Keri Kukral - President/Founder, Executive Producer
A former professional ballet dancer, Keri was awarded a full scholarship to the Ruth Page Foundation after being hand-selected by Ruth Page from the Arie Crown Theater stage as a child. She went on to perform under renowned directors including Larry Long, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Peter Anastos.
Keri holds a degree in bioelectrical engineering from Purdue University and has built a long-standing career in medical device product development. Her unique path—bridging STEM with a foundation in the performing arts—informs her belief that the visual and performing arts are essential for engaging the public in science.
Keri also advocates for the vital role that creative fields and film festivals play in fueling local economies. Festivals bring communities together, attract visitors, support small businesses, create jobs, and stimulate cultural tourism, demonstrating that investment in the arts is an investment in regional economic vitality.
In addition to leading the festival, Keri is a film executive producer whose credits include At Home and Over There: American Women Physicians in World War I and numerous short films. Through her work, she continues to elevate the intersection of art, science, and community, fostering a global ecosystem where creativity becomes a gateway to scientific understanding and local growth.
Amanda Cosman - Director of Operations
Amanda Cosman brings more than two decades of leadership, operational expertise, and creative industry experience to the organization. She is currently a District Pro and Service Support Manager for Lowe’s, where she has built a distinguished 21-year career leading large teams, optimizing complex operations, and supporting high-impact customer and community initiatives.
Recognized as an Influential Woman of 2025, Amanda is known for her ability to lead with clarity, collaboration, and purpose. Amanda is actively involved in the building and remodeling industry as a member of two National Home Builders Association (NAHB) chapters—the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA) and the Vermont Builders & Remodelers Association (VBRA). She also holds EPA Lead Certification in both New York and Vermont, reflecting her commitment to safety, compliance, and professional excellence.
Amanda studied TV and Film Production at Dutchess Community College and Marist College, earning degrees that laid the foundation for her creative pursuits. Amanda is driven by a belief that science belongs to everyone—and that film has the power to challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and illuminate the unseen. She is proud to help build a festival that celebrates bold ideas, diverse voices, and the raw pursuit of understanding.
Susan Lee Kim - Corporate Secretary
Susan Kim is the Corporate Secretary of Raw Science Film Festival, Inc. She is a seasoned attorney who has worked for multiple financial services institutions, including a large institutional bank and a company which provides CFO services to venture-backed start-ups. She was most recently Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for an alternative financing company and has served on the boards of multiple non-profit organizations. Susan is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School and earned her undergraduate degree in Economics-Philosophy from Columbia University in three years.
Philip T. Johnson - Doctor + Filmmaker
Philip T. Johnson is the writer/director of the cult sci-fi film “Einstein’s God Model”, which was a winner at the 2016 Raw Science Film Festival. He has a Masters of Science from the University of Southern California and a certificate in Film Production from NYU. In addition to working on productions with industry leaders such as Anthony Russo, Eric Stoltz, the DiCaprio family, and Kevin Richardson, Philip is a practicing anesthetist at Yale New Haven Hospital. His films promote STEM careers using compelling narratives that illustrate advanced scientific concepts. He is currently in production on the feature film “Proteus Entangled” which explores quantum entanglement and FTL communication.
Keyi “Onyx” Li - Producer and Scientific Animator
Keyi 'Onyx' Li, Producer and Scientific Animator at the National Science Foundation, with 20 years of experience in science communication, producing impactful visuals for multiple high-profile international research organizations.
Josh Chamot - Communications Volunteer
Josh Chamot recently stepped away from his role as Media Officer for Artificial Intelligence at the U.S. National Science Foundation, where he collaborated with scientists and engineers, reporters, industry partners, and other agencies to break news about research and inspire public engagement. Across two decades at NSF, he promoted nearly every field of research--from quantum computing to paleontology, from particle physics to cancer treatment--through press briefings and public outreach, social media and feature content, oversight of video and animation products, expert trainings, and more.