Kalman (Kal) Mannis
Board Director
Kalman (Kal) Mannis has dedicated his adult life to science and education, initially sparked by a high school field project in marine botany at a university-based research center. His academic journey led to degrees in Molecular Biology and Physics and subsequent decades founding companies, pursuing graduate education, and teaching and administering high school science. He specializes in planetary sciences, environmental education, and aiding rural and remote communities in enhancing their STEM capacities.
In 2016, he spearheaded the Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) under the National Science Foundation, which significantly impacted rural STEM development across several regions, including Verde Valley. Following the conclusion of NSF support, he continued his engagement through a NASA project from ASU, especially with the ASAP@NPS initiative that connects master teachers with National Park Service rangers to update educational materials at understaffed Arizona sites. Additionally, he holds key roles in Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project Archeology, facilitating education on environmental sustainability and actively contributing to both state and national educational networks.
