Our STEM Network

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. But it means more than that to us.

It’s about learning that draws on math and science concepts, but also incorporates teamwork and makes appropriate use of technology and engineering methodologies. It’s about innovation.

The Cape Cod Regional STEM Network is the hub of the region's STEM Learning Ecosystem. We bring together educators, school districts, business and industry partners, and community members who share a commitment to inspiring and supporting young people’s interest and achievement in STEM learning and careers. In many of our programs, our focus is on the region's Blue Economy, which honors our region's unique natural resources and the legacy of those who came before us, and also integrates STEM and the newest innovations to empower our coastal communities for a bright future.

We’re building a vibrant STEM learning community, with the skills to excel at school and in the world of work. We are an informal network, welcoming all who share this vision to join us.

Supporting STEM at School and in the Community

Since 2014, we have:

• Partnered with over 85 business and organizations to reach thousands of students, teachers, and families each year at Cape & Islands STEM Week and other STEM-focused community events
• Hosted professional development experiences for more than 300 teachers, with programs ranging from one-day workshops to four-day institutes
• Launched a Vex robotics competition league for area middle and high schools with 36 teams competing
• Offered a summer Teacher-in-Residence program that pairs teachers with researchers and leaders at the region’s top STEM-rich institutions
• Sponsored WaterWORKS Blue Economy Career Day and other career and transfer events each semester to encourage high school and college students to pursue STEM pathways
• Awarded over $45,000 in small grants to teachers, faculty, and non-profit educational outreach groups for creating and teaching STEM in exciting ways

Who We Are

Director, Cape Cod Regional STEM NETWORK

Dr. Paul Reibach

Scientific Career. Dr. Reibach obtained his BA in biology from The University of Texas at Austin, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Texas A&M University. Most of his career has been related to agriculture and has focused on providing laboratory and testing in support for registration of regulated products such as crop protection chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. His job ensured conformance to regulatory technical guidelines, quality assurance, and financial performance objectives.

As a chemistry department director, he was responsible for the direction and supervision of a staff of chemists dedicated to conducting a broad range of regulated studies. The department provided analytical support for the conduct of various Ecotoxicology studies with freshwater and marine vertebrate and invertebrate species, as well as algal and vascular plants, avian toxicology testing, and analytical support for various Toxicology Labs. The chemistry department also conducted analytical support for field trials, product properties chemistry testing, and provided analytical support for nationwide research studying honeybee colony collapse disorder.

He has issued over 200+ technical reports that have been submitted to various regulatory agencies worldwide. These reports, in support of pesticide registration, have dealt with the Environmental Fate and Metabolism of various pesticides and have included such diverse studies as, plant metabolism, animal metabolism, soil metabolism, metabolism and degradation in aquatic systems, aqueous and soil photolysis, residue analytical methodology for soils, crop, animal, and water samples, groundwater monitoring, crop residue trials, soil binding studies, water solubility, octanol water partition studies, and field residue studies.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Scientists: A Reflection on His Educational Journey. His professional journey in education has been dedicated to fostering a love of science in students of all ages. His experiences range from teaching high school to community college and extend beyond the classroom walls to curriculum development and educational leadership.

Shaping Young Minds: A Passion for Teaching Science. Since 2020, he has been a teacher at Colonial Forge High School and the Commonwealth Governor's School in Virginia. He has had the privilege of instructing students at various levels, from freshmen in AP Environmental Science to sophomores and juniors in AP Biology and AP Chemistry (dual enrollment with Richard Bland College of William and Mary). Witnessing students' curiosity blossom into genuine scientific understanding is what motivates me every day.

In 2020, he also served as an Adjunct Professor of biology at Cape Cod Community College. This experience broadened his perspective on science education, allowing me to connect with students seeking higher education pathways.

Leadership and Collaboration: Shaping the Educational Landscape. His commitment to science education extends beyond the classroom. He has actively participated in various committees and leadership roles that shape the educational landscape. His involvement in the PA Act 48 Teacher Professional Education Planning Committee demonstrates his dedication to supporting educators in their professional growth.

Continuing the Legacy: A Look Forward. His passion for science education is fueled by a desire to inspire students and contribute to a future generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. He remains committed to continuous learning and collaborating with educators to create engaging and effective science learning experiences.

Dean of STEM
Cape Cod Community College

Dr. Ben latigo

Dr. Latigo serves as the Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for Cape Cod Community College. Most recently, Ben served as Chief Academic Officer and Interim Executive Director at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland. Dr. Latigo brings over 30 years of higher education experience as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at the former Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire; Dean and Professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC); Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Toledo in Toledo; and Associate Professor in the Department of Aeronautical Technology at Arizona State University. Dr. Latigo has held tenured positions at four universities. At UDC, in addition to overseeing advanced STEM programs, he also oversaw Associate Degree programs in Aviation Maintenance, Engineering Technology, Nursing and Allied Health, Information Technology, and Graphic Design. While at Daniel Webster College, Ben served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Ben has also served as an accreditor for ABET that accredits programs in Engineering, Technology, Computing, and Applied and Natural Sciences. Ben has experience with institutional accreditation and assessment, programmatic accreditation, new program development, institutional strategic planning, professional development, and application of educational and instructional technologies to meet the needs of the 21ST Century. Ben’s passion is to serve the needs of all students including those from underserved communities. Dr. Latigo earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, and the M.S. and B.S. with honors, in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and the University of Nairobi, respectively. Dr. Latigo is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics. In 2022, Omniscriptum published Dr. Latigo’s textbook, Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics. While at Arizona State, Dr. Latigo’s research led to the certification of the anti-torque mechanism for the McDonnell Douglas NOTAR® helicopter. Dr. Latigo’s aviation experience includes serving on a Presidential appointment as CEO of Uganda Airlines. Dr. Latigo is committed to developing new STEM programs at the College and serving the needs of the Cape Cod Community