National STEM Scholar Class Announced for 2017

  • 07/31/17

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.

Featured

  • a traditional red brick school building with the right side visibly deteriorated and the left side well-maintained, surrounded by neat landscaping

    Making the Grade: Navigating Funding Uncertainty in K-12 Schools

    School districts across the country must prepare for all possible funding scenarios by analyzing school asset and infrastructure conditions, understanding their funding needs, and developing a proactive maintenance strategy to stretch their funding dollars.

  • Integem Releases New AI-Powered AR Software Platform

    Integem recently announced the release of iPlayer EDU, an AI-powered software platform featuring augmented reality (AR) technology that allows teachers to create immersive educational experiences, according to a news release. The software also includes interactive lessons on a variety of subjects, including planets in the solar system.

  • Boise State University Starts Construction on New Academic Building

    Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, recently broke ground on the new ESI Construction Management Building, according to university news. The university is partnering with Engineered Structures, Inc., for the building’s construction.

  • Wisconsin District Launches Series of Improvement Projects

    The School District of River Falls in River Falls, Wis., recently launched a series of five construction projects scheduled for completion by September 2025, according to a news release. The district partnered with Bray Architects for their design and with integrated construction management firm Kraus-Anderson (KA) for their construction.