National STEM Scholar Class Announced for 2017
Louisville, Ky. – Ten middle school science teachers from eight states across the country have participated in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development and networking program to provide advanced training for the teachers of aspiring middle school scientists nationwide.
In 2016, the National Stem Cell Foundation partnered with the The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University to fund competitive scholarships for science teachers motivating students at the tipping point of life-long science interest – middle school. By “training the trainers,” the program seeks to inspire the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) innovators and pioneers.
The 2017 National STEM Scholar class was hosted by The Gatton Academy from June 4 – 10, 2017 at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This year’s National STEM Scholars were selected from applicants in 25 states and included:
Suzanne Banas, Miami, Florida – South Miami Middle Community School
Kiki Contreras, Shoreline, Washington – The Evergreen School
Katie Donlin, Byron, Minnesota – Byron Middle School
Angela Gospodarek, Gorham, Maine – Gorham Middle School
Jay Hollis, Bowling Green, Kentucky – Bowling Junior High School
John Lui, Dousman, Wisconsin – Kettle Moraine Middle School
Emily McKernan, Brushton, New York – Brushton-Moira Central School
Valerie Pumala, Cameron, Wisconsin – Cameron Middle School
Donna Shartzer, Harned, Kentucky – Breckinridge County Middle School
Dana Young, Hightstown, New Jersey – Melvin H. Kreps Middle School
Read the entire news release at www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org.