STAFF

Josh Brankman, CuriOdyssey's Chief Executive Officer, has over 20 years of experience in leadership positions in the education, non-profit, and philanthropy sectors. His work has focused mainly on both traditional and alternative education, supporting youth and families at local and national levels at the intersections of education, the environment, equity, justice, and well-being. He has significant fundraising experience and has led diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
As CEO of CuriOdyssey, Josh will bring his unique experience in the educational sphere to our youth programming, conservation initiatives, access programs, and core mission to inspire a love of science and curiosity about the world through hands-on science exhibits and connecting with wildlife.
Josh comes by way of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative where, as Vice President of Education, he led the Project Learning Tree program working with its national network of environmental educators and partners across the US and Canada. Josh formerly held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at College Track, where he oversaw organizational restructure and program redesign processes.
Josh was the National Executive Director at Outward Bound USA, a position he held for four years, leading the national network of Outward Bound schools through the COVID-19 pandemic and racial reckoning of 2020, while developing a new comprehensive professional training and evaluation program. He began his Outward Bound career as Executive Director of Outward Bound California where he grew the organization and impact over nine years. Prior to Outward Bound, Josh worked as a public charter high school teacher and Principal. Josh lives in San Francisco with his wife, Perry, young son, Jordan, and their cute and quirky dog, Harry.

Alexis Bullock, Director of Education, joined the Education Department in 2021. Formerly CuriOdyssey’s Equity and Engagement Program Manager, Alexis is dedicated to making CuriOdyssey more accessible and inclusive for all visitors, school groups, and program participants. In her time at CuriOdyssey, she has created the Education Scholarship Program, initiated partnerships with local organizations serving low income families, relaunched Sensory Sundays, and deepened inclusive programming practices and training. Alexis believes that hands-on STEAM experiences have a profound impact on young learners, and she is deeply committed to Education programming that supports learners of all abilities and identities. Alexis holds a BA in Psychology and Art Theory & Practice from Northwestern University.

Nikii Finch-Morales, Director of Wildlife, oversees the care of CuriOdyssey’s wildlife. She started her career as a volunteer at the San Francisco Zoo’s Animal Resource Center (A.R.C.) from 1990 to 2005. In 1992, she trained to be an animal health technician for domestic and exotic animals at the Irving Street Veterinary Hospital in San Francisco. In 1996, Ms. Finch-Morales joined the CuriOdyssey staff as one of the full time animal keepers. In 2001 she was promoted to director of wildlife.

Eric Maschwitz, Director of Exhibits and Interim Director of Operations. Before launching his career as a designer and fabricator, Eric graduated from the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul Minnesota with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and photography. Eric then spent seven years as an educator and activity coordinator at the Science Museum of Minnesota, designing and implementing science-based curricula. He later worked for multiple visual effects model shops, including the M5 Model Shop, made famous by the Discovery Channel television series Mythbusters, creating practical models and sets used in film, television and advertising. In 1999 Eric transitioned to museum exhibit design and fabrication to combine his two passions of science education and building things. He has fabricated and installed exhibits for prestigious institutions all over the world. Eric also served as a mechanical engineering consultant with a biotech startup. He joined CuriOdyssey in 2007 and has overseen the production of countless exhibitions, comprising over 100 exhibits, that delight thousands of visitors every year.

Katie Mock, Director of Marketing & Communications, joined CuriOdyssey with over a decade of experience in mission-driven marketing and communications. With a degree in Linguistics from the University of Chicago and a background as a copywriter and editor, Katie has always believed in the transformative power of language and communication. They've spent their career being a creatively persuasive advocate for organizations committed to inclusion, equity, and education, from the feminist publishing company Seal Press to the Girl Scouts of Northern California. In their five year tenure with the Girl Scouts, Katie was proud to be part of the team working to make Girl Scouts a safe and inclusive space for all girls and gender-nonconforming youth. Katie is delighted to bring their talents to CuriOdyssey in its mission to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in its community.

Kate Sulzner, Director of Animal Health and Conservation, joined the CuriOdyssey team in 2018. Earning her veterinary degree from Tufts University with advanced degrees in epidemiology and conservation management from UC Davis (UCD), Kate has spent the past 15 years working at the intersection of animal health and conservation. Her career spans work at UCD’s One Health Institute and a five year tenure at the San Francisco Zoo, where she divided her time between veterinary care and conservation research. Kate has had the privilege to travel to the far reaches of the globe to assess the health of some of the world’s most threatened wildlife populations. However, she is thrilled in her current position to provide optimal care for CuriOdyssey’s resident animals that are native to California. Outside of her veterinary duties, Kate is deeply committed to collaborating with staff across the organization to build Curiodyssey’s new and innovative conservation program. The program aims to cultivate empathy for nature and interest in conservation science through wildlife encounters, conservation research partnerships, inspiring environmental justice stories, and participatory community science opportunities.

Diana K. Turner, Director of Visitor Engagement, joined CuriOdyssey in April 2009 as a part-time Guest Services Supervisor. After five years in a part-time capacity, Diana moved to full-time employment and gradually moved up to Associate Director. Diana is no stranger to customer service from her first job in food service, to assistant branch manager at Fremont Bank, to her 20-year career with the YMCA as a fitness instructor, group exercise instructor, personal trainer, and finally as Health & Fitness Director. Diana’s life has taken some twists and turns to bring her to CuriOdyssey and she is so happy that she has landed here, in a place where people come to be engaged and inspired by science and animals. Diana says, “It makes my day whenever I hear a child giggle with joy or exclaim in wonder during their visit to CuriOdyssey.” Diana has a BS in Business Administration from Humboldt State University and a MA in Exercise Physiology from San Jose State University.