We are thrilled to welcome Lori Khan as the new Secondary Program Coordinator for North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO). In this statewide leadership role, Lori will oversee the planning and execution of Division B and C (middle and high school) programming. Her responsibilities include managing tournament logistics, supporting regional directors, coaches, and volunteers, and expanding participation opportunities for students across the state. Through her work, Lori will play a vital role in delivering high-quality STEM experiences that inspire teamwork, curiosity, and a lifelong love of science.

Lori joins NCSO from Triangle Day School in Durham, NC, where she spent nine years as a middle school science teacher. She brings twenty-two years of STEM teaching experience working in grades 6-12. Lori also has a proven track record with Science Olympiad having served as a coach for Divisions A, B, and C. Lori holds two master’s degrees; one in School Administration and another in Entomology. Below, she shares a bit about herself and her passion for Science Olympiad:

How did you get started in Science Olympiad?

I have had a love for Science Olympiad since I competed in High School in Indiana. I was fortunate to have students ask me to start a Division C team at a school here in North Carolina 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since.

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

I am so grateful for this opportunity to broaden STEM experiences through the Science Olympiad program. I wanted to share my passion for learning science and reach more students across the state while also helping teachers support their curriculum inside and out of the classroom.

A favorite story about coaching your team?

I have so many amazing memories with my teams over the years, but I will highlight two. First, in our third year as a team at Middle College High School @DTCC, I watched my students problem solve and trouble shoot in real time without giving up on a mousetrap car that pushed a cup forward and then reversed to a specific point. They worked all through lunch to get the cup to move before finally making it to impound. Their perseverance paid off and the car ran smoothly into second place. To me this highlighted why STEM is important in building skills that are transferable outside the classroom.

My second favorite memory is my first Division B regional with Triangle Day School. We had no expectations of any awards going into the tournament. As students came back from their events they relayed that they felt their events went well. After some well deserved snacks we headed to the award ceremony. To our shock and amazement, we started placing in events. We even took first place in two! No one was more surprised than me when we placed third overall and won a bid to States. This kicked off our amazing program run of 7 out 8 years making it to States.

I am so honored to be able to see those students continue to participate in Science Olympiad in High School and establishing teams of their own. It has been so rewarding to see former students make career pathways, and pursue degrees in events they started in Division A Science Olympiad.

Favorite NCSO Event? Why?

As a competitor; Write it, Do it because I earned a medal in this event in high school. It taught me to trust myself and my partner without getting distracted from looking at other builders (doers). As a coach, Experimental Design. I believe this is the best event that encompasses all of science through the process of the scientific method and the core of science inquiry.

Least Favorite NCSO Event? Why?

Anything flight! It doesn’t matter what type of plane, helicopter or parachute, I am horrible at troubleshooting how to make it fly better or fly at all.

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

I am looking forward to working with regional directors and supporting teachers across the state. I can’t wait to start meeting other peers in education and the community. I am ready to make connections, and expand STEM opportunities to students in North Carolina. 

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

This is difficult because I feel Science Olympiad covers a broad range of topics. I am partial to half testing/half build or lab events. Although difficult to run and set up, I think that more hands-on STEM events provide the most opportunities to develop strong problem solving skills. I would like to see a mini chem lab for Division B as a lot of students really like to wear the lab coat and goggles to feel sciency. I also think that more high school students would enjoy some science sketchers or 20 questions with scientists similar to some of the Division A events. 

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time playing games with my family, working on puzzles in the winter, and coaching volleyball at Riverside High School.

Favorite piece of NCSO swag?

I love my scrunchie and socks.