Dr. Gary Wright (he/him/his) is originally from North Carolina, but he relocated to CoMo in 2023. Gary is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in the Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum at the University of Missouri. His teaching & research focuses on gender and sexual diversity-inclusive science education, with a particular focus on preparing pre-service and in-service science teachers to work with and learn from LGBTQ students. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Science Education from North Carolina State University, and a B.A in Biology with a secondary science license from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Dr. Wright is also a former high school science teacher, having taught for 3 years in rural North Carolina communities. Gary enjoys hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities with his dogs and husband.