Episode 2: Former Director Series Part 1

In this two part series, Alonzo sits down with the three former Directors of NC Science Olympiad. The interviews cover a wide array of topics including the overall impact of the program, the importance of STEM education, tips for success and much more. In the first episode of the series, Alonzo sits down with Manley Midgett and Dr. Jason Painter.

About Our Former Directors

Manley Midgett
Manley is a science educator with 40+ years of experience. Manley served as the NC Science Olympiad Director for over 23 years and has been a National Event Supervisor for the past 30 years. Manley has received the SMT Center Champion Award in 2010 and was awarded the North Carolina Science Teacher Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

Jason Painter
Dr. Jason Painter is the Director of The Science House at NC State and excels at developing outreach and engagement programs that connect scientific and non-scientific communities. He started at NC State as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Science Olympiad in 2006. He has spent the last 10 years leading The Science House in the College of Sciences. Dr. Painter has received the National Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award, the Herman Gatling Award for Outstanding Science Leadership in North Carolina, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education. Dr. Painter holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in science education from East Carolina University and a doctoral degree in education from UNC-Chapel Hill. When he is not leading The Science House he can be found spending time with his family or playing tennis.