Gencyber Teacher Fellow
Orlando Buria is a math and science teacher at West Seneca Christian School. He has taught Game Design, Intro to Computer Science, and Visual BASIC. More recently, he has taught AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. In 2021, he added a course called Python, IoT, and Virtual Reality. He started a Tech Club years ago that is now sponsored by a colleague. He also operates a STEM Camp that has a focus on coding.
Pam Healy is the Computer Science Department Chair at Nardin Academy, and all-girls high school. She is currently teaching Exploring Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A and Introduction to Programming withPython. In addition to teaching, Pam is also an active member in the Western NY Computer Science Teachers Association where she served as President. She is interested in finding different ways to develop interest in computer science for young women and creating communities of support for new computer science teachers.
Kaci Nowadley teaches science classes at Hamburg High School including AP Computer Science Principles, AP Biology, Chemistry and others. She started with a Computer Science Club for three years then the school picked up the AP CSP Class. The club has participated in high school “Capture the Flag” coding contest, an international online competition dealing with cryptography, algorithm design and programming. She is in the New York State Master Teachers program.
Gencyber Teacher Participants
Marcy is a Math and Computer Science teacher at York High School. She teaches Algebra 2, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Personal Finance, AP Computer Science Principles, Intro to Computers (Python), and Gaming/Security. She is also a NYS Master Teacher Emeritus.
Kristi Briggs is the Educational Technology Specialist at Canaseraga Central School. Mrs. Briggs teaches basic computer skills, technology and robotics (PK-12). These courses integrate Cybersecurity and Coding into all grade levels. Mrs. Briggs established the "BRAGGS 1N C0DE" Robotics Team in 2017. She currently coaches six robotics teams in VEX EDR and VEX-IQ. One of her elementary teams qualified to compete at the World Championships in Dallas, Texas in May 2021.
Edison Career and Technology High School
Kristine is a special education teacher for the Pathways to Technology Program in the Rochester City School District where she specializes in math and science. Her most current coursework includes Algebra I, Algebra II, Living Environment and Earth Science. She has recently contributed to the district’s Algebra I online curriculum and is a teacher champion for the district’s Girls Who Game afterschool club.
Michael Lieber is the Engineering Technology Department Chair at Lockport High School. Lieber is a 30 year veteran teacher in Engineering Technology and Computer Science. Currently teaching Foundations of Coding, Cybersecurity, Media Production and Communication Systems. He has helped establish a state approved CTE Graduate Academy Program and manages the team running the Engineering Technology Academy at Lockport High School. Lieber has 15 years experience with FIRST Robotics at the FLL and FRC level. Lieber Currently works closely with The Challenger Learning Center of Erie, Orleans and Niagara, and LCTV Communications to increase the promotion of STEM and CS in Niagara County.
Herman Perry teaches AP Computer Literature, Introduction into Computer Science Principles and Microsoft TEALS course in Python for the Pathways to Technology program in Rochester Cirt School District. In addition to teaching, he is an active member in the Western New York Computer Science Teachers Association. In addition, he was the director of the Rochester City School District’s Robotics team for the last four years. He mentors young men of color and encourage and guide them into to various STEM fields.
Aaron Straus is coordinator for STEM programs at Salamanca City Central School District. He earned his undergraduate degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology at the University of Arkansas, Master of Advanced Study in Integrated Physics at the American College of Education, and School Building and District Leadership Certificate at the University of Rochester. While serving in Salamanca, Aaron led a task force to start the college-credit CTE program, "Project SAMI," which affords students a choice of advanced CTE college study in Information Technology, Drone Inspections & Business Management. Aaron serves as a supervisor for this program and facilitates dual-enrollment coursework in Computer Technology.
Dan Thomas is a Technology Teacher at Soutwestern Central Schools in Jamestown NY. He teaches some Computer Science Discoveries to his 7th grade students. Additionally, he teaches an Introduction to Coding and LEGO Robotics at the High School Level. He has plans for adding HTML/Webpage Design and Raspberry Pi curriculum.
