Adam Sparks

Graduate student, Stanford University

Adam Sparks was raised by a family of educators in Louisville, Nebraska. He is a licensed teacher with 7 years of middle and high school teaching experience in Nebraska, China, and Chicago. Sparks is currently a full-time Master’s student in Stanford’s Learning Design and Technology program. In his work at Stanford, Sparks focuses on improving formative assessment for teachers and students. Outside of work, Sparks loves to read, travel, and cheer on the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Go Big Red).

Ben Thier

Graduate student, Stanford University

Ben Thier was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Duke University where he studied neuroscience and education. Thier is currently a full-time Master’s student in Stanford’s Learning Design and Technology program. Previously, Thier worked as an education systems support analyst at Macmillan Learning and interned on learning experience design projects for large companies and start-ups. Thier enjoys solving crosswords, playing tennis, scuba diving, and watching Survivor.

Alexa Sparks

Senior Software Engineer, WP Engine

Alexa Sparks grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a senior software engineer at WP Engine with 5 years of software development experience. Sparks previously worked as an ESL teacher and is passionate about using technology to help make teachers’ jobs easier. Outside of work, Sparks loves to read, travel, golf, ski, and enjoy the outdoors.