Participants
Mexico Teachers
Gloria Faus
International Science and Mathematics Education Director for Mexico, for the NASA African Dust Education and Public Outreach
Gloria Elena Faus M.E.E. in 2008 is specialized in Learning Processes in Mathematics from the Tecnólogico de Monterrey Campus Guadalajara. In 2010 she was nominated as the International Science and Mathematics Education Director for Mexico, for the NASA African Dust Education and Public Outreach. In 1986 she was an undergraduate Mexican-American-German in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad de Guadalajara where she headed systems operations and production for Instituto de Celulosa y Papel UDG, Coca Cola, Hiberidos Pioneer, Pateleria Francesa, and DAGTA Furniture Inc. She has worked as an upper level math professor at the Tecnólogico de Monterrey Campus Guadalajara. Gloria has acquired various certificates of education of which she has been renowned nationally and internationally as one of high schools most honored teachers. She is actually associated with France’s CNES researching aerosols. Gloria had conferences in the MELL and META programs on didactic teaching methodologies. She teaches Advanced Placement Calculus AB and PBL, Problem Based Learning for the AIM and CALIPSO NASA education programs which ventured her in the conduct of her symposia: Noctilucent Clouds, Climate Change and its Impact on Life, NASA Satellite Data on Aerosols-Colima’s Volcano. Gloria Faus is the first Mexican participant for the AIM NASA Education Team involving more Mexicans in the development of science. She can be read at http;//aim.hamptonu.edu/outreach/AK-2007/ppts/nlc-pbl/NLC_PBL.ppt. Gloria has been a marriage counselor for nearly thirty years for Dinámicas de Union Matrimonial and is currently happily and has three children who are currently achieving success in their exploring their professional carriers. She enjoys Hispanic fine Cuisine.
Email: gloria.faus@itesm.mx
Domingo Espinoza
In 1986 Domingo Espinoza was an Undergraduate Mexican student in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad de Guadalajara, where he headed special furniture designs for the Insituto de Celulosa y Papel UDG, Coca Cola Co., Hibridos Pioneer, IBM, Bancomer Bank, Banamex Bank, among other companies and small businesses. Afterwards, he began his own business named DAGTA Furniture Inc. In 1993 he started to function as a marriage counselor at Dinámicas de Unión Matrimonial and he has been working as such for almost thirty years. He hast three children who are currently achieving success by exploring their professional carriers, which gives him the opportunity to work on his own business designing and building wood furniture and creative sculptures, among other things.
Jose Luis Arreola Robles
I have a Bachelor in Marine Biology from the University of Baja California Sur (UABCS), in Baja Mexico; I have a Master Degree in Management of Coastal Resources from Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN) in Mexico. For many years I worked in several scientific projects related mostly to ecology in reef fishes at the Sea of Cortez; I also worked with SCRIPPS institution of oceanographic in several projects. Since I moved to Guadalajara (mainland) Mexico, I have been in contact with the local public university (Universidad de Guadalajara) doing some ecology projects in the pacific coast of Mexico, including the study to create a new marine park at Isla Isabel, México. I have several publications in ecology and marine biology journals and I have participated as co-author of three books. I am currently working at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), teaching science courses at high school level. I am a Diving instructor and I spend most of my free time traveling and doing diving expeditions in several parts of the world. My major hobby is nature photography; thus, I have participated in several photography contests, and some of my pictures have been displayed in personal and group exhibits.
Manuel Alberto Rosas Verdin
Nací en Ameca Jalisco, el 1ero. de Junio de 1964. Estudie la carrera de Ingeniero Civil (1982-1987) y la Licenciatura en Enseñanza de las Matemáticas (1990-1995). Posteriormente estudie la Maestría en Enseñanza de las Matemáticas (2001-2003). Soy titulado en estas tres experiencias de formación profesional.
Estoy casado con María de Lourdes Zepeda Quintero, con quien tengo 3 hijos: Alberto Francisco (20), Manuel Alejandro (16) y Miguel Heriberto (12).
Soy Profesor de Tiempo Completo en la Preparatoria Regional de Ameca, con una antigüedad de 21 años. Coautor de la Guía Matemática y Ciencia II utilizada en las Preparatorias de la U. de G.
