Staff Application 2025

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!

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!

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! 

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.