Program Directors

John Pietro

John is an English minor and Biology major with a focus in neuroscience at Bowdoin College. He, along with the others in our team, spearheaded the creation of this program.

Manlio Calentti

A sophomore at Bowdoin College, Manlio leads the Science Outreach Club and helps manage the resource outreach program. He hopes to carry the program to success in the future.

Faculty Advisors

Michael Danahy

Professor of Organic Chemistry

Professor Danahy believes the key to quality he brings to the classroom is enthusiasm. "I think enthusiasm for chemistry is key. I started down a path in chemistry because I thought it was interesting, so imparting that interest (and enthusiasm) in the subject is key. Besides, chemistry neatly explains all goings on in the universe on a scale that’s comprehensible…how can you not be excited about it?!" 

Hadley Horch

Professor of Neuroscience

The Horch lab uses the cricket model system to examine the molecular neurobiological basis of a number of areas including regeneration, behavior, and development. Mainly, the lab focuses on the regeneration of interneurons in the auditory system of the cricket. Removing one ear induces auditory interneurons to sprout new dendrites, grow abnormally across the mid-line, and form synapses with intact auditory neurons from the opposite ear, both in developing as well as adult crickets.

Karen Topp

Professor of Physics

My focus is teaching entry-level courses in the sciences that are as accessible, engaging, and un-intimidating as possible, while still providing solid grounding in physics concepts, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving. I am interested in developing and supporting programs which make the natural sciences more accessible for under-represented groups