Susan Stauffer has an extensive background in STEM education that spans across Idaho. After graduating from Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls, she earned bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Secondary Education as well as a master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Idaho (UI). She is a former math and statistics teacher/department chair at Boise High School, statistics instructor at the UI – Moscow, section editor of leading national statistics textbook, and UI-Micron STEM Education Research Associate. In 2018 as UI Associate Director of TRIO-Inspire STEM Access, Susan started leading programs in Upward Bound Math-Science, Northwest Intermountain Metal Manufacturers student grant, and NASA-funded Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP). She continues to assist part-time with the NESSP program where Idaho leads the nation in several categories.

Susan and other STEM leaders in North Idaho volunteered to initiate a STEM hub for the STEM Action Center in October, 2020. With a fabulous team, Susan collaborated to establish focus groups that identified our regional assets and areas to build. As Hub Coordinator for the Idaho North & North Central STEM ecosystem (STEM INNC); Susan works closely with her Steering Committee to foster collaboration and deliver resources to our North and North Central Idaho partners. A few highlights for STEM INNC thus far include strategic planning, connecting partners, spotlighting programs in well attended monthly meetings, and awarding more than 20 grants for local programs in schools and communities.

When not working, Susan can usually be found whitewater rafting, backpacking, canoeing, bicycling, skiing, or hiking. Her three adult sons often join her for an adventure when they take breaks from their engineering and computer science careers.