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.

BOARD VICE CHAIR

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.

Dr. Linda Clark is a career Idaho educator who served for more than 43 years as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent. She retired after more than 37 years in the West Ada School District, the last 11+ as Superintendent.

Dr. Clark is serving her second term as a member of the Idaho State Board of Education and also serves as a member of the Governor’s Workforce Council. She has served on many boards, commissions and statewide committees, and is currently a board member for Full Circle Health, Capital Educator’s Credit Union, and as a member of the governing board of the Andrus Center for Public Policy.. Dr. Clark holds a BA from Boise State University; an MEd from the University of Idaho and an EdD from the University of San Francisco.