Dr. Brittany Garvin is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in the Department of Urban Teacher Education at the IU School of Education in Indianapolis. Dr. Garvin holds a B.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, Science Education from the University of South Carolina. She completed two postdoctoral training Fellowships at the Ohio State University (2017) and Duke University School of Medicine (2020). Her research interests and expertise are developing innovative pedagogical strategies for teaching undergraduate scientific laboratory courses and science education in urban classrooms and mentoring in-service, K-12, and pre-service teachers. 

Dr. Garvin's work addresses diversity and equity issues in science education, with culturally relevant/responsive teaching, multiculturalism, and critical theories guiding her teaching and research. She is deeply passionate about better understanding and critically elucidating how STEM classrooms can be more equitable, effective, inclusive, and meaningful spaces for learning

Becca Ibrahim in her own words...I am Rebecca Ibrahim, a transfer and adult student studying Health Information Management and Communication Studies. I currently work in medical coding but throughout much of my 20s and early 30s I was completely incapacitated in terms of work functionality due to disability as I have bipolar 1 disorder, epilepsy, ADHD, POTS and migraines to hit the hot spots. Recognizing that everyone is not as comfortable sharing their diagnoses as I am, I share these as I attempt to provide open forms of communication as they directly impact my ability to function on a day-to-day level with school, work, and adulting. 

I am a night owl by nature and really not so much a morning lark. I subscribe to the spoon theory on functionality and day-to-day preparedness to engage with the world, but I understand that not everyone may understand or even know what this means. 

My mother has come to expect that she will receive a message from me starting the conversation off with the word and sentence, “Question?”, as I often do, and that it ultimately turns into a unique and usually unexpected conversation. I say this as a warning, a preface, as this is actually how many of my conversations begin, yet to me they become delightful tidbits of extraneous knowledge and/or an introduction to common knowledge things that aren’t so common knowledge for people who interact with the world as I do. 

Catherine Vest (she/her) is the Community Engagement Manager at accessABILITY. In her role, she leads multifaceted initiatives spanning community relations, marketing, communications, fundraising, and many more. Catherine's strategic leadership is grounded in a profound commitment to inclusivity, equity, and empowerment. 

Before joining accessABILITY, Catherine worked in various disability-related advocacy and community engagement roles for over a decade on the local and state level. She has also served on the Indianapolis Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability for the past three terms as a board member and is also a council member for INSILC.  Her specialty is program management and civic engagement. Catherine also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from IU Indianapolis.  

Outside of her professional endeavors, Catherine finds joy in participating in various endurance sports and immersing herself in the serenity of the outdoors. 

Michael Mace is an accomplished IT manager specializing in accessibility at Indiana University. With over seven years of service at the university, Michael currently leads the Assistive Technology and Accessibility Centers serving the entire Indiana University system.

In addition to his role at Indiana University, Michael has been actively involved with Unizin, where he has held leadership positions such as Co-Chair and Chair of the Accessibility Subcommittee. His commitment to education is evident through his past teaching roles at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington and the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in Indianapolis.

Michael holds a Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from Marian University Indianapolis. He is also an alumnus of the MOR Leaders Program.

Mike Jenson is the Associate Vice President within the University Compliance Office, as well as IU’s Chief Compliance Officer. His office oversees IU’s approach to the rules under which the university community operates, as well as the compliance support activities that ensure those rules are followed. Mike is an attorney, with experience in compliance auditing, regulatory and technical analysis, and policy development, and holds degrees in Law, Environmental Science and Biochemistry.  He has worked for Indiana University for 30 years.

Michele Kelmer is the director of Faculty Engagement and Outreach in UITS Learning Technologies. Her portfolio includes the Assistive Technology and Accessibility Centers, Digital Education Programs and Initiatives, and the IT Consulting team that includes staff at each of IU’s campus centers for teaching and learning. Michele holds two master’s degrees: one in Interactive Communication Technology from The Florida State University and the other in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She serves as an ex-officio member on the technology committees for the University Faculty Council, Indianapolis Faculty Council and Bloomington Faculty Council.

In her own words, My name is Sarah Raees, and my major is health service management. As someone with a disability, I find it important to spread awareness on this topic. I’m grateful to be collaborating with AES in hopes of educating others.

In her own words, Madeline Ihrke, Chemistry major with minors in English and Theatre. I  want to aid the AES office with their great work towards making IUI a more inclusive and accessible community. 

Keaun Michael Brown is a senior studying Pre-Medicine and Africana Studies with a minor in Political Science at Indiana University at Indianapolis- with the goal to attend medical school post-baccalaureate.  He is also an author, a community storyteller, and an avid pacers fan.