Soy diseñador de la Trayectoria Académica Especializante de “Dibujo Técnico por Computadora”, la cual se oferta como área propedéutica en las preparatorias de la Universidad de Guadalajara.
Soy Diplomado a nivel profesional en Planeación, Enseñanza y Evaluación por el Tecnológico de Monterrey con reconocimiento de la Universidad de Cambridge. Además acredite el Diplomado en Competencias Docentes en el Nivel Medio Superior del PROFORDEMS.
Practico la enseñanza de las matemáticas utilizando la tecnología (computadora y programas). Imparto las unidades de aprendizaje de Matemáticas en el Bachillerato General por Competencias de la U. de G. y las materias de “Dibujo en 2D asistido por Computadora” y “Dibujo en 3D asistido por computadora”.
He trabajado como Asesor en el Taller de Olimpiadas en Matemáticas.
He sido Coordinador Académico de la Preparatoria Regional de Ameca por 9 años consecutivos.
En el campo profesional fuera del ámbito escolar he trabajado como Director de Obras Publicas en dos periodos administrativos (1995-1997 y 2007-2009) en el Gobierno Municipal de Ameca. Además soy proyectista y constructor de casas habitación.
Jaime Alejandro Mendiola Romero
I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. I´m married and I have two kids: Jaime and Ricardo. My wife’s name is Mariana. I’m Biologist and I studied my bachelor in Sciences in the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in 1985. I have been teaching Sciences in High School since 1986 (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Scientific Research Methods, Live Sciences, Health Sciences, etc.)
In 2001 I graduated as a Master in Administration of Educational Institutions from Tec de Monterrey, campus Guadalajara.
I have been working in Prepa Tec of Tec de Monterrey, campus Guadalajara since 1994. Actually I’m the Sciences Department Director in High School. In addition to the management of 35 teachers, I teach Scientific and Technological Research in 6th semester. The purpose of this class is that students have to carry out an investigation during the semester.
I’m certificated in training of Classroom and Online Collaborative Learning from The University of Texas at Austin, & The University of Minnesota in 2001. Since then, I’m one of the teacher’s trainers of Collaborative Learning courses in Tec de Monterrey campus Guadalajara
Angel Ernesto Jimenez Bernardino
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, studies in law, pedagogy, mathematics. For 17 years he has worked coach pupils participating in Olympiads in mathematics, physics, computer science, research projects, declamation and oratory, giving students multiple awards at the Mexican Olympic of Mathematics, Physics and Mexico Olympics in the national competition for equipment and physics experiments which won first place nationally in 2010.
Secondary school Teacher, high school and higher levels: basic mathematics, differential calculus, physics, philosophy and history.
He has served as vice president of the National Association of Teachers of Mathematics, academic coordinator at the national level and currently as mid-level coordinator Jalisco.
He has worked as Academic Coordinator of the Preparatory School of Jalisco at the University of Guadalajara, where he currently works as a professor of race, besides senior officer in the same school and in preparatory 12.
He won state Jalisco Mexican Olympic of Mathematics as a student in preparatory. He has organized several Olympiads in mathematics and physics competitions regional and state.
He has authored books on mathematics, speaker and exhibitor in over a hundred times. Currently working in teacher education at the University of Guadalajara. Specializes in recreational mathematics topics.
Juan García Ramírez
I was born as the 4th of seven siblings, I attended only to official schools and in 1980 I have got a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. A year before finishing my career, I started to work in an Electrical Construction Company, at the same time I started to teach Physics; I worked in different cities and in different work places during almost 20 years as an Engineer and I also worked as a teacher during 10 years.
In 1995 I received an invitation to work as teacher but as a Foreign Language teacher!, I knew something of English, but now, teach it, came on! I needed to become an English teacher if I wanted to work like that, so, I got in an English school and I took all of the levels, even advanced and later I got in an English teaching course to improve my career as teacher.
In 1999 I started a master in education course, I finished in 2002 and it helped me to improve in a best way my teaching activity, my classroom interaction, my teacher-student interaction and many, many other educational situations.
