Our Mission
The demand for expertise in STEM fields is skyrocketing, with STEM occupations growing twice as fast as non-STEM jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Despite this, fewer than 40% of students who enroll in STEM programs complete their degrees, and nearly 20% leave college entirely (National Science Board). Additionally, only 22% of American high school seniors demonstrate proficiency in science with 41% testing below average (Nations Report Card).
At XplorStem, our mission is to close this gap by equipping students with hands-on learning, career-ready certifications, and real-world STEM skills and knowledge. Developed by biotechnology professionals in collaboration with educators, our curriculum empowers the next generation of innovators to meet workforce demands, thrive in STEM careers, and drive the future of scientific discovery.
Meet our Team
Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows
Founder & President
Dr. Vicki Nienaber-Meadows holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and brings over 30 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Her work in drug discovery methods and robotics has impacted scientific advancements worldwide.
Passionate about STEM education and accessibility, Dr. Vicki founded XplorStem LLC with a vision to provide high-quality, equitable science education to students of all backgrounds.
When she’s not developing innovative STEM programs, she enjoys: consulting in the pharmaceutical industry, spending time with her family, training for Ironman competitions, and volunteering as an assistant dog trainer along with training her own rescue dogs in AKC agility and obedience.
Ari Beltz
Software Engineer
Ari joined XplorStem in early 2023, bringing a strong passion for web development, UI/UX design, and accessibility. From an early age, coding was a natural skill, and they excel in solving complex problems with innovative solutions.
Their work focuses on front-end development, UI design, and code documentation—ensuring an inclusive, user-friendly experience across all platforms. Ari’s background in customer service and management gives them a unique perspective, allowing for collaborative problem-solving and creative solutions.
Jordan Nienaber
Software Engineer
Jordan became part of XplorStem in December 2022, as a software engineer after earning a B.S. in Computer Science from CSU San Marcos.
Her expertise lies in backend development and database management, ensuring efficient data processing and logical system design. Prior to joining XplorStem, Jordan spent several years teaching children to code, leveraging that experience to develop engaging and intuitive educational platforms that enhance student learning.
