Dr. Valerie Aveni & Lauren Sudimack

Dr. Valerie Aveni and Lauren Sudimack are the Co-Founders of Motherboard Labs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to educating kids and communities in environmentally responsible and sustainable use of technology.

Valerie is a lifelong learner and global explorer dedicated to the intersection of education and innovation. With a career spanning several decades—from serving as a professor of Russian to her time as senior director of science museum education—she has seen firsthand how curiosity transforms lives. She holds an MA and PhD in Russian Language and Linguistics with a focus on Second Language Acquisition from Bryn Mawr College. At Motherboard Labs, she helps communities build digital equity and economic sustainability while fiercely protecting the environment.

Lauren is a proud science nerd with a soft spot for soil, sustainability, and technology. After receiving a bachelor's degree in natural and social sciences from Ohio University, she found her passion at the intersection of natural and social science—environmental studies. She holds a Master's degree (MSES) from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University. Her work sits at the intersection of science, tech, and sustainability, exploring how we can use technology to reduce our environmental impact.

Together, they explore STEAM topics to better understand the environmental impacts of emerging technologies and the ways technology can protect our natural resources. Their presentation should offer valuable insights for anyone interested in education, environmental sustainability, technology, and community engagement.