Kristen Duprey is the Program Manager for the Maritime Engineering & Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA), an Old Dominion University Lab School in partnership with Newport News Public Schools. She leads the development of interdisciplinary, project-based STEM curriculum and cultivates partnerships with industry, higher education, and community organizations to create authentic learning experiences for students. With a background in STEM education, instructional design, and workforce development, Kristen is passionate about connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges. Her work focuses on preparing students with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional competencies needed for future careers in STEM.