your interest in science?
Evangeline: I was a HUGE animal lover as a kid. I wanted to be a vet when I was fairly young, but then learned you had to do surgery and put animals down and decided that wasn't for me. Steve Irwin was my idol, I watched every episode of his TV show, had his books and toys, and was even Terri Irwin for Halloween!
I loved being outdoors and looking for bugs and little creatures. We traveled to Washington State a lot to visit my mom’s family, and I spent so much time on the beach in tide pools turning over rocks and finding little crabs and fish!
MAS: What college science classes did you especially enjoy?
Evangeline: I enjoyed a lot of my classes, but in particular I loved an Ecology class where I did small mammal trapping in the prairie. We also did taxidermy—which I did not love—but I gained a newfound appreciation for good taxidermy after experiencing firsthand how hard it was!
I really just loved any class where we got to be outdoors. I remember a class where we went bird banding and another class where we studied goldenrod galls by harvesting, measuring, and dissecting them to see what kind of larva was inside.
MAS: As the FORSE Program Director, much of your work involves partnering directly with schools to develop engaging STEM learning opportunities. FORSE schools serve students with varying grade levels, cultural backgrounds, and more. How do you ensure that you are providing appropriate STEM experiences for students at each partner school?
Evangeline: While I have a background in education, I'm a big believer that teachers know what their students need best, which is a huge part of the FORSE program. Sometimes partnerships start because teachers reach out with specific needs. Other times, educators know they would like STEM support and we work together to figure out the specifics.
Evangeline and a student examine parts of a computer at the 2023 Highwood Hills Elementary School Family STEM Night.
We always start these partnerships with a conversation, and teachers often bring many ideas for the partnership. If they need ideas, I suggest activities that we've accomplished with other schools. More often than not, teachers have already identified what they and their students need, and FORSE steps in to remove barriers to these STEM opportunities.
Evangeline chats with students at a 2023 FORSE event.
For example, at Anishinabe Academy in Minneapolis, our partner teacher had identified field trips as a way to spark interest and experience in STEM among students. However, the school did not have funding for these field trips. FORSE consulted with teachers at each grade level to identify field trip opportunities that would fit with both their STEM curriculum and their students’ interests.
MAS: From high school robotics clubs to biology field stations to other nonprofits, FORSE has formed many partnerships within the Minnesota STEM community. What role do these partnerships play in FORSE?
Evangeline: Our community partners are an essential part of the FORSE program. As the FORSE Program Director, there's only so many experiences I’m able to run myself! Having community partners that have different expertise and come from different backgrounds come to work with students is crucial.
In addition, community partners are incredibly important in terms of representation for students. While my identity as a queer woman in STEM is important representation, I am white and non-disabled. Having community partners that can represent the full breadth and diversity of the populations we serve is incredibly important.
One memorable experience from working with a community partner was our STEM author event at Bultum Academy with local cybersecurity expert Zinet Kemal. Seeing students at be able to see themselves in her was a really magical moment.
Minnesota author and cybersecurity expert Zinet Kemal autographs books at a 2024 FORSE event at Bultum Academy.
MAS: Aside from FORSE, what are some of your favorite aspects of other MAS programs?
Evangeline: I love how all our programs encourage students to be excited about STEM. From Science Fair to Science Bowl to the Minnesota Junior Academy of Science to FORSE, I love that excitement about STEM threads through all our programs!
MAS: If you could go on any STEM field trip, where would it be?
Evangeline representing MAS at STEM Day at the Minnesota State Fair.
Evangeline: I would LOVE to go to the Galapagos Islands! It would be amazing to see the ecological diversity and work with scientists there studying animals.
MAS: Do you have any favorite places to learn about STEM?
Evangeline: The MAS monthly newsletter [interviewer blushes 😊]. I love the website and podcast Science Friday! I'm also a BIG Science Museum and Bell Museum fan. Many years ago I went to the Natural History Museum in London and that was one of the coolest STEM museums I've ever been to!
