Team

Dr. Tam O'Shaughnessy is cofounder of Sally Ride Science and executive director of Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego. Tam grew up in California and played professional tennis from 1971 to 1974. She later earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology from Georgia State University and a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

Tam has written 13 science books for children, including six with Sally Ride. They received the American Institute of Physics Children's Science Writing Award in 1995 for The Third Planet. In 2015 Tam published Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space. It was nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature.

As a scientist and educator, Tam became concerned about the underrepresentation of women in science and technical professions. In 2001, Sally, Tam, and three friends—Karen Flammer, Terry McEntee, and Alann Lopes—founded Sally Ride Science to try to narrow the gender gap in science. Tam served as the company's chief creative officer, guiding creation of the Cool Careers in STEM and Key Concepts in Science programs. She was also chief operating officer from 2009 to 2013, chair of the Board of Directors from 2013 to 2015, and chief executive officer from 2014 to 2015.

The University of California, San Diego, acquired Sally Ride Science in October 2015 and named Tam executive director of the resulting nonprofit organization. Tam also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

Edward Abeyta, Ph.D., is Associate Dean at the University of California (UC) San Diego Division of Extended Studies, where he provides academic and administrative leadership across a broad portfolio that includes Education and Community Outreach, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, UCTV, and UC San Diego’s community-facing arts and cultural programs. His work centers on expanding educational access, strengthening university–community partnerships, and advancing innovative models of lifelong and life-wide learning.

Abeyta’s scholarship and professional practice explore the intersection of continuing education, workforce development, and social mobility. He is the author of "Reinventing Lifelong Learning: The Coming Renaissance of Continuing Education and Community Outreach," which examines the evolving role of universities in preparing individuals and communities for a rapidly changing economic and civic landscape. His writing emphasizes the need for responsive, inclusive, and future-focused educational systems that support learners across the lifespan.

During his tenure at UC San Diego, Abeyta has been instrumental in designing and scaling programs that foster college readiness, career technical education, adult and encore learning, and high-impact community engagement. He collaborates closely with faculty, campus leadership, regional school districts, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners to advance research-informed initiatives that bridge gaps in educational opportunity and extend the university’s public mission.

Abeyta holds a Ph.D. in Education and is recognized for his commitment to evidence-based practice, institutional stewardship, and transformational leadership. His ongoing efforts strengthen UC San Diego’s role as a catalyst for educational innovation, civic engagement, and lifelong learning throughout the San Diego region and beyond.

Morgan Appel is Assistant Dean for Teacher and Community Education (TCE) at University of California (UC) San Diego Division of Extended Studies, overseeing a diverse array of globally based programming for PK-post retirement, including opportunities for students, practitioners, administrators, parents, and community stakeholders in English and Spanish. He previously served as Director of Education Programs at UC Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE) following a research appointment at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine.

With expertise in binational education transformation and policy, Appel has worked with a number of school districts, universities, and research institutes in the United States and Latin America to explore the impacts of change agentry across segments of education. Professional specialties include gifted and talented education; the neuroscience of teaching and learning; arts integration; expanded learning; parent and caregiver education; and organizational behavior in educational institutions. Beyond his current administrative appointment, Appel teaches a variety of courses at both UC San Diego and UC Irvine and is the host of Creative Conversations on the Education Channel at UCTV.

He serves on the boards of Reality Changers, Discovery STEAM Charter School (Chula Vista), as well as on the CEO Advisory Committee for Promises2Kids. In 2023, Appel was appointed as a volunteer lead educator for California by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Organization.

Maysoon Dong is the Director for Education and Community Outreach. She has worked for UC San Diego in a variety of different capacities for over 7 years. Prior to working with UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, she was the Assistant Director of the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) program at the Jacobs School of Engineering. She also worked in the Division of Biological Sciences as a Program Coordinator, developing and maintaining continuing education programs for professionals in the field of biotechnology. Maysoon received her B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from UC San Diego and received her M.S. in Economics from Boston University.

Megan Lancaster is a dynamic and accomplished leader serving as Assistant Director within UC San Diego Extended Studies' Education and Community Outreach department. With expertise in strategic planning, program development, and outcome-driven evaluation, Megan spearheads initiatives that deliver transformative academic and enrichment opportunities, equipping students to excel in collegiate and professional pursuits.

Before joining UC San Diego, Megan was the Program Supervisor for the Viejas Tribal Education Center, where she played a pivotal role in advancing educational programs tailored to the community's unique needs. Her extensive experience also includes teaching across K-12 levels in both public and private schools in the San Diego area, showcasing her versatility and commitment to educational excellence.

Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from San Diego State University, along with a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science, a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Her comprehensive academic background and dedication to student success make her a respected voice in the field of education and community outreach.

Tinesha Garrett is a Program Manager with UC San Diego Extended Studies, Education and Community Outreach, where she oversees the Discover UC San Diego program and supports additional K–12 initiatives. Prior to her current role, Tinesha served as a Student Affairs Advisor in the UC San Diego Extended Studies Student Services Office for 12 years, where she advised students on academic programs, registration policies, and financial assistance options. She also served as a VA School Certifying Official, assisting with the processing and certification of veterans’ educational benefits. Tinesha earned her B.A. in Sociology from UC San Diego in 2009.

Nadia Ortega is a Program Manager in UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies’ Education and Community Outreach department. She has also served as a Program Assistant for the Pre-College programs, advising and guiding students and parents on the Research Scholars and LAUNCH programs. Nadia received a B.A in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara in June 2021. Nadia has previously worked with UCSB’s Educational Opportunity Program as a Peer Mentor, providing academic advising and holistic support for first generation undergraduate students.

Margaret King was senior science editor and writer at Sally Ride Science from 2009 to 2015, when Sally Ride Science became part of UC San Diego. Margaret helped create books and teacher guides that presented science concepts and profiled notable scientists with the goal of awakening students’ interest in science careers. Before joining Sally Ride Science, she worked at The San Diego Union-Tribune in a variety of editing positions, including as politics editor and editor of the “Quest” science section. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, with a double major in English and history and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University.

Melissa Realegeno received a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 2015 and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs from San Diego State University in May 2019. Melissa has worked in Student Affairs since 2015 and enjoys working in a college setting. She is happy to be part of the ECO team in supporting K-12 students eager to continue their education. Melissa has worked in areas that serve students with disabilities, worked with over 300 student organizations, coordinated peer programs and countless events throughout the years as well as supervised undergraduate interns.

Jennifer Rowe is a program manager in UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies’ Education and Community Outreach department. She has worked at UC San Diego in various roles over the past ten years. Her background also includes a ten-year stint at Tower Records in the UK, as well as experience in venture capital, biotech, and education. Jennifer has a BA in Linguistics from SDSU.