Wyoming STARBASE Foundation
The Wyoming STARBASE Foundation was created to provide additional support and funding for Wyoming STARBASE Academy. This non-profit 501(c)(3) organization works to build partnerships and support with local businesses and government agencies to extend programs beyond the scope provided by federal funding.
Our main goals are:
1) Advocate for the STARBASE Program within Laramie County
2) Ensure integration of the STARBASE within Wyoming statewide STEM initiatives
3) Pursue availability of STARBASE to all Laramie County 5th Graders (i.e. staff augmentation as required)
4) Provide support to the Director of Wyoming STARBASE Academy
If anyone is interested in joining the STARBASE Foundation Board, please email President Danielle Jensen-Ryan at elle.jensen@gmail.com
PRESIDENT
Dr. Danielle Ryan is a fourth-generation Wyomingite and a proud Cheyenne native. She serves as the Pathway Coordinator for Human & Public Services at Laramie County Community College, where she is actively engaged in multiple committees and initiatives supporting student success. Danielle is an accomplished researcher with publications in high-impact journals, frequent presentations at international conferences, and grant support from the National Science Foundation and USDA.
A dedicated community leader, Danielle was LCCC’s Professional Employee of the Year in 2019 and Faculty of the Year in 2024. She received the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Award (Woman of the Year) in 2022 and has been a finalist for the Wyoming Women of Influence and Emerging Leaders Awards. Danielle also serves as President of the STARBASE Foundation and is active in numerous community organizations, including Rotary IMPACT, P.E.O. Chapter Z, Align, and the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative.
TREASURER
Garrett Hartigan is an accountant in Laramie and has served on the Wyoming STARBASE Foundation board since 2023. A former STARBASE cadet, he is grateful for the opportunity to get back to the program and to help expand STEM learning opportunities for students in Laramie County.
BOARD MEMBER
Trevor Swarm is the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence instructor at Laramie County Community College. Previously, he was a data scientist for the local school district and has extensive experience as a data warehouse architect. Trevor earned his master’s degree from Northwestern University and his bachelor’s in computer science from Washburn University. With 20 years of professional programming experience, he is passionate about using data to produce actionable insights.
BOARD MEMBER
Trent Morrell serves as the Pathway Coordinator for STEM at Laramie County Community College. With a strong background in geography, GIS, and the sciences, he brings years of experience and dedication to supporting student success and academic excellence. A long-time member of the LCCC community, Trent is also a proud father and husband and an avid cross-country runner (as are most of his children). His children have participated in STARBASE, reflecting his deep ties to STEM education both professionally and personally.
BOARD MEMBER
Karen Brooks-Lyons is a proud southside student who graduated from UW with a BA and MA. She returned to Cheyenne to teach at her elementary school for 20 years before becoming a principal at Henderson Elementary for the next 26 years. Karen has been in education since 1978.
Brooks-Lyons is a member of Second Baptist Church and has served numerous community boards, including Model City, Head Start, Foster Grandparent, Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, and Star Base. In 2024, she was named F.E. Warren Air Force Base’s 90th Force Support Squadron Honorary Commander.
A wife, proud mother of two beautiful children, and a grandmother of four and great-grandmother to one; she is affectionately known as “Oma”.
BOARD MEMBER
Sarah Sanchez is a teacher in Laramie County. She loves all things related to science and loves to share her passion for science with her students. Sarah graduated from STARBASE as a Cadet and is passionate about the Wyoming STARBASE Academy’s future. Sarah is married and has three beautiful children.
BOARD MEMBER
Sandra Joslin is a Title 1 Teacher in Laramie County. She has been a teacher for 27 years including many years as a 5th grade teacher taking her students to the Wyoming STARBASE Academy. Sandra’s children and her grandchildren were STARBASE Cadets.