STAFF
Cora Beth Abel, Executive Director
Cora Beth joined MSSEF in 2006, bringing twenty years of leadership experience in funding, directing and shaping innovative educational and workforce programs. Since joining MSSEF, she has forged and strengthened partnerships with industry, academic institutions and government agencies. She also led the design and successful seed funding of the $2M Curious Minds Initiative (CMI), a dynamic new model for increasing science literacy and inspiring future generations of science and technology leaders.
Before joining MSSEF, she served as Vice President of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd), a nonprofit organization established by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC). During her five-year tenure, she led the design and launch of BioTeach, a national model for engaging high school students in biotech lab studies. She also expanded biotech workforce programs, including an award-winning training program for technicians and the first integration of the industry-designed courses into the Harvard University Extension School's new Masters in Biotechnology program.
Cora Beth earned a baccalaureate in theoretical mathematics from SUNY-Buffalo and a master's degree from Harvard University in Education & Design. She serves on several advisory committees, including the Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board, an advisory group to the Governor. She is the recipient of several writing awards, including two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts for her essays on urban design. Her published articles cover both science and design education.
Eleanor A. Tishler, Director of Corporate Development
Ellie served as MSSEF's first independent management professional in 1989, when the organization transitioned to an autonomous organization from its life-long affiliation with The Boston Globe. During her tenure, she was responsible for formalizing business operations, heightening awareness of the science fair program and significantly expanding the scope of sponsorship. After stepping down as Executive Director in 1997, she remained with the organization as Director of Corporate Development. Before joining MSSEF, Ellie managed the corporate philanthropy program for fifteen years at Keyspan Energy (now part of National Grid), a $1 billion diversified energy company. Her extensive experience in the non-profit sector includes work for United Way of Massachusetts, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Jobs for Youth, Speare Memorial Hospital and My Brothers Table.
Bronwen Beaudoin, Program Manager
Bronwen joined MSSEF in the 2008 and is responsible for the oversight of multiple events and training programs, including MSSEF's CMI courses. She manages MSSEF's statewide high school Science & Engineering Fair at MIT, all governance and committee meetings, as well as outreach communications. Bronwen earned a baccalaureate in psychology from Boston College and worked previously as Vice President for a corporate event management company for over 10 years.
Carrie Ives Schluter, Communications Specialist
Carrie is the driver of MSSEF's communications and social media networks. She created the new MSSEF blog, "Inquiry First," building greater awareness of the science fair and Curious Minds outreach/professional development programs in Massachusetts. Carrie brings more than 15 years' experience in communications to MSSEF. A graduate of Middlebury College, she spent ten years in the Washington, DC area, where she was affiliated with National Geographic Television, the National Wildlife Federation, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Cox Interactive Media. Before joining MSSEF, she was the managing editor of two online environmental and alternative energy news publications, and prior to that, she worked as New Media Content Director for the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.
Other Professional Services
MSSEF retains the services of a Certified Public Accountant, legal counsel, bookkeeper, IT/computer team, and graphic designer on an independent contractor status. College interns are also engaged for special projects in support of administrative and programmatic efforts.