APL STEM Staff
STEM Program Management Office Staff
Dwight Carr | STEM Program Manager
In 2011, to address the fact that our nation is facing the critical challenge of creating a workforce educated and trained in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), APL launched a STEM Program Management Office to help inspire, engage, and educate the next generation of STEM professionals. Led by Program Manager Dwight Carr, APL's STEM efforts are geared toward helping inspire, engage, and educate the next generation of STEM professionals. Carr, an electrical engineer with APL since 2003, held technical roles including project manager, lead engineer, and electrical engineer. Before joining APL, he was instrumental in establishing a manufacturing laboratory for the Gene Logic Genomics Corporation and served as a research fellow for the National Institutes of Health. Carr holds a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from The Johns Hopkins University and received his undergraduate degree in biology from Howard University, where he was a member of the National Golden Key Honor Society and the Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society. When Carr is not out promoting APL STEM programs in the community, he is spending time with his wife and two children.
Denise Lewis | STEM Program Specialist
Denise Lewis joined the APL STEM Program Management Office team in August 2012. She is a dedicated educator, STEM advocate, and community volunteer. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she has extensive work experience in corporate America, the federal government, non-profit organizations, and public and private educational institutions. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and holds a Master of Science degree in Education, specializing in curriculum, instruction, and technology. She served as an agent of change in the classroom by implementing programs that increased teacher productivity and improved student outcomes by utilizing technology in instruction. Before joining APL, she served as Regional Director for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in the District of Columbia, developing strategy, partnerships, and resources to support robotics activities and competitions. Lewis is a seven-year-veteran FIRST coach and mentor (Junior FIRST LEGO® League, FIRST LEGO® League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition). In addition, she serves as Principal and Advisor of the Mount Airy Baptist Church #3272 National Society of Black Engineers Pre-College Initiative Chapter. She is active with the D.C. Public Schools STEM Advisory Board and the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital's STEM Action Team, and she is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), ASCD, and the Capital Region Society for Technology in Education (CRSTE). In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and studying the piano. Lewis and her husband are the proud parents of three children, including two daughters in college majoring in STEM fields and a son in high school who is interested in studying electrical engineering.
Colleen D'Agrosa | Office Administrator
Colleen D'Agrosa joined APL as the office administrator of the STEM Program Management Office in December 2011. Previously, she served as the Associate Director of Development at Howard Community College (HCC), where she managed HCC's fundraising events and alumni programs. D'Agrosa became interested in STEM outreach while working with the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County organizing the first Girl Power event in partnership with APL. She enjoyed being part of an event that encouraged young women to pursue STEM careers and is thrilled to have the opportunity to again work toward increasing participation of under-represented groups in STEM. D'Agrosa holds a B.A. in communications from the University of Delaware.
Paula Shelton | Executive Director for Maryland MESA
Paula Shelton is the Executive Director for Maryland MESA. Before joining APL, Shelton held positions in Prince George's County Schools as a science teacher and technology coordinator. In addition to her teaching experience, she served as the advisor and mentor for a National Society of Black Engineers Chapter and U.S. FIRST Robotics Team.
Shelton is a Fellow recipient of the Maryland Tech Academy and holds a B.S. degree from Howard University and a master's degree in education from University of Maryland University College. She is presently pursuing an MBA in human resource management and serves on advisory boards for the Maryland State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education and Project Lead the Way for Baltimore Schools.