Meet the Team
The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering works under the guidance and partnership of Biocom and its 501c3 community-facing arm, Biocom Institute.
Sara DW Pagano
Managing Director
Sara is responsible for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering and K-12 STEM outreach initiatives with the goal of empowering the next generation of innovators and future talent of San Diego. Sara has over a decade of non-profit and event experience, including executive leadership positions with USO San Diego and Discover Pacific Beach – Business Improvement District. She graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education and also holds a certificate from University of San Diego’s Event Management Program. Her personal interests include: chasing her toddler around, her best furry friend Miles and getting outdoors.
Silvana DelPiccolo
Director of Community Relations
Silvana DelPiccolo is the Director of Community Relations at Biocom and the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, working with local STEM companies to create employee engagement opportunities and make an impact in the community. She’s a bona-fide believer in the power of corporate social responsibility, and values the opportunity to serve corporations and community simultaneously—a matchmaker between the company, its employees, and the “greater good.” She has over a decade of nonprofit experience and holds a degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego.
Laura Madruga
Events Director
Laura is responsible for event logistics and communication surrounding the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day. Her career has primarily been spent working on expos and trade shows in the endurance sports industry, and she is excited to bring that experience to this wonderful event. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Business Administration and also obtained a Certificate in Meeting & Event Planning from San Diego State University. Her personal interests include traveling and spending time with family (especially her fur-baby Cali!).
Karen Overklift
Education and Industry Outreach Manager
Karen joins the Biocom Institute team with a wealth of skills and experience within the San Diego non-profit arena. Most recently with the San Diego Workforce Partnership; her career has included positions in community outreach, HR management and operations management for various local non-profit organizations. She has a love for educational programs and in particular is very passionate about employer outreach and connecting students to internships. Her personal interests include: watching her daughter play water polo, volunteering and riding her quad in the desert.
Brandon Leck
Grant Writer and Development Specialist
Brandon is responsible for grant writing, research and development for the Biocom Institute’s programs and outreach initiatives. His background is in corporate and foundation grant writing, fundraising and development. He obtained a degree in English Literature from The Ohio State University. His personal interests include: the work of David Simon, David Halberstam and Larry David.
