About me

I am a senior leader on a mission to empower young people to solve the world’s most challenging technical problems, and to support organizations .  C-suite strategic/operational manager with a strong capacity to function in complex, ambiguous environments.  Over 20 years of experience in the non-profit research and higher education sector, including US government contract companies and the Ivy League.  Strong track record of obtaining government funding for research and education, won over $10M in independent research grants from NASA from 2001-present. Self-starter and self-teacher who can “parachute in” and solve problems.  Coach, mentor, people-developer. 

Education

B.S. Planetary Science, Caltech

Awarded Fritz Burns Prize in Geology upon graduation, for promise of future contributions to the field

Elected by peers to serve as a student member of the Freshman Admissions committee 1996-2000

M. S. Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado

Ph. D. Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado

Awarded NASA Graduate Research Program Fellowship 2001-2004

Professional Experience

2017-present: Chief Academic Officer, SSP International, Inc.

  • Directed rapid company growth from 2 to 30 staff, and from 6 to 18 summer enrichment programs for high-ability, advanced STEM students following a $200 million donation
  • Tripled summer program enrollment and number of applicants between 2017-2024
  • Launched four new curriculum programs in biochemistry, genomics, CRISPR, and synthetic chemistry
  • Built partnerships with a dozen universities including Purdue University, Pacific University, Colby College, and Lehigh University
  • Media advocacy and visibility,, representing the organization and its mission in Forbes, The Hechinger Report, and Caltech Magazine
  • Developed rigorous, peer-reviewed assessment portfolio (e.g., Deemer et al., 2024; Deemer et al., 2023; Deemer et al., 2022)
  • Optimized resource allocation by managing an $8 million annual budget, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability
  • Developed and led DEIJ-focused faculty training programs, embedding inclusive practices into organizational culture

2006-present: Research Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute (2015-present) and Southwest Research Institute (2006-2011)

  • Secured over $15 million in grants from NASA and NSF for original scientific research, including a NASA Early Career Fellowship
  • Invited review articles for Nature, 25th anniversary of Journal of Geophysical Research and the Io After Galileo book.
  • Member of Europa Imaging System and REASON ice-penetrating radar teams, NASA Europa Clipper mission.
  • Service on the National Academies’ Intelligence Science and Technology Experts Group.

2011-2014: Assistant Professor, Dept. of Geological Sciences, Brown University

  • Packard Foundation fellowship finalist
  • Established a research group prioritizing independence, creativity, and diversity, leading to student fellowships from NASA and the Mellon Mays Foundation
  • Designed and implemented academic programs to align with evolving student and industry needs
  • Served on faculty search committees, as a freshman advisor (for first-generation college and international students), and on the graduate admissions committee, contributing to a holistic approach to student and faculty success

2004-2017: Board of Trustees, SSP, Inc.

  • Served on the Nominating, Governance, Admissions, Curriculum, Expansion, and Audit committees, ensuring adherence to best practices and transparency in operations
  • Developed processes for curriculum expansion including RFP, budgeting, trial, and assessment, aligning educational offerings with strategic goals and community needs
  • Designed and implemented SSP’s first university-style, need-blind admissions process, including creating the application and review procedures to target high-ability students and broader access for diverse populations
  • Oversight for organizational initiatives, fostering sustainable growth of SSP’s programs and alignment with the Board and its mission

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