With a mix of gratitude and sadness, the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) announces Lara Maupin’s departure as Executive Director, effective April 26, 2024. Since 2017, Lara has played important roles in MAS’ development and success, including Winchell Coordinator, Science Salon Coordinator, Communications Specialist, Science Bowl Manager, Interim Executive Director, and Executive Director. We will miss Lara and her visionary leadership, and at the same time we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavor as the director of a nature and art center in Pennsylvania.  

Over her six and a half year tenure at MAS, Lara has been crucial in the revival of our Minnesota Junior Academy of Science program and has aided in the expansion of the innovative Fostering Opportunities and Relationships in STEM Education program. Lara displayed steady leadership as challenges from the COVID-19 crisis rocked educational systems worldwide. She tirelessly worked to secure financial support for our State Science and Engineering Fair and Minnesota Science Bowl programs as drops in funding and rising costs threatened these long-standing programs. As MAS Executive Director, Lara was also instrumental in our website redesign, forging partnerships with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) organizations throughout the region, expanding MAS’ social media presence, and solidifying MAS’ commitment to STEM equity.

“It has been my honor and privilege to lead the Minnesota Academy of Science for the past five years as Executive Director,” said Maupin. “I am especially proud of the way we met challenges and came together as a community of people who care about STEM opportunities in our state. Our programs have always been amazing and well-loved -- but now MAS programs like Science Fair, Science Bowl, and FORSE enjoy much more of the support they need to flourish for years to come because of the partnerships we’ve developed and the strategic investments we’ve made in our organizational infrastructure and capacity during my tenure.”

We would like to again express our gratitude for the dedication and enthusiasm Lara has given MAS. We are excited for the future of MAS as we work with our investors, sponsors, partners, program participants, and other stakeholders in our mission to advance STEM opportunities for all Minnesotans.