Melanie Jacobs Krieger is Director of Research in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in Plainview, New York. She coordinates all aspects of the curriculum and process for students K-12 to enter research and academic competitions. Krieger's work includes setting up an independent research program for the high school and Independent Research Clubs for the middle schools. She coordinates staff development for teachers K-12 to enter the various national competitions, including the Intel (Westinghouse) Science Talent Search, the Science Olympiads, and ThinkQuest.