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.

Featured

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Arlington High School

    Arlington High School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Arlington High School has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.

  • Amazon Expands Lockers to More Than 500 College, University Campuses

    Amazon recently announced that its Locker Network now totals more than 750 locations at more than 500 college and university campuses around the United States, according to a company news release.