In 2006 I got in a basic French Course; the reason among other was that I needed to be in touch with new educational techniques and methods, it helped me a lot, and I worked in class with new ideas. At the same time, in this year, I got in another teaching English course, the advantage for me was that I was finishing my French course when I started this other one.
In 2008 I started a Ph in education course just because I wanted to become a more and more professional teacher, it was a great challenge to take this activity, but I enjoyed and it helped me in different ways. I finished it in 2010.
Now a day I am planning to improve my French, I’m going to continue studying languages, first improving my French and later, maybe learning German or Italian.
Sandra Jara Castro
My name is Sandra Jara, I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jal., México. I became a Chemical Engineer with a Master´s Degree in Education. I teach Chemistry in 2nd and 3th semester in Tonala High School for The University of Guadalajara. I have had the honor of being required to make some programs for the University of Guadalajara curricula to be used as guides for the Chemistry courses. I have written text books of Chemistry for Umbral Editors and for Mc. Graw Hill Company. But my main work and pleasure it´s been working with High Performance students; We, as a group, have won a Silver Medal in Brazil, three scholarships from the United States Embassy for the camps in Virginia and San Diego, two Silver and two Bronze Medals in the National Chemistry Olympiad and several Bronze medals in the State Chemistry Olympiad. Besides I usually work with students in some project exhibitions, where we have won Silver medal in Expociencias and the certification to participate in the Expo Science International ESI 2011. I really love traveling and to contemplate nature, I enjoy spending time with my family, I try to learn something new everyday, So, I´m really looking forward to have this new adventure.
Itzel Flores Peña
Originally a native of Mexico, DF, Itzel Flores Peña, M.A.T.I., moved to Colima, Colima, when she was 9 years old. She graduated as a bachelor of computer systems engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Colima. In 2001 she got a Master’s degree in Information Technology from the ITESM. She worked as a software manager and in the area of software development for several enterprises, and started teaching 18 years ago at the Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Guadalajara sede Colima, where she discovered her passion for teaching. Since then, she has taught mathematics, computer sciences, physics, energy and movement, and, most recently, Introduction to robotics. She loves to teach and, in the process, learns new things from her students every single day.
Email: itzelflores@itesm.mx
Karina Gabriela Rodriguez Osorio
Originally from Guadalajara, Mex., I was born in March 1988. I got the degree of Bachelor of Mathematics in September 2010, for the Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), where I got some interest in mathematical analysis. During my training, I participated in summer research projects related to Statistics and related fields. Also, I attended seminars on the teaching of mathematics, where they spread and enriched the ideology of the use of computer technology as an important tool in learning, a view point I share. Actually, I am professor in Centro Universitario de los Valles, UdeG. I teach core subjects of mathematics and engineering. My personal ambition is to unify the mathematics as analysis, statistics and teaching with computer technology as a starting point for new projects.
Mayra Lorena Luna
Mayra Lorena Luna is working as a teacher at Centro Universitario de los Valles de la Universidad de Guadalajara. She teaches Advanced Calculus, Basic Calculus, Fourier Analysis, Statistics, Econometrics, and Linear Algebra. In 2010 she graduated as a bachelor of Mathematics at Universidad de Guadalajara. She carried out an investigation at the Universidad de Sevilla related optimization methods using graphs (2009). She has participated in Mathematics Conferences, in summers of research related to Statistics and Differential Equations, also in Seminars on the teaching of mathematics via computer in Higher Average and Higher Levels. She enjoys teaching.
Email: mayra.luna@profesores.valles.udg.mx
Maria Elena Lozano Martinez
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- About myself:
I am an artist, facilitator, and therapist that lives in Guadalajara, Jalisco. I studied Pedagogy at the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua. I am happily married and a mother of two.
About my work:
- Pedagogy consultant, and responsible for the environmental awareness program in Centro de Estudios Universitarios Adolfo Lopez Mateos in Ocotlan, Jalisco.
- Co-Founder of the “The Empathetic Touch” Program, that provides training to psychotherapists, educators, mental health workers and artists imparted at the Centro de Capacitacion Holistico para Terapeutas de Occidente.
- I give back to the community through talks on the radio about human development and I offer conferences in educational centers such as ITESO (Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Occidente) and CEDI (Centro de Desarrollo Integral Arboledas) in Guadalajara.
