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Annika Jensen
​Director

We live and breathe STAR Camp at our house! I've been involved with this incredible program since I was 10 years old, when I attended Astro Camp for my first time. STAR Camp shaped my life in significant ways, and it is now my absolute joy to direct these programs year-round, with the full support and enthusiasm of my husband and four young children. My educational background is in engineering, which I love. My career has taken me more on a path through education and mentorship, which it turns out I also really love. I am so blessed to be able to live and share my passion for STEM education every day!

Sarah Merrill
Assistant Director

I attended Astro Camp at 15 years old, and returned as a team leader for the two following summers. I'm thrilled to rejoin the STAR Camp team! I received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering in 2009 from Utah State University, before receiving a four year commission as  2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force.
I served for 4 years on active duty at Vandenberg AFB, CA, working with ground support launch systems. After the Air Force, I became a full time stay at home mom before returning to school for a Master's Degree Certificate in Teaching. I have loved teaching math to 8th and 9th graders for the last 4 years. I love time at home with my husband and six kids.  You will usually find me playing board games, enjoying food, planning a summer camping trip, or geeking out over yet another way to solve a math puzzle.

Kendra Connerly
Staff Assistant

Hello! I am Kendra Connerly and I am this year's staff assistant. I just finished my first year of college as an Environmental Science and Sustainability major! I was a camper for many years, team leader for two years, and was night staff last year. This camp has always inspired me and I am looking forward to learning alongside this summer's campers!

Grayson Davis
Team Leader

This is my second year as part of the STAR camp summer staff, and I have been attending camps as a camper since I was 11. I love space and science and I am hoping to pursue a career in engineering or another STEM field. I absolutely love sharing my passion for space with the campers. I have many hobbies including mountain biking, skiing, reading, baking, and video games. I am so excited to be on the staff again this year and am looking forward to an awesome summer! 

Mia McKinney
Team Leader

My name is Mia McKinney and this will be my first year on the STAR camp staff. I got to watch the engaging, authentic STEM experiences STAR camp offers to children and families when they worked with my girls hockey program. I love hands-on science and learning how everything applies to the world around me. I treasure working with kids and seeing the curiosity and joy on their faces while learning! I am a junior in highschool and want to study criminal justice in college after I graduate. In my free time I like to read, play board games with my family, play with my animals, and most of all play ice hockey!

Aspen Olsen
Team Leader

Hi! Science has always been a huge part of my life with my dad as a science teacher. And I've always been interested in biology. I decided to work here because I love it when kids want to learn science and are curious about how the world works. I also have many hobbies like drumming, music, art, and tons of others! I'm so excited to be here and can't wait for an amazing summer!!

Samuel Ditsworth
​Team Leader

I’m excited for STAR Camp this year and can’t wait to be a team leader! I’ve been coming to STAR Camp since I was… well I can’t remember when. I love anything that has to do with space and airplanes. I currently participate in AFJROTC at Wasatch High School and plan to join the Air Force once I graduate. In my spare time, when I’m not in school or participating in AFJROTC activities, I play Roblox and Minecraft. 

Emma O'Connor
​Team Leader

My name is Emma O’Connor and this is my first year on the STAR Camp staff. I love engineering and science. I am interested in becoming a Nuclear Engineer or an Aerospace Engineer. I have attended summer programs similar to STAR Camp and loved my experience. I want to
give this great experience to others. I attend NUAMES High School and am excited to share my love of learning with others. I love sports!! I am a hockey goalie for an all-girls team. I participate in track and field. I also enjoyed playing softball. I love to talk about sports almost as much as I love science.

Lexi Mills
Night Staff

Hey! I'm Lexi Mills and I am so excited to be STAR Camps Night Staff! I am a student at Weber State University studying Political Science and Musical Theatre. I was a camper for 4 years, and I'm so glad to be back! STAR Camp was such an important part of my childhood, and I hope that I can help this year's campers have the same experience!