Brian Jernigan is an innovative collaborator with a penchant for pushing the boundaries of educational possibilities. Currently affiliated with Cherry Creek Schools, he is dedicated to the development of hands-on, inquiry-based programs that emphasize research within STEM fields while exemplifying best practices in teaching and learning.Employing a grassroots approach to STEM education, Brian embraces a philosophy that encourages learning through trial and error, recognizing that failure is an integral part of the path to success. His expertise lies in igniting creative sparks among children, educators, and the broader public. Notably, Brian has served as the Director of STEM Programs at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he maintains active collaborations with faculty, research groups, and students within the realms of education and engineering.Brian's credentials include certification by the American Camp Association as a Director of Programs, as well as certifications in IB Design Technology and Project Lead the Way Manufacturing. He holds a master's degree in Career and Technology Education from the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a stellar 4.0 GPA and received the ISTE Outstanding Graduate Student award. Additionally, Brian played a pivotal role as a founding member of the 501c3 nonprofit organization Ecosystem Arts, dedicated to empowering youth through engineering and empathy education.Residing in the picturesque surroundings along the front range of the Rocky Mountains outside Denver, Colorado, Brian finds joy in exploring the backcountry with his family and two dogs. Beyond his professional pursuits, he channels his passion into activities such as tinkering with amateur radio, engaging in pen and ink drawing, and contributing to landscape design.