Staff Members
Staff Members
Samaneh Sheikh-Nia
Owner & Center Director
Samaneh, B.Eng. M.Sc., earned her undergraduate degree in Computer Software Engineering and completed her graduate studies in Computer Science with a major in Data Mining (University of Guelph, ON, Canada). With over 10 years of experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing - Samaneh's love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) combined with a strong belief in "quality education" and the importance of STEM for children, make Stemtree a natural fit. As the parents of two young children, Samaneh and her husband, Hamidreza Sadrnia, actively engage their older son's natural curiosity for science and math and are proud of his exceptional progress in STEM subjects. Attributing her success in life to "those that have provided me with hands-on learning experiences", as owner and director of Stemtree of South Irvine - Samaneh wants to provide the same opportunities for children in her community.
Hamid Sadrnia
Lead STEM Instructor
Hamid, B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, is an exceptionally talented teacher & engineer. He has 20+ years of experience in automotive industry - innovations department. As well as 15+ years of teaching computer related subjects to students. He loves teaching and he has a reputation for beautifully simplifying complicated and technical subjects for kids so that they can thoroughly learn! His favorite hobbies has been computer and electronics since childhood to this date! His relatives and friends has many stories of his childhood coming up with great ideas when playing with electronic kits! His wish for all children is to be able to experience the beauty of STEM, and to enjoy it as much as him!
Laleh Alavinejad
STEM Instructor
Laleh, B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering, has more than 5 years of experience in the field of Computer Hardware. She also earned a B.Art in Photography. She loves working with children and sharing her joy and enthusiasm for learning. She pursued her true passion for teaching and has been working with IUSD for more than 4 years. With 7+ years of experience teaching different subjects such as Math, Science, Art, and Language, she is a dedicated and passionate instructor who makes learning fun and easy for her students and makes them believe in themselves as strong and capable learners!
Roksana Shirazi
STEM Instructor
Roksana graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. During her time at UCLA, Roksana worked in many laboratories. After graduation, she worked as a Staff Research Associate II in Dr. Robert L. Modlin's laboratory for three years. Now, Roksana is a Ph.D. student in the Morrison lab. She looks forward to facing new challenges to achieve her goal of becoming a Ph.D. scientist. Roksana has been a Math Tutor for more than 4 years at Irvine valley college. She encourages students to ask questions, think critically, and explain their reasoning. She helps students to find the connection between personal passions and STEM learning and believe in themselves to shape the future and to change lives.
Ammar Shihabi
STEM Instructor
Ammar is currently working on achieving his bachelor's degree in computer engineering with the minor in software engineering. He plans to not only acquire a bachelor's degree in engineering at Cal State Fullerton, but also achieving his Masters Degree in software engineering at either UC San Diego or UC Los Angeles. Ammar currently also is a teacher at a different institution teaching ages anywhere between K-8. Ammar has also volunteered at many schools helping and teaching special needs children and students with subjects such as math and science. Ammar loves to work with students and has many capabilities and strong attributes working with kids.
Karissa Posada
STEM Instructor
Karissa is a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences specializing in Immunology and Microbiology with a minor in Medical Anthropology. Karissa is currently pursuing a career in medicine, and in the meanwhile is using her knowledge of the sciences to teach and help students become interested in science. Karissa attended IUSD schools growing up and therefore has a thorough understanding of the student experience in Irvine. She has experience tutoring elementary and middle schoolers from IUSD schools, and she hopes to help students be confident to pursue the STEM subjects throughout their education.
Celina Emami
STEM Instructor
Celina is currently working on obtaining her bachelors, and later, her masters degree in chemical engineering. She plans to transfer to UC Irvine and complete her education there. Once she has graduated, Celina hopes to become a professional engineer and continue working in the space or energy engineering industry. Celina has a background teaching science and math, among other subjects, to students of all ages in IUSD. Celina has spent several years tutoring children and brings a positive attitude to the table. She makes sure to take care of each students’ individual needs and teaches them according to their preferred learning style. Celina hopes to make other students confident in their STEM-related skills and hopes to help students foster a good relationship with science and engineering.
