Rachel Wolf

Role: Research Staff, AAALab Organization: Stanford Graduate School of Education / AAALab Email: [TBD] Relationship Depth: Active Collaborator

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Background

• PhD in Astrophysics
• Taught math and physics at various levels to adult learners
• Worked with youth in museums and summer camps
• Research focus: Developing instructional materials, tools, and assessments that encourage learners to approach the world with their “STEM hats on”

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Context

Virtual Field Trips: Co-leading initiatives around youth creation and sharing of VFTs. Particularly interested in how collaboration and feedback mechanisms impact learning.

Reuben works with her on VFT projects.

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Interactions

Date	Context	Notes
Ongoing	Virtual Field Trips	Co-leads youth creation/sharing initiatives
Mar 16, 2026	Rachel + Reuben Chat	Discussed AI in K-12 ag education (4-H/USDA grant). Asked for recs on learning-by-creating with AI.
Apr 23, 2026	Slack request (with Kyla Cook)	Asked for viewer-only version of Photosphere app for Cal Academy of Sciences VFT collab. Built same day → psviewer.web.app. See projects/quick-builds/psviewer.md.

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Notes

• Astrophysics background - unusual and interesting path to ed tech
• Focus on collaboration and feedback in learning
• Works alongside Kristen Pilner Blair in AAALab
• Maine climate science education — 10-year project. Connected with 4-H/USDA on aquaponics education
• Exploring AI in K-12 ag education (USDA “Strengthening Agriculture System” grant)
• Interested in “learning by creating” with AI — co-creation tasks, NOT chatbots
• Target: upper elementary + middle school (under 13)
• Asked Reuben for recommendations on AI tools/approaches for this space (Mar 16, 2026)