Meet our Team

Ben Roy is the past director of the WTVC NewsChannel 9 Science Theater and now teaches Upward Bound Math & Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has a MA degree in education and has served as an elementary and middle school principal and teacher, earning the “Teacher of the Year” award for the Gordon County School System in Georgia.  Ben designs all his shows to implement state science objectives.

Debra Shinn Rivera is a Vet Tech turned Science Zone presenter with years of experience leading interactive classes, including live demonstrations with a variety of animals for Science Zone Wild. She covers topics such as animal rescue, life cycles, habitat, and extinction. She is also a Lead Facilitator for international outdoor education classes, implementing the Science Zone curriculum across the US and Canada. Debra has served as a Science Camp Director, facilitating STEM-based learning, environmental science education, and dissection classes. She has also been an Instructor for Upward Bound Math & Science classes at the University of TN at Chattanooga. Her love of sharing knowledge has led to the development of Science Zone DVDs and Science Kits. She has also worked as a production assistant for over 100 satellite broadcast science lessons. As an engaging and skilled presenter, she has led Vacation Bible Schools throughout North America. Lastly, Debra is a passionate volunteer with a Wildlife Rehabilitation Non-Profit.