- I have a business called “Science, Art & Intuition” where I offer Person Centered Expressive Arts Therapy.
Background:
- I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for 7 years. I studied Visual Arts there and my work has appeared in several art exhibits (10 in the USA and 2 in Mexico); 3 Art Honorable Mentions and published three times in Keystone Art Magazine. Illustrator of the winning poetry book contest held by the Department of Culture in Chihuahua.
Worked in an east coast newspaper as a reporter and interpreter for the Hispanic community. - Participated in the creation of the program “Art & Health” (sponsored by Rockefeller Foundation, designated to help Mexican people living in North Carolina)
Founder of a student exchange program between Ocotlan, Jalisco and Charlotte, NC (about 300 students from both countries have participated). - Studied Person Centered Expressive Arts Therapy with Natalie Rogers (Carl Roger´s daughter). After this, my career turned towards art as a tool to reach emotional healing.
- I have taken diplomas in Sandplay (ludic therapy), Ho’oponopono (Hawaiian method to learn forgiveness) , PNL (neurolinguistics) and Butoh (Japanese dance therapy).
- I am currently studying Ericksonian Hypnosis. ( helpful for treating pain, phobias, depression, stress, etc)
Personal Interests and Hobbies:
I love travelling, swimming with dolphins at sea, singing, and painting.
Objectives:
One of the goals of my work is to teach and help people to feel good about themselves, good about others, and good about the planet, our Home. This African Dust Workshop will complement my professional-life plan, because I will learn more about climate change and how everything in the world is connected, and this knowledge will allow me to spread consciousness about the health of our blue planet.
“It is our duty to help create collective ecological consciousness through science, education, and art”
Olga B. Ochoa Bustamante
My name is Olga B. Ochoa Bustamante. I'm high school teacher in Zamora Michoacán, México. I have been teaching twenty-four years at Centro Escolar Juana de Asbaje. I have a degree in math education and computer systems, and a Masters in finance.
Also, I teach al the Normal Superior Juana de Asbaje, preparing future teachers, teaching Statistic and Calculus. I taught at University Del Valle de Atemajac from 1991 to 2006 in the undergraduate and graduate levels, with subjects as Discrete Mathematics, Finance and Investment Projects. Actually I teach Pre-calculus, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry to 11th grade and Financial Mathematics to 12th grade.
I love and I enjoy being a teacher and help my students. I love the beach and sunsets.
Email: olga_02ochoa@hotmail.com
Iván Esteban Villalón Turrubiates
Dr. Iván Esteban Villalón Turrubiates was born in Salamanca, Guanajuato in 1976 but now resides in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He received the Title of Mechanical Engineer in 2000 and the Master of Sciences Degree in Electrical Engineering (Digital Signal Processing) in 2005, both from the University of Guanajuato in Salamanca Mexico. Also, he received the Doctor in Sciences Degree in Electrical Engineering (Digital Signal and Image Processing) in 2007 from the Center for Advanced Research and Education (CINVESTAV) of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) of Mexico in Guadalajara. He is Member of the National Researchers Council of Mexico (S.N.I.) since 2009, and an active IEEE Member since 2005. His research work is in applications of signal and image processing to remote sensing data. He published 1 book, 3 papers in international scientific journals, 3 chapters in scientific books, and 24 papers in international scientific conferences on these topics. His research interests are in digital applications of signal and image processing, ground-penetrating radar imaging, digital algorithm implementation, and Mechatronics engineering design. Presently, he is with the Department of Computer Sciences and Engineering at the University of Guadalajara Campus Los Valles in the city of Ameca Jalisco, Mexico, with a full-time Professor/Researcher position. Also, he contributes with the Department of Mechatronics at TECMilenio University in the city of Guadalajara Mexico.
Email: villalon@ieee.org
Elizabeth Torres-Rodríguez
Puerto Rico Teacher Coordinator
I'm middle and high school teacher in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I have been teaching fifteen years, I teach earth sciences to 9th grade, Biology to 10 th ,Chemistry to 11th grade and environmental sciences to 12th grade.
