About

The San Diego Science Project (SDSP) serves both San Diego and Imperial County and is a partnership between UC San Diego and the San Diego County Office of Education. The project is housed within the Center for Research on Educational Equity and Teaching Excellence (CREATE) at UC San Diego and works collaboratively with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Birch Aquarium.

Alec Barron, Ed.D.

Director

Alec Barron is the Director of the San Diego Science Project at UC San Diego CREATE. In previous roles as a K12 science teacher, an instructional coach, and administrator, he led the design of new curricula, professional learning, and instructional coaching to support NGSS implementation. Alec has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Education, a Masters degree in Education, and a Doctorate degree in Leadership for Educational Equity. When not getting nerdy with science educators, he can be found on trails in nature exploring phenomena of our natural world.

John Spiegel

Co-Director

John Spiegel is a 20+ year educator with a passion for science teaching and learning. Since 2013 he has worked closely with teachers, schools, and districts as they implement the Next Generation Science Standards. In addition to being a co-director of the San Diego Science Project, he is a Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the San Diego County Office of Education. John has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. When not working directly with educators, he enjoys being in nature, finding and exploring phenomena around him.

Zoë Randall

Communications and Marketing Director

Zoë Randall is thrilled to join the SDSP team as Communications and Marketing Director. She brings 16 years of experience in a variety of STEAM education roles, both in the US and abroad, most recently co-leading a STEAM initiative at San Diego Unified School District. She is passionate about designing transformative educational programs and initiatives with an emphasis on joyful, loving, and equitable education where all learners can flourish. Zoë holds a B.A. in Visual Arts, Media & Film from UC San Diego and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.

Teacher Leader Spotlight

Melanie Villanueva

"Over the years, I've been proud to contribute to the world of education, particularly in supporting early-career science teachers. My roles as a new teacher mentor in my school district and as a teacher-leader with the San Diego Science Project have allowed me to connect educators and students with authentic scientific research and help foster a strong, supportive community within the profession."