Kara Mullins of Huntington has joined the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University as makerspace / STEM coordinator. She replaces Deacon Stone who has transitioned to a new role as RCBI’s EDA University Center director.
In her new position, Mullins will oversee the Maker Vault, RCBI’s community makerspace – the largest in West Virginia – and coordinate STEM education and outreach efforts, which serve nearly 7,000 young people each year through robotics workshops and competitions, computer coding and maker camps, and 3D printing activities, among other STEM-related offerings.
“My biggest goal is to reach as many students and educators as possible and make a difference that can lead them to opportunities that they didn’t think were possible,” Mullins said. “I want more young people to take advantage of our Maker Vault resources. It is something special that I believe can become more renowned in our city, and I hope to help make it happen. I would like to develop more connections with school systems and maintain those relationships so that we can not only offer them something valuable, but we can work together to improve STEM education and outcomes across our region and state.”
Mullins most recently served for seven years as a teacher at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in Huntington where she taught a variety of science classes, from anatomy, biology and chemistry to forensics, physiology and robotics, among others. She also coached the schools VEX Robotics team, which advanced to the World Championship two years in a row.
Originally from Proctorville, Ohio, Mullins graduated from Crestview High School in Crestview, Fla., and earned her bachelor’s degree from Marshall University, majoring in biological science with a minor in chemistry.
To learn more about RCBI’s STEM outreach programs or makerspace opportunities, contact Mullins at or 304.781.1624.
Jan. 26, 2023
