NACIS 2024

Nick Zentner is a distinguished geologist, educator, and award-winning host dedicated to sharing his passion for science beyond the traditional classroom setting. He has been teaching geology at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington since 1992.
Mr. Zentner received the esteemed James Shea Award in 2015 and the Geological Society of America Public Service Award in 2023, recognizing his outstanding contributions to advancing public understanding of earth sciences.
His PBS TV series “Nick on the Rocks” has received significant acclaim, including two Emmy Awards, for its informative content and compelling storytelling. Additionally, he hosts an engaging YouTube Livestream Series, which brings joy to the learning process.

Dr. Danica Sterud Miller (Puyallup Tribe of Indians) is a distinguished educator renowned for her expertise in American Indian and Indigenous Studies.
Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Co-Director at the Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies (CAIIS) at the University of Washington Tacoma. Dr. Miller is an associate professor at the Culture, Arts and Communication division of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Her notable achievements include the receipt of UW Tacoma’s Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her innovative pedagogical approaches in Native American studies. Dr. Miller’s teaching methodologies incorporate immersive experiences such as field trips, captivating storytelling, and hands-on learning techniques.