Join STEM³ Academy for an inspiring evening discussing how Stephen Hawking overcame tremendous challenges to become one of the leading scientists of our time. Our panel will lead the audience in a lively conversation on how to make the most out of your life circumstances, strengths and challenges. Hawking was an extraordinary man with a great deal to learn from for parents, professionals and students.

This is a free community event. Open to all. Please RSVP as space is limited.

Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.

To learn more about STEM³ Academy, click here.

PANEL SPEAKERS

Jim Fuller, Ph.D. - Professor, California Institute of Technology

In college, reading Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time” was a pivotal moment in my career, compelling me to study theoretical astrophysics and contemplate the mysteries of the universe on its grandest scales. Dr. Fuller’s research focuses on the physics of vibrating fluid spheres. Although this sounds esoteric, the applications within astronomy are nearly limitless! As a graduate student, he studied tidal interactions in merging white dwarf systems, heartbeat stars (oscillating stars in eccentric binary systems), and compact triple star systems. More recently, studying magnetic fields inside of red giants, the deep interior of Saturn as revealed by its rings, and the long term evolution of Saturn's moons. He currently is working on projects involving everything from planets to supergiant stars to neutron stars.

Amy Griffiths, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D - Professor, Chapman University

Dr. Amy-Jane Griffiths holds a Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a licensed psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist. Dr. Griffiths is an Assistant Professor in the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University and a Research Affiliate of the Thompson Policy Institute. Dr. Griffiths expertise and experiences center around positive psychology, resilience, grit, perseverance and 21st century skills as success factors in STEM fields.

Jason Bolton, Psy.D. - Vice President of Programs, The Help Group

Dr. Jason Bolton has over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families with histories social-emotional challenges and developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder and learning differences. He is The Help Group’s Vice President of Programs and previously served the agency as its Clinical Director and Chief Psychologist. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Finance Chair of the California Association of Private Special Education Schools and Agencies, known as CAPSES.

Ellis Crasnow, Ph.D. - Director, STEM³ Academy and STEM Education,The Help Group

After earning his PhD in philosophy from USC, Dr. Crasnow taught widely at the college level, both in the U.S. and South Africa. He joined The Help Group in 2008, teaching high school math, science and English before becoming Principal of Village Glen High School. In 2012, The Help Group began a STEM programs that Dr. Crasnow led. Dr. Crasnow is a frequent international speaker at conferences on the importance of STEM education and its benefit to those with social and learning differences. Dr. Crasnow speaks on the integration of STEM content and social emotional leaning.