A South Sudanese immigrant who came to the U.S. as a refugee at the age of nine. After graduating from Washington High School, he spent seven years in the workforce without a college degree, driven by the need to support his family. In his mid-20s, he enrolled at USD–Sioux Falls and graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor's in Nursing. That journey taught him the long-term value of education and how a few years of school can open doors to many opportunities.

Zakaria founded STEM the Gap to help first-generation students and those from low-income backgrounds in the Sioux Falls School District overcome educational barriers and build a pathway to the middle class.

Born in Kenya, Dr. Sally Mallowa completed her undergraduate studies in her home country before earning a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Iowa State University. She is currently a professor at Augustana University, where she teaches pre-health science courses and mentors future healthcare professionals. Sally also serves as the Regional Director for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which promotes student-led research in STEM.

As a board member of STEM the Gap, Dr. Mallowa brings invaluable expertise and mentorship. She will help connect students to opportunities like JSHS and serve as an inspiring role model, particularly for young Black women in science, a group that remains underrepresented in Sioux Falls and beyond.

A Sioux Falls native and Lincoln High School graduate, currently studying Biochemistry at Augustana University. Coming from a family where both parents hold Phds in science, Clarke deeply values early academic exposure and mentorship.

As a STEM the Gap board member, he’s committed to helping students who may not have had the same support or privileges, empowering them to thrive in STEM fields. At Augustana, Clarke serves as a student government senator and sits on the boards of the Chemistry Club and SALT, a service-focused organization.

Dr. Busse brings a deep commitment to educational equity and data-driven impact as a partner of STEM the Gap. A sociologist by training, she holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of Chicago and has over two decades of experience leading research projects. Dr. Busse has a thorough understanding of the metrics used to evaluate student progress, including MAP (Measures of Academic Progress), and uses this knowledge to help ensure that interventions are both targeted and measurable. Her background in sociology gives her a unique lens on the effects of poverty on student achievement, making her a powerful advocate for closing opportunity gaps through education.

Dr. Spencer is a STEM educator and co-owner of Spencer Tutoring. He is passionate about making STEM accessible and engaging for all students.