Think it. Try it. Explore it.
MEET THE BOARD
Meet the people whose hard work brings engaging science to children in Yolo County and beyond!
Explorit is governed by a volunteer board of trustees and operated by a professional staff with the assistance of many loyal volunteers.
A word from our Board President...
My motivation to join the Explorit leadership team arises from my experiences as a UC Davis Professor for 20+ years and my long-standing advocacy for science education. My work at UC Davis, both as a researcher and educator, have led me to rethink and endeavor to transform the way with teach biology at the college level. One of my highest priorities has been to develop more equitable and accessible experiential learning opportunities for our students as a way to connect our biology majors with societally relevant and impactful inquiries. At its essence, my focus is to ensure that our students are “engaged” with the narrative of our shared biology to prepare them to make informed and ethical decisions on the management of all life on our planet. Joining the board of Explorit is a natural extension of this work and I hope to contribute to empowering young minds to ask questions and to find hope that their actions can support the future sustainability of our planet.
Board of Trustees
Explorit Board Mission:
Through proper and effective governance and stewardship to enable Explorit to carry out its programmatic mission throughout the area.
Our trustees (members of the Board of Directors) are elected to two year terms. They represent a geographical area that roughly represents our service area and they represent a variety of areas within science, business, and professional expertise. Each trustee is required to make an annual monetary contribution. Officers of the board are elected at the Annual Meeting to one-year terms.
" I am proud to be a part of Explorit's important role of supporting and creating tomorrow's scientists. We ensure access to hands-on, fun learning experiences for families throughout the region."
"I hope to contribute to empowering young minds to ask questions and to find hope that their actions can support the future sustainability of our planet."
KEN KAPLAN
President
Ken Kaplan is a Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at UC Davis and runs a research program focused on understanding how normal cells transition to disease states that contribute to poor health outcomes. As vice chair of teaching for the MCB department, Ken has focused on improving undergraduate education and is an advocate for improving science communication more broadly in our shared communities. Ken received his Bachelor’s degree at Haverford College, his PhD from UCSF and carried out post-doctoral training at M.I.T. before moving to UC Davis.
"Explorit has and will continue to lead the way in a broad array of hands-on science education for families in the Davis community. I am excited to be part of this mission!"
"Explorit has and will continue to lead the way in a broad array of hands-on science education for families in the Davis community. I am excited to be part of this mission!"
"Explorit has and will continue to lead the way in a broad array of hands-on science education for families in the Davis community. I am excited to be part of this mission!"
"Explorit has and will continue to lead the way in a broad array of hands-on science education for families in the Davis community. I am excited to be part of this mission!"
"Science education has never been more important and Explorit offers exceptional opportunities to engage learners of all ages about the wonders and complexities of our interconnected world."
KARL MOHR
Treasurer
Karl Mohr recently retired after a career in community planning, municipal finance, and higher education administration. As a strong believer in the power of education to transform individuals, communities, and the world, Karl is thrilled to offer his support and energy to advance Explorit’s mission. As Treasurer of the Board, he is committed to ensuring that Explorit has the resources and support to continue providing outstanding science education programs in the Davis community and beyond. Karl received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Oregon and taught economics at Cal Poly SLO and Sacramento City College.
" Explorit provides a wonderful opportunity for hands-on science and exploration for the whole family."
JULIE LANGSTON
Secretary
Julie Langston is excited to be a board member with Explorit. She works with the board and staff to ensure Explorit remains solvent in order to continue providing educational opportunities to our community. She also enjoys maintaining Explorit's outdoor areas to be both visually appealing and educational, working on projects such as our new pollinator garden with both hands-on and remote learning. Julia works in the healthcare field and is looking forward to our programs that connect individual health with our plant’s health.
" As a former park ranger, I can attest to the value of Explorit's hands-on learning and am excited to be a part of it all."
" I am excited to be on the board to help further science education to the youth of our community."
"I am excited to be on the board to help further science education to the youth of our community."
" Explorit provides a wonderful opportunity for hands-on science and exploration for the whole family."
JOHN HORN
Board Member
John Horn is an electrical engineering manager, working for Intel Corp for the past 35 years. In addition to creating world-changing technology, John enjoys teaching & enabling STEM-related growth to people of all ages. He has been particularly involved in school-related nonprofits for 20+ years and has been a member of Explorit Science Center's Board of Trustees for the past 2 years.
"I have organized numerous science-based camps for children to spark and sustain the same passion for science that I have always had. Serving on Explorit's board is both a privilege and honor."
VINITA DOMIER
Board Member
Since moving to Davis in 1993, I have volunteered for local youth, cultural, educational, and charitable organizations. I have been the coordinator and presenter of the Davis Astronomy Club at the Explorit Science Center for about two decades, where I have shared my love of science in general and astronomy in particular with local enthusiasts of all ages.
Board Info
The overall Board responsibilities are Fund Development, Ambassadorship, Fiscal Oversight, Policy Making, Board Development, and Planning. The board meets at least quarterly and may meet monthly as needed. Board members are elected or re-elected to two-year terms at the Annual meeting in October. Officers are elected or re-elected to one-year terms at the same meeting.
We are currently looking for board members! To apply, please fill out the application below and send to us via email at explorit@explorit.org.
More information...