Our Faculty
Get to know our faculty team
Get to know our faculty team
Hi, I'm Rory Foulger, the Founding Director of Barefoot Technology Academy.
My background is a mix of computational science, education, and design. I have a Computer Science degree from Minerva University (where I was part of the first graduating class), a Master's in Education Technology from University College London, a Master's in Video Game Development from Falmouth University, and a certificate in Gifted and Talented Education from UC San Diego. My academic research has focused on co-designing learning experiences for gifted students in various computer science domains.
Throughout my career, I've developed code-centered learning programs, led international STEM education initiatives, and designed project-based curricula tailored for gifted and neurodiverse students. As the Pre-College Education Programs Director at Wolfram Research, I ran the Wolfram Summer Research Program and the Wolfram Emerging Leaders Program, helping students use computation to explore complex, interdisciplinary problems through computer science. Before that, I worked with organizations such as Amazon, Raspberry Pi, and EdSurge, creating technical curricula and leadership programs for brilliant students.
I am a certified instructor with Google Education, Wolfram U, The Mentor Academy, Common Sense Education, and the Texas Computer Education Association (with specializations in Python, Remote Learning, and Supporting Gifted Learners). I am also a member of a number of professional associations, including The National Association for Gifted Children, Mensa, The Gifted Homeschool Forum, and KaiPod Learning.
Meet the Founder Personal Website
- Margaux, Student
The Advisory Board is made of professionals, professors, students and parents. We meet regularly to discuss the development of Barefoot Technology Academy, making sure we're always moving towards evidence-based, excellence driven education.
Brian is a computer scientist, creative technologist, pioneering researcher in cellular automata, and creator of programming environments for children. He participated in the design and development of dozens of Logo versions (including LogoWriter, MicroWorlds & The Phantom Fish Tank), Scratch, LEGO robotics, TurtleArt and the PicoCricket.
Since 1982, Dr. Gary Stager has helped school educators around the world embrace computational technology as an intellectual laboratory, vehicle for self-expression, and window onto a world of possibilities for amplifying the potential of each student in preparation for an uncertain future. All of his work is rooted in the Piagetian notion that “knowledge is a consequence of experience.” His activities with teachers and students are guided by a focus on learning-by-doing.
Professor Kukis teaches courses on government as well as history, and journalism. Kukis spent a decade as a journalist before joining academia. Kukis grew up in the Dallas area and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied journalism and government as an undergraduate. Kukis did his doctoral work at Boston University, where he studied U.S. foreign policy and political history. Kukis is the Founder and Director of Citizenship Coalition, a nonprofit helping immigrants gain U.S. citizenship.
Olly spent 12 years in the UK Department for Education working on policies including 14-19 diplomas, raising the participation age and finally as Head of Apprenticeship Strategy. Olly has been Executive Director of the Edge Foundation for 9 years, where he oversees a programme of research, policy development and leads the Deeper Learning network. Olly was Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords Committee on Youth Unemployment, a Commissioner on the Independent Assessment Commission and the YEUK Level 2/Level 3 Commission. In his spare time, Olly volunteers in the Scout movement and in mountain rescue.
Paul is a physicist and applied mathematician, who is passionate about education—winning an Australian University Teaching Award in 2016—focusing on problem-based learning and computational thinking. He has been involved with the Wolfram Summer School as a lecturer, mentor, and director of educational innovation since 2017.
Anne is a college student majoring in mathematics with interests in education and programming. She mentors high school students on research projects and works in early childhood education. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and capturing views through her camera lens.
Henry is a college student studying math. He's particularly interested in algebra and theoretical computer science and has done research in combinatorial logic and mathematical linguistics. He also enjoys tutoring high school students in math. In his free time, he likes to play card games and solve puzzles.
Nora is a college student passionate about neuroscience, chemistry, and linguistics, with a particular interest in their computational applications. She is an affiliated researcher at the Wolfram Institute, where she models reaction pathway networks and explores the foundations of biological evolution. In her free time, Nora mentors high school students in computational thinking and coding, plays cards, and practices debate at the university level.
William is a writer and published researcher from Texas. He runs Hwalgi, a multinational not-for-profit publishing house for student editorials. He works with students through Wolfram educational programs as well as on the boards for Empty Streets and Crafts and Laughs. Empty Streets is the largest youth-led anti-human-trafficking organization in the world, and Crafts and Laughs is a network of schools producing arts and crafts for hospitals across the Houston area.
Margaux is a college student who is passionate about physics, engineering, and computational science. She has particular interest in particle physics and cellular automata. She also enjoys mentoring girls in STEM and gifted students.
Zuko brings boundless energy, excellent snoozing form, and a deep commitment to interrupting video calls at just the right moment. As Pawfessor of Morale, he specializes in sudden bursts of affection, dramatic sighs, and ensuring no dinosaur toy remains intact. While small in size, his impact on the Barefoot community’s emotional wellbeing is profound.
He is currently pursuing advanced studies in lap-warming and treat acquisition, with a minor in selective obedience. His research interests include crinkly toys, his own reflection, and the metaphysical implications of being “the bestest boy.”