Meet Our Team
Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to preparing the next generation of STEM educators. With expertise in both subject matter and pedagogy, our team provides the guidance and support students need to succeed in their dual qualification journey.
Dr. Nathan Blom
Dr. Blom earned his Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Piano Pedagogy from Michigan State University. After teaching middle school English and mathematics, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal for two years. He later earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. As Education Co-Director of the AAMUTeach Program, Dr. Blom has published extensively on multimodality and arts-based instruction. He specializes in social justice and equity in education and is a founding developer of Literacy Unbound at Columbia University. Email: nathan.blom@aamu.edu
Dr. Vernessa Edwards
Dr. Edwards has served as a member of the physics faculty at Alabama A&M University for 18 years. She has served as PI and Co-PI on several funded research projects and as Faculty Member for Student Success in the School of Graduate Studies. Currently, Dr. Edwards is the STEM Co-Director for AAMUTeach and a principal investigator for HBCU RISE, an NSF Center of Research in Science and Technology at AAMU. She also serves as Coordinator of Summer Programs at Alabama A&M University. Email: vernessa.edwards@aamu.edu
Dr. Samantha Strachan
Dr. Strachan serves as Associate Dean for Student Success and Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Secondary Education. She holds a doctorate in Science Education from Morgan State University and a Master's in Secondary Education (Biology) from Alabama A&M University.Her research focuses on improving African American males' participation in the teaching profession and pedagogical practices in science classrooms. She is a two-time Jhumki Basu Scholar, 2018 and 2025 ATE Clinical Fellow, and recipient of multiple excellence awards.Email: samantha.strachan@aamu.edu
Shari Webber
Shari Webber is a proud two-time graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor's in Biology and Master's in Secondary Science Education. She is a certified National STEM Educator and has served in education for over fifteen years. She believes in inquiry and activity-based learning that incorporates rigor and engagement. Her teaching philosophy centers on the principle that to learn science, one must "do" science, emphasizing immersion in content and creative expression. Email: shari.king@aamu.edu
Mrs. Candy McGuire
Mrs. McGuire is a dedicated STEM educator with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as an Instructor and Clinical Supervisor in the AAMUteach program. She is an ASCP-certified Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetic Technologist with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. Her cancer research has been published in esteemed journals including the American Journal of Surgical Pathology and Blood. She is passionate about preparing future STEM teachers through hands-on learning and real-world applications.Email: candy.mcguire@aamu.edu
Kenzhia Haskins
Kenzhia Haskins is a proud alumna of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Production. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she has cultivated a robust foundation in media production and communication strategies. In her role as Recruiter and Advisor for AAMUTeach, she supports prospective and current students through academic guidance and strategic outreach, helping to foster the next generation of STEM educators.
