Meet the Team

EMILY ANDERSON

Program Director

Emily began her work in the museum world as an education program volunteer 25 years ago. She gained experience as she advanced in the museum field in a variety of rolls, including program educator, animal care, camp coordinator, exhibit design, construction, and education program manager.  Emily received a bachelor's degree in anthropology from UC Davis, with a minor in human development, and a master's degree in anthropology, with an emphasis in historical archaeology, from the College of William and Mary. 

One of her earliest childhood memory goes back to 1979 when her family traveled to the De Young Museum in San Francisco to see The Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibit. She remembers circling each exhibit area over and over, as you were not allowed to reenter an area once you exited. Her most deeply held goal is for every visitor to have a similar experience when they come to Explorit Science Center.

SARA THOMPSON

Educator, Volunteer Coordinator

Sara Thompson was born and raised in Montana and has always enjoyed science and nature.  She attended Montana State University where she studied Paleontology and Museum Studies.  She came to California in 2012 and began volunteering at Explorit Science Center.  She accepted a part-time paid position at Explorit in 2015 working the Public Hours and weekend science themed Birthday Parties.  Over the years her experience and responsibilities grew, and she is now a Program Educator and the Volunteer Coordinator.  Sara wants to continue working in museums and advocating the importance scientific learning.  Her career goals are to be a Collections Manager of a Paleontology or Earth Science collection at a Natural History Museum.

ANNA FANTASIA

Office Manager

Anna’s educational background is in English Literature and Cultural Anthropology, with an emphasis in Archaeology and the Humanities. She has worked exclusively in the Museum industry for over 25 years in visitor services, gift shop, administrative and office management positions. At Explorit, you can often find her scheduling educational programs, corresponding with teachers, families, and local businesses, and handling the day to day finances. She is excited to offer support to the education staff so they can continue to provide the best science programming in the region.

DAVID MUES

Educator: Woodland Regional Park

David has been a science educator for over 35 years.  He works with audiences of all ages, sharing the wonders of the universe and helping people understand that science is for everyone.  With an educational background in biology, he now brings his knowledge of and enthusiasm for areas ranging from astronomy to zoology.  He is excited to be part of the Explorit team, and looks forward to engaging our visitors in lifelong learning.

SHEILA ALLEN

President

Sheila Allen has been a board member since 2013 and president of the board since 2017.  Dr. Allen is the Executive Director of Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance, a local non-profit, and serves on many community boards including City of Davis Human Relations Commission and Unitrans Advisory Boards, Yolo County In Home Supportive Services Advisory Board and is staff to Yolo County Commission on Aging. She served on the Davis School Board for 9 years. Dr. Allen has a PhD in Nursing and has a research and clinical background in public health and public policy. 

PHYLLIS T. HIMMEL

Vice President

Since earning her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology in 1988,  Phyllis's primary research focus has been the discovery and development of disease resistance in vegetable crops. She has 29 years of experience in plant-disease research, research leadership, product discovery, and development in the vegetable seed industry. For the past five years, Phyllis has been based at the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center to lead the vegetable seed industry funded Collaboration for the Identification of Plant Pathogen Strains (CPPSI).

Secretary

Bob Tyzzer grew up in San Diego, has a PhD in Anthropology, and enjoys science-fiction, sailing, and working on (and driving!) his two 1960s vintage MG automobiles.  In addition to being the Explorit Board secretary, he is also secretary of the board of CONTACT – Cultures of the Imagination, a California non-profit educational corporation that deals with cultural futures and the “active anticipation of the future” through anthropology and other social sciences, science-fiction, and art. 

JULIA LANGSTON

Treasurer

Julia Langston is excited to be a new board member with Explorit. As Treasurer, 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.

RICK LEFLORE

Board Member

Rick LeFlore has a breadth of experience working  for national and state parks, including working as a YCC Crew Leader,  Chief Ranger, firefighter, and Environmental Program Manager. Rick enjoys retirement with his wife, Claire, paddling Hawaiian outrigger canoes, building and paddling wooden kayaks, playing ukulele, hiking and camping, traveling, and spending time with his three daughters and two grandchildren. Rick is looking forward to a reopening of cultural, fine arts, and live entertainment venues post-COVID. 

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.

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.