Idaho STEM Action Center Advisory Board

BOARD CHAIR

Jennifer Jackson is the K-12 STEM program manager at Idaho National Laboratory. Jackson has nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader in Idaho, including as the director of Curriculum and Professional Learning for Idaho Falls School District 91, where her duties included designing and implementing multidisciplinary K-12 curriculum, developing strategic partnerships with state and national educational organizations, and a variety of other policy and management responsibilities. INL’s K-12 STEM program focuses on student outreach, teacher professional development, family engagement and more. Jackson also interfaces with Idaho tribes, community colleges and technical schools on behalf of INL. These partnerships with STEM-focused organizations allow INL to help eastern Idaho foster an integrated STEM program that will enable the best possible opportunities for Idaho students.

Ed Atienza is a Research and Development Engineering Manager at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) based in Boise, Idaho. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho in Electrical Engineering in 2001 and has over 20 years of experience in electric power systems. At SEL, Ed’s current focus involves protective relays, power line sensors, voltage regulation, and communications for medium voltage distribution lines. As an industry leader, Ed guides engineers to find the best solutions to ensure personnel safety, extend the life of critical assets, improve power system reliability, and simplify operations.

Ed’s passion for mentoring and education comes through a history in instructing SEL University courses, authoring technical papers, presenting at conferences, mentoring senior design students from Boise State University, and participating in technical advisory committees for Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC) at Idaho State University. Influenced by participation in STEM competitions such as MATHCOUNTS in middle school and advanced STEM courses such as physics at Idaho Falls High School, Ed understands firsthand how impactful early STEM engagement is for our students and Idaho’s future.

Jake Reynolds is the Business Development and Operations Administrator at the Idaho Department of Commerce, overseeing economic development efforts in international trade, business attraction, community development, and business retention and expansion. Jake received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho in Marketing, and has held positions in sales management, manufacturing and agriculture. An Idaho native, Jake joined Idaho Commerce in 2013.

Steve Christiansen is the Vice President of Human Resources & Organizational Development at Idaho Milk Products. He received a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources from Utah State University and an MBA from Westminster College in Utah and has lectured for Boise State University as an Adjunct Professor. Prior to Idaho Milk Products he worked at Glanbia Nutritionals where he served in several senior HR and continuous improvement roles. Prior to his work at Glanbia, Steve held similar positions with The Dannon Company in West Jordan, Utah, Astaris (formerly FMC) in Pocatello, Idaho and Kennecott Utah Copper.

Steve has over 20 years in the dairy industry and is a passionate advocate for the dairy and agriculture. He has recruited on campus and developed new graduate programs at multiple organizations. He joined the STEM board to help drive an increase in home grown STEM talent to fill the state’s needs both now and in the future.

Bryan Klein is the Senior Partner Manager at In Time Tec, a Meridian-based software solutions firm serving public sector clients across the country. With a background spanning technology, user experience design, small business leadership, and education, Bryan brings a people-centered and creative approach to solving complex problems. He is passionate about using design and technology to enrich lives and believes that investing in future generations through meaningful digital experiences is essential to Idaho’s long-term success. A graduate of Boise State University, Bryan has served in a variety of leadership roles—from Executive Pastor to UX Manager—and is committed to building a better future through empathy, strategy, and innovation.

Erin joined St. Luke’s in 2013 and has held various leadership roles in Human Resources. In her role, Erin is responsible for all facets of human resources and is focused primarily on fostering a strong organizational culture.

As an HR leader for 20 years, Erin has extensive experience leading HR teams in the health care industry. She has been involved in many of the most complicated initiatives St. Luke’s has undertaken in recent years, including talent development, compensation redesign work, organizational restructuring, and leading the workforce efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A native of Idaho, Erin was born and raised in Twin Falls and graduated from Twin Falls High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health care administration and master’s degree in business administration from Idaho State University. She holds a senior certified professional certification from the Society for Human Resources Management.