Emily Dilger, PhD

Emily builds Ignited’s diverse portfolio of programs and services, develops key strategic partnerships, and ensures Ignited’s overall direction represents the needs of a wide range of schools, teachers and under-represented, under-served students. While completing a PhD, she fell in love with science education and science communication and has since become an educator by practice.

Her past experience includes leading a STEM education coalition out of the California Academy of Sciences, managing the public education website BrainFacts.org and coaching scientists to communicate science in creative ways. She has a PhD in neuroscience from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BS in biochemistry from Mary Washington College. Having moved from the East Coast in 2016, Emily loves exploring the natural beauty of the West Coast on hikes with her dog.