Meet Our Staff
Alex Sobin
Director
406.541.8972
Alex.Sobin@mso.umt.edu
Alex comes to spectrUM with a diverse background in science education and nonprofit leadership. For the past six years, she has taught science at Missoula’s Sentinel High School. She previously directed the Montana World Affairs Council and worked on the development team at Adventure Cycling Association. Alex formerly served as a mobile science educator with spectrUM from 2015 to 2017, bringing hands-on spectrUM learning experiences to students across Montana. Alex loves spending time outdoors, biking, hiking and hitting the rivers in our beautiful state.
Nick Wethington
Associate Director
406.541.8970
nicholos.wethington@umontana.edu
Associate Director Nick Wethington is passionate about sharing his knowledge of science with everyone, and loves making and tinkering. At spectrUM, Nick works in the museum and with our partners in the Bitterroot valley and on the Flathead Reservation creating hands-on educational experiences that engage everyone’s innate ability to make and create. Through these efforts, he is embedded in a number of schools co-teaching activities and helping to build the capacity of teachers and staff to incorporate the maker movement ethos into their curriculum. Nick also maintains and develops spectrUM’s exhibits and IT infrastructure.
Outside of spectrUM, Nick is the vice president of the Western Montana Astronomical Association, Missoula’s local astronomy club. He also coordinates the Blue Mountain Observatory, UM's astronomical observatory located at the top of Blue Mountain in Missoula. A native of South Dakota with a BS in English Literature from Iowa State University, Nick can be found biking, camping, hiking, and making ridiculous contraptions and telescopes out of reclaimed materials in his garage.
Caitlin Ervin
Associate Director of Education
406.541.8971
caitlin.ervin@umontana.edu
Caitlin Ervin started at spectrUM Discovery Area as an Americorps Team Leader in 2017 before joining the staff team full time in September 2018. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maine College of Art and Design and a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Montana, where is currently pursing her doctoral degree. Caitlin has explored 5 continents, 47 states, and has a deep fear of flying.
Beth Covitt
Head of Science Education Research & Evaluation
406.243.4828
beth.covitt@umontana.edu
Beth Covitt, Head of Science Education Research and Evaluation, has been working in the fields of environmental and science education for 20 years. She has a keen interest in environmental science literacy and developing a citizenry that is well prepared to use science to inform decision-making. Beth has worked on numerous projects spanning many topics, but has particular interests in water and climate education. Her efforts encompass science education research and evaluation, program and curriculum development, and teacher professional development. Beth has an MS in environmental resource policy and behavior and a PhD in environmental education and conservation psychology, both from the University of Michigan.
Sam Massey
Museum Program Coordinator
406.728.7836
Sam.Massey@mso.umt.edu
Sam Massey first started working with spectrUM in 2021 as an Americorps volunteer and has since become a full time staff member in 2023. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and concentration in Public Administration through the University of Montana and has goals of completing her Masters in Public Administration in the future. She’s passionate about serving the public and working within nonprofits in hopes of creating a better future, primarily through working with the youth. In her free time she likes to be out on the river, hiking, or hanging out with her pet dog and pet ball python.
Rachel Thurman
Camp Coordinator
406.728.7836
Rachel.Thurman@umconnect.umt.edu
Rachel is a senior at the University of Montana studying elementary education. She started at spectrUM in May of 2022 as a science educator before working as spectrUM's assistant camp coordinator for the 2023 season. In her free time, you can find Rachel fly fishing, camping, or spending time with friends.