The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) announced today that it has named Dr. Jeffrey Margolis as Vice President of External Engagement. Margolis, a Class of 2000 IMSA alumnus, brings extensive experience with building partnerships and advocating for policies that spark innovation and support the development of next generation tech talent. Dr. Margolis has been a partner and supporter to economic development activities in the Quad Cities, including assisting Representative Bustos in her annual economic summits, connecting the Quad City Manufacturing Lab and Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub with statewide and federal research and innovation programs, and serving as a resource to Deere & Company.
Dr. Margolis comes to IMSA from the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC), a member-driven nonprofit organization that strengthens Illinois' technology-based economy. At ISTC, he provided leadership within the State's innovation community, including creating a statewide science and technology roadmap, and served on the core proposal team for the development of the successful $320 million Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute.
"Dr. Margolis has a proven ability to develop initiatives and connect education institutions, government, and business to grow Illinois' 21st century knowledge economy. We look forward to tapping this expertise to further establish IMSA as a global education leader and position the Academy as an important asset and partner?a jewel of Illinois?in building a world-class STEM workforce," said IMSA President Dr. José M. Torres.
The opportunity to broaden and deepen IMSA's impact is what called Dr. Margolis back to his alma mater. "From the time I was a student here, IMSA's mission of educating future leaders to advance the human condition has inspired my interest in improving society through research and innovation. I am excited to increase visibility for the cutting-edge STEM education IMSA delivers, and to forge partnerships that ensure its sustainability and further integrate its students, educators, and alumni with the community."
IMSA's new VP of External Engagement has received accolades for building White House and State Department STEM partnerships and was founding Vice President of Development for the education nonprofit CollegeSpring that serves low income students. Margolis has also worked as an award-winning researcher, earning a Ph.D. from Stanford University School of Medicine.
Internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)
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