Julie Brem

philosophy: the big questions

Julie Brem, currently the librarian at Cross Timbers Middle School in Grapevine, Texas, previously taught gifted and talented English at Grapevine High School. After receiving a bachelor's in English from the University of Texas at Austin, she went on to the University of North Texas for a master's in secondary education and as well as a master's in library science. After the great experiences teaching at the Texas Governor's School the past three summers, Julie is delighted to return!

Jack Campbell

art: stop motion madness

John Thomas Campbell (Jack), a sculptor and painter, has completed a $41,000 commission for DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), which included stain glass windows, stone panels, benches and information stands. Jack has had numerous one man shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. His works appear in many private and corporate collections. Jack received his BFA and MFA degrees from the University of North Texas and teaches Art Appreciation at North Central Texas College.

James Hannah

the impact of music on society

James Hannah is the Director of Bands at Plano West Senior High School. Hannah, a native Mississippian, attended West Point High School, undergraduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi, and graduate school at Southern Methodist University.

Mr. Hannah's concert and marching bands have consistently received first division ratings at the Texas University Interscholastic League. His jazz bands have also won numerous ensemble and individual student awards. Hannah's jazz band students have performed for several Grammy Award winning artists. These artists have included Wynton Marsalis, The Yellowjackets, Take Six, and Spyra Gyra.

James Hannah's honors and professional memberships include: Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Mississippi Music Educators Association, Music Educators' National Conference, Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Richland Archaeological Society and Richland Ballet Dance Theatre Company.

Mr. Hannah was selected for Who's Who Among America Teacher (1994, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006), Garland ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year (1994), Naaman Forest High School Teacher of the Year (1994), Outstanding Young Men of America (1986).

Hannah's hobbies include yoga, Tai chi, dance, archaeology, and cycling.

David Jensen

the history of science and technology

David Jensen moved to Texas from Missoula, Montana. He received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in history and English literature from the University of North Texas in 1999. Mr. Jensen has taught World Cultures and History and American History for the Denton Independent School District for eight years. During that time, he has been a curriculum developer and trainer for the Social Studies Department, a member of the World Economic Affairs Council, and a mentor for the National Junior Honors Society. He currently teaches Advanced Placement World History at Denton's Guyer High School. Mr. Jensen has been awarded the UNT History Undergraduate of the Year, the Ben Coody Student Teacher of the Year Award for UNT, and Teacher of the Year for Ronny Crownover Middle School.

Gerry O'Donavan

the history of science and technology

Gerard O'Donovan is from Ireland. He received his BS and MS degrees from University College Cork. He received his PhD at the University of California, Davis in microbiology. Next he spent three years as Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley before joining the faculty at Texas A&M University where he remained for 15 years. He joined UNT as Professor as Chair of Biology in 1984. After a further 15 years as Chair, he stepped down in 1999 and is now Professor of Biology enjoying Teaching and Research.

Kevin Roden

philosophy: the big questions

Kevin received his BA in Political Science from UNT ('98), his MA in Philosophy from the University of Dallas ('07), and is working toward a PhD in Philosophy from the Institute for Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. His research interests include Philosophy of Religion, Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Aesthetics, and addressing the question What Does It Mean to be Human? Kevin works as Assistant Director of Student Life for the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, teaches philosophy at a local community college, and often hosts discussion-oriented events for students and others in the community aimed at helping others live a more reflective life. Kevin is married to his beautiful wife Emily and spends much of his free time chasing around his two year old daughter, Rosemary

Akira Sato

the impact of music on society

Akira Sato is a trumpet player, composer/arranger, and educator currently residing in Plano. He holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia. Akira is a faculty member at both University of North Texas, where he teaches jazz arranging and Southern Methodist University, where he directs the Meadows Jazz Orchestra and teaches jazz improvisation. He also maintains an active performing schedule in the DFW area.

For more information, visit Akira Sato's website by clicking here.

Jeff Seidel

art: stop motion madness

I grew up in the small mountain community of Conifer, Colorado. After moving to Texas in 1991, I studied sculpture at Southwest Texas State University, graduating with a BFA in Studio. For the past 15 years I have taught art at various levels, in Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, Austin and the DFW area. I am currently teaching at Lovejoy High School in Lucas, TX. I am happily married with four wonderful kids, the youngest is 4, the middle child is 11 and my eldest twins are 15. TGS was a blast last year and am really excited about this summer.