George Sparks has been the President/CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science since November 2004.  He spent 24 years in the electronics measurement business at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies.  His career included marketing, sales, and general management of global businesses in software, systems, and services. 

Prior to joining Hewlett-Packard, George spent 9 years in the Air Force as a pilot and as an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at the USAF Academy (1976-1978). He is a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering, and holds an MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT.

George's passion is public policy, particularly around science and education. He is a member of the Colorado Forum, and is on the Boards of Aspen Academy (an independent school), Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver School of Science & Technology and National Western Stock Show Association.

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a communicator, scientist, and policy expert. As the Director for the Institute for Science & Policy, her objective is to ensure science has a respected role in public discourse and policymaking.

Before joining the Institute, Kristan worked for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research on external engagement to strengthen the visibility of the research, capabilities, and opportunities for partnership with the organization. She spent almost a decade in Washington, DC, in the nonprofit, think tank, and government sectors engaging in a range of Earth science and policy challenges. She has worked for the US Climate Variability and Predictability Program, the Center for American Progress, the American Geophysical Union, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

She has served on various boards and committees, including the American Meteorological Society, United Nations Environment Program, and Women’s Aquatic Network, among other leadership positions. She received an MS in marine science, an MA in science writing, and a BS in chemistry. In her free time, Kristan enjoys escaping to the outdoors, writing, and good food and drink with friends.

Trent Knoss is the managing editor for the Institute for Science & Policy, overseeing all print, digital, and social media channels. Prior to joining the team, he was the science editor at the University of Colorado Boulder, covering earth, energy, and climate research. He holds an M.S. in science writing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  

Nicole joined the Institute for Science & Policy in December of 2019. She has an extensive background in organizing people and content with Denver Parks and Recreation and Mayo Clinic. She is passionate about nonprofits and aims to help build a better future; she is on the board of Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities, which supports and facilitates volunteer projects in Denver Metro. When she isn’t traveling or hiking, Nicole spends her leisure time writing a children’s novel and a satirical customer service guide.