Faculty and Staff

Prof. Mark Baraket

Prof. Mark Baraket is a certified science & space ambassador with the National Space Society in Washington DC. He has been an astrophysicist for many years working on 2 NASA projects. Today he shares his knowledge of the universe and all areas of Physics with students domestically & internationally. He holds a Masters in Astrophysics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Prof. Chloe Franklin

Chloe studied Biological Sciences at the University of Chicago as an undergraduate and is completing her master’s degree research on inquiry-based science instruction. Her excitement about physics was sparked by Chad Orzel’s book "How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog." Chloe enjoys nurturing curiosity for science and technology in her students through engaging, creative lessons. In addition to teaching school-age children through Quantum Physics for Kids, Chloe has been involved with science education for over ten years as a teaching assistant, tutor, enrichment instructor, and museum volunteer.

Prof. Alexander Ky

Alex is a graduate from the University of Michigan where he studied Biochemistry and Applied Statistics. He is currently in medical school. Alex's passion for science started in 6th grade when he started competing in Science Olympiad. Learning about Anatomy and Forensics opened Alex's eyes to the vast world of science and he has been continually seeking out ways to help others develop a love for science as well. Alex has worked for O'Rourke Lab researching type II diabetes and is also a volunteer Science Olympiad coach teaching events such as Crime Busters and Food Science to middle schoolers.

Prof. Valerie Mih

Valerie has been teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes and creating educational materials for students of all ages for over 15 years. After working in the entertainment industry (including animating on the films "A Bugs Life" and "Toy Story II"), she discovered a passion for educational media and curriculum development. Since 2005, she has served as a full-time educator and educational content developer. With Quantum Academy, her focus has been on developing materials and curriculum to help teach advanced physics and science to children and teens. Valerie is also a professor of animation technology at California College of the Arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.