The STELLAR Project

Keith Smolkowski – Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Smolkowski is a Senior Research Scientist at Oregon Research Institute and provides support for research methods and data analysis for the project. His research interests include academic achievement and social behavior within pre-kindergarten to middle school populations as well as the methods used to study related activities and interventions. He brings over 25 years of research experience to the STELLAR project, having contributed to more than 40 funded research projects and 90 manuscripts. He received his doctorate in Special Education from the University of Oregon.

Lisa Abia-Smith – Co-Principal Investigator
Lisa is the Director of Education Programs at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and Adjunct Associate Professor for the UO’s Department of Arts Administration. She is nationally recognized for using visual arts to improve 21st Century Skills, strengthening docent programs, creating interactive learning exhibits, providing outreach to teachers, and establishing collaborative partnerships with schools.

Peggy Marconi – Associate Director
Peggy is a former middle school reading/language arts teacher with experience teaching in rural schools in both Alaska and Oregon, where she has also directed Title I programs. She is a member of the NWP Rural Network and a curator for NWP’s Digital Is website. She is currently Program Manager for the STELLAR Project and former Associate Director of the Oregon Writing Project (OWP) at the UO, managing its outreach efforts since 2004.

Rachel Cameron
Rachel is a Research Assistant in the Center for Advanced Technology in Education where she supports the STELLAR Project’s implementation and data management activities.

Uladzimir Slabin
Dr. Slabin is a Research Associate in the Center for Advanced Technology in Education and currently manages Second Life activities for the STELLAR Project. He is also an Adjunct Professor and publishes regularly on using virtual worlds for online learning.

Sherri Jones
Sherri is the Museum Education Program Coordinator at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

Lane Education Service District

Bob Curtis
Bob is the Science Specialist at Lane ESD.

Robert Young
Robert is a children’s author, teacher, and writing consultant. He provides instructional support to grant participants as they develop and enhance writing communities in their classrooms.