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Dr. Annalies Corbin

Founder & CEO of the PAST Foundation

Annalies Corbin, Ph.D., CEO, Chief Goddess speaks at PAST Foundation event.

A National Leader in Innovation and Real-World Learning

Dr. Annalies Corbin is an anthropologist, researcher, speaker, and educational innovator known for challenging the boundaries between education, industry, and community.

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As the Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, Dr. Corbin has spent over two decades leading one of the nation's most recognized organizations for connecting transdisciplinary research to the future of learning. She is widely known for her dynamic leadership style and her commitment to designing bold, real-world solutions that empower students and educators alike.

At the Intersection of Education, Research, and Industry

Annalies brings a unique lens to her work, grounded in the social sciences but always focused on applied impact. She is a sought-after speaker and advisor on transformative education, STEM integration, and workforce development.

  • Remarkable Women 2025, Nextstar Media Group.

    Daniel G. Roberts Award for Excellence in Public Historical Archaeology, Society for Historical Archaeology

    OhioX Trailblazers Award, OhioX Association. In recognition for her leadership and contributions to transforming tech in Ohio. 

    Future 50, Columbus CEO Magazine, inagral class of Future 50 Innovators and Leaders in Columbus, Ohio.

    Women in Design Awardee, Columbus College of Art and Design.

    Columbus Business First BizTech Outstanding Technology Team Award, to PAST Foundation and JadeTrack for their work in creating the Energy4Learning Program

    Columbus Business First BizTech Outstanding Non-Profit Service Award, in recognition of contributions made to a culture of technology leadership and innovation.

    Carol V. Ruppe’ Distinguished Service Award, to honor her record of sustained and outstanding service to both the Society of Historical Archaeology and The Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology.

    White House Summit on High School Design

    Clinton Global Initiative

    U.S. Department of Education STEM 2026 Vision Report

    Featured in Forbes: “Reimagining High School”

    Smart 50 Award (Ohio) for Innovation

A Voice for Positive Disruption

Dr. Corbin is the creator and host of the widely popular Learning Unboxed podcast, that explores positive disruption in teaching, learning and the future of work. Through insightful conversations with educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, she amplifies the ideas shaping the next generation of learning.

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She is also the author of Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life, a practical guide to educational transformation. The book outlines five actionable strategies—student agency, culturally relevant education, mastery learning, transdisciplinary teaching, and problem-based learning—that help educators reconnect classrooms with real-world purpose.

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Together, Learning Unboxed and Hacking School offer a clear, accessible path toward a more relevant, equitable, and empowered future of learning.

Speaking & Media

Dr. Corbin is a regular keynote speaker, panelist and podcast guest, appearing at:

  • Columbus Metropolitan Club

  • The Works Museum

  • CCAD (Columbus College of Art & Design)

  • Ohio School Board Association (OSBA)

  • National STEM and innovation summits

She speaks on topics including:

  • Transdisciplinary and problem-based learning

  • STEM education and equity

  • Innovation in school design

  • Workforce readiness and career-connected learning

Interested in booking Annalies for a speaking engagement?

Leadership at PAST Foundation

Under Dr. Corbin’s leadership, the PAST Foundation has become a national model for connecting research with practical innovation in education.

3.2 million+

students served

24,000+

educators engaged

600+

programs launched

500+

business and industry partners

120+

program locations nationwide

Academic Background

Dr. Corbin holds advanced degrees in anthropology, archaeology, and maritime history:

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  • Ph.D. in History and Historical Archaeology – University of Idaho

  • M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology – East Carolina University

  • B.S. in Anthropology – University of South Dakota
     

In addition to her leadership at PAST, Dr. Corbin has authored numerous academic publications, articles, and educational curricula. She has also served as a university professor and research scholar, contributing to the academic and applied intersections of her field.

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