Julia Varnedoe is a Research Associate II for the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) at Georgia Tech. She works with the curriculum development team to create innovative programs that address the needs of students and teachers in the K-12 community.  Current projects include the NSF funded BIRDEE (Biologically Inspired Design for Engineering Education) curriculum, STEM-ID, and K-12 InVenture Prize. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, she had a successful career in marketing communications for Delta Air Lines, and has spent the past 14 years as an educator.  Varnedoe graduated with a B.S. from Florida State University, an MBA from Stetson University, and an Ed. S. from Kennesaw State University in Instructional Technology.