Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks named interim director of CeMaST
Illinois State University has named Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks as the new interim director of the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST). Waring-Sparks brings a strong background in STEM education and leadership, along with deep institutional knowledge and experience within CeMaST.
A three-time Redbird, Waring-Sparks earned her bachelor’s (2016), master’s (2018), and doctoral (2023) degrees in biological sciences from Illinois State. She has been a key contributor to CeMaST, where she has served as the program coordinator for the Science IS-U Scholars Program, a prestigious initiative funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that aims to advance inclusive excellence in undergraduate science education.
“As a proud three-time alum of Illinois State and a member of the CeMaST team, I am honored to step into the role of interim director,” Waring-Sparks said. “CeMaST has an extensive history of empowering STEM education and scholarship across the K–16 continuum, and I look forward to building on that foundation through strategic partnerships, inclusive programming, and innovative initiatives that support our students, faculty, and community.”
“I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks has agreed to serve as the interim director of the Center for Math, Science, and Technology,” said Dr. Craig C. McLauchlan, associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies. “Dr. Waring-Sparks brings her experience and knowledge as STEM program coordinator with CeMaST, having coordinated and led several programs, including the Science IS-U Scholars Program. She is well-poised to work with our staff and stakeholders to keep moving CeMaST forward and delivering the quality work and programming we’ve come to know from the center.”
Waring-Sparks succeeds Dr. Rebekka Darner, who served as CeMaST director since 2019. During her tenure, Darner led significant growth in the center’s research, outreach, and educator support programs. She now begins a new leadership role as interim associate dean at Illinois State’s Mennonite College of Nursing. Thank you to Dr. Darner for her impactful leadership, and welcome to Dr. Waring-Sparks as she steps into her new role guiding the future of STEM education and engagement through CeMaST.
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