Welcome Our New Elementary Program Coordinator

We are excited to introduce our new North Carolina Science Olympiad Elementary Program Coordinator Jodi Davis. In this leadership role, Jodi will oversee the planning and execution of Division A (elementary school) programming statewide, managing tournament logistics, supporting regional directors, coaches and volunteers, and helping expand opportunities for student participation. Through her work, Jodi will play a vital role in delivering engaging, high-quality STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a lifelong love of science among North Carolina’s youngest Science Olympians. 

Jodi comes to NCSO from Wilmington Academy of Arts and Science (WAAS) in Wilmington, NC where she served as the fourth/fifth Grade Teacher Assistant for eight years. She brings twenty nine years of STEM teaching experience. Jodi is also an experienced Science Olympiad coach.

She shared a little bit about herself and what she loves about Science Olympiad below:

How did you get started in Science Olympiad?

When I joined WAAS eight years ago, I worked closely with the science teacher, Lisa Giacomelli. She enthusiastically took me under her wing, introducing me to all things Science Olympiad and inspiring my passion for the program through her knowledge, support, and dedication.

Why did you want to join the NC Science Olympiad team?

I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at multiple tournaments each year and coaching both elementary and middle school teams, as well as individual events. The passion and enthusiasm demonstrated by students, coaches, and event leaders are truly infectious, and I am excited about the opportunity to share that energy with an even broader audience. In my role supporting the WAAS Science Olympiad teams, I managed program logistics and administrative tasks, ensuring that the many details behind the scenes were handled effectively. I find great satisfaction in organizing and contributing to the smooth operation of a program that provides such meaningful educational experiences for students.

A favorite story about coaching your team?

I have two stories: 

#1: Last November, my Varsity middle school team attended an invitational tournament in Georgia. Although we had actually earned first place, a scoring error resulted in us being awarded the second-place trophy during the awards ceremony. Once the scores were corrected, we had to exchange trophies in the school hallway with the team that had initially been announced as the first place winner. What stood out to me most happened later that evening at dinner. One of my students expressed concern that the other team might be disappointed about having to give up their trophy. She said she hoped they weren’t too sad because they had worked hard and should still be proud of everything they had accomplished. Her empathy and thoughtfulness in that moment were truly heartwarming and reminded me that Science Olympiad helps students develop not only academic skills, but also character and sportsmanship.

#2: In 2022, as tournaments were returning to in-person events following COVID, the State Tournament awards ceremony was held outdoors on the soccer fields. Participants, coaches, and spectators sat in lawn chairs, including our school director, who joined the head coach and me. As the top ten middle school teams were announced, we were surprised that our school had not yet been called. Based on our calculations, we were convinced we had placed around seventh. As the announcements continued and third place was reached, it suddenly became clear that we were actually in contention for either first or second place—and that we had qualified for Nationals. When our team was announced as the second place finisher, the excitement was unforgettable. The celebration was made even more special by the presence of former students (now high schoolers) and their parents, who were sitting behind us and cheering us on. It was an incredible moment that reflected the dedication and hard work of our students, coaches, and the broader school community.

Favorite NCSO Event? Why?

My favorite event to coach is Movers and Shakers. I didn’t learn about earthquakes or volcanoes in school so it was fun to learn along with my teams, including during COVID. My favorite event to watch is Ping Pong Parachute, especially when a device performs successfully!

It is always exciting to see students’ creativity, engineering skills, and hard work come together in a successful launch.

Least Favorite NCSO Event? Why?

If I could have done Science Olympiad as a student, I would have chosen academic or lab events- never a build event- so for my least favorite event it is a tie between Wind Power and Mission Possible. I apologize to the students I “coached” for Wind Power because I feel like I let them down with my lack of engineering knowledge. The pages and pages of rules for Mission Possible make my brain hurt!

What are you most looking forward to as the new Elementary Program Coordinator?

I am looking forward to working with teachers and coaches all across the state to help them create a passion for STEM. I am very excited to go to more tournaments too!

If you could create or add your own event what would it be and why?

A few years ago, I helped write the Clue In To Science event in which students learned about 100 famous and not-so-famous scientists. I enjoyed researching the scientists and uncovering fascinating stories about their discoveries, challenges, and contributions to science. In fact, some of the knowledge I gained has even come in handy for my trivia team! For a new event, I would love to see something related to Science in the News, where students could explore current scientific discoveries, emerging technologies, and real-world applications of science. Such an event would help students connect classroom concepts to contemporary issues while developing critical thinking and research skills.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I am in two book clubs so I read all the time. I enjoy scrapbooking and cooking. My favorite hobby is helping out my daughters at the dance studio they own in Durham- Davis Dance Company.

Favorite piece of NCSO swag?

I love the scrunchie! On tournament days, it is my good luck bracelet until I decide to put my hair up! The tie dye t-shirt is also a fave.