Science Interactive Announces the 2025 Golden Goggles Award Winners

ENGLEWOOD, CO—June 17, 2025–Science Interactive, a leader in science education, has announced the winners of its 2025 Golden Goggles Awards. Now in its third year, the annual awards recognize educators who are advancing education and making a lasting impact on student success. Nominations opened earlier this spring, with one institution and six educators nationwide receiving recognition. 

From in-person labs to hybrid classrooms and fully online programs, these educators are helping students gain scientific literacy to better understand the world around them. For some students, it’s a path toward STEM careers; for others, it’s a transformative educational experience.

Meet the 2025 Golden Goggles Award recipients:

• Dr. Karl Bailey, Clark College, has been named Pedagogy Pioneer of the Year, demonstrating exceptional teaching expertise through innovative approaches, curriculum development, and a proven commitment to student success. As a chemistry professor committed to the craft of teaching, Dr. Bailey uses creative instructional methods that make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and even fun. His work represents a commitment to making pedagogy—not just content—a central part of student success in science classrooms.
• Lisa Jones, Ed.S., Aiken Technical College, has been named Health Science Educator of the Year. As program coordinator and instructor, Dr. Jones is laser-focused on preparing students for real-world pharmacy settings in her pharmacy technician courses. Her approach not only meets ASHP and ACPE accreditation standards but also fosters a collaborative learning environment where students build critical thinking skills and confidence. Dr. Jones’s commitment to experiential learning ensures her students are ready for careers in the health sciences.
• Dr. Charles Murrieta, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, has been named Campus Lab Champion of the Year. As a winner in this category, he represents the powerful impact of immersive on-campus lab learning. With nearly two decades of experience in analytical research labs and a doctorate in lipid biochemistry, Dr. Murrieta has worked to revolutionize traditional laboratory learning through innovative approaches that inspire student curiosity and develop practical scientific skills. Since joining the Forensic Science faculty in 2022, he has led hands-on, high-impact courses in toxicology, chemistry, and lab safety—ensuring students gain real-world scientific skills that stick.
• Dr. Beth Taylor-Nolan, University of New England, has been named Online Academic Leader of the Year. As Dean of UNE Online, Dr. Taylor-Nolan champions high-quality online education, including flexible STEM offerings at scale. Together, with her team, she works to expand access to more students while maintaining a high degree of quality. Her leadership advances a bold vision for online learning—one where innovation, access, and academic excellence go hand in hand.
• From Doane University, Dr. Andrea Holmes, has been named Online Program Pioneer of the Year. A professor of chemistry and coordinator for online science labs, Dr. Holmes is redefining what chemistry education looks like online. She’s a published organic chemist and thought leader, focused on building digital learning experiences that are just as hands-on, challenging, and captivating as any traditional lab—raising the bar for what’s possible in virtual science education.
• From Doane University, Erin May, M.Ed., has also been named Online Program Pioneer of the Year, demonstrating a commitment to expanding access to high-quality science education through innovative online programs while maintaining educational rigor that drives student success. Erin’s work at Doane demonstrates a passion for expanding learning pathways for nontraditional and underserved students, creating more flexible, inclusive access to science education—without compromising on quality or engagement.

Among other benefits, this year’s honorees will be able to further invest in their students’ success by taking advantage of a Science Interactive donation or grant opportunity, as well as share their knowledge and best practices with the broader community through various presentation opportunities.

“The way education is being delivered continues to change—and these educators are stepping up,” said Sasha Peterson, CEO of Science Interactive. “The 2025 Golden Goggles winners are redefining what it means to support student success by weaving together technology, creativity, and accessibility in ways that genuinely connect with students. They’re not just teaching facts; they’re sparking curiosity, building confidence, and shaping the next generation of thinkers. We’re proud to celebrate their impact and honored to support the work they do every single day.”

Nominations for the 2026 program will open early next year. To learn more, visit https://www.scienceinteractive.com.