I have a Master Degree in Environmental Sciences from Medical Science Campus, University of Puerto Rico and a Certification on Meteorology Sciences from Penn State University. I'm working also in Puerto Rico Space Grant-NASA in University of Puerto Rico as affiliate of the PR Department of Education, we have a project with public school around the Island, our project is a part of study on Heat Island Phenomena in Puerto Rico and we collaborate with the National Climate Center in Colorado and the University of California in Santa Clara.
Our goal is that all school in the Island had a weather station, and doing training for teachers and students. Now I'm teaching a Weather Course for teacher and Oceanography Course online thru American Meteorology Society.
I live in the north part of the Island (in the middle), my husband (Angel Hernandez) is Instructor Pilot of Blackhawk's in Puerto Rico National Guard, and my little cat “Camila”. My passions are being with my family, traveling and enjoying the outdoors of my beautiful Island.
I'm so excited to participate in this workshop and be a part of coordinators, this mean too much for our project and for me. I have always been excited to teach science and learn along with my students. I am passionate about immersing teachers in scientific inquiry experiences.
Email: torresre@DE.GOBIERNO.PR
Ruth P Marcano Morales
My name Ruth P Marcano Morales at present teach of chemistry in the High School José Santos Alegría Dorado, Puerto Rico. I have been taking working in is school for 8 years and where itself at present. Education Department Puerto Rico I have been teaching of 12 years at present. Within my scholastic district I have served as coordinating as scientific fair district and serving and participate of the organizing committee at regional level. I have taken training from scientific research of the department of education, participated in training of Institute 2000, Alacima, UPR Mayaguez of the engineering program. My education is in secondary education in Biology of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras and certifications in science general and chemical. Masters in education in Health Public of the Recinto de Ciencias Medicas UPR. Ever since I have been always has interested in participating in training to share these knowledge with my students and to acquire new knowledge in the area of science.
Olga Jimenez Osorio
My name is Olga Jimenez Osorio. I was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I studied Middle and High School at Libre de Música School in San Juan, where I now work as an Earth and Environmental Science teacher. At the University of Puerto Rico I finished a Bachelor Degree in Arts in Secondary Education with a Mayor in Biology and a minor in General Science. After that I enrolled at the Metropolitan University in Cupey to study a master in Education that I find so fascinating that I continued further studies at Turabo University where I’m pursuing a PhD degree in Environmental Science. The title of my dissertation is: : A comparative study in decomposition, nutrients and arthropod fauna among two exotic and one native plant species in a tropical urban forest totally enclosed in an urban matrix.
I try to pass my passion for science on to my students involving them in projects like the Environmental science club, Recycling Programs, Hydroponics projects, Environmental contests, fund raising for the science laboratory, field trips and the new mangrove species survey at the San Juan Estuary. The African dust workshop (even though I receive the information late) will be a great experience for me, that I will pass on to my students, motivating them (especially females, which is my main goal) to pursue careers in science, showing them that science encompasses many exiting and different disciplines.
Omaira Shukri Escheik
Hola:
Mi nombre es Omaira Isabel Shukri Escheik nací en cuidad Bolívar, Venezuela a orillas del Orinoco a los 13 años nos mudamos para Quebradillas, allí estudié la intermedia en el Colegio San Rafael y luego estudié la secundaria en la Juan Alejo de Arizmendiz donde participábamos de noches y madrugadas astronómicas ya que la escuela contaba con su propio observatorio diseñado por los maestros de ciencia y construido por los estudiantes de vocacional. Luego empecé la universidad en la UPR en Arecibo en el 1977 donde estuve tres años; entre en Pedagogía con una concentración en Biología al mismo tiempo estaba tomando cursos sabatinos de Programación de Computadoras el cual terminé en un año.
Participé en los Open House en bailes folklóricos y creando jardines químicos; me gradué de Asociado en Artes en mayo 1980. Luego en agosto me trasladé al Recinto de Río Piedras hice la Pre Práctica en las escuelas University Garden y la secundaria de la Universidad, la Práctica Docente la hice como maestra de química en grado 11 .
Empecé a trabajar en 1981 en el Colegio San Rafael donde estudié, como maestra de Ciencias, computadoras estuve 14 años organizando Ferias Científicas, bailes culturales y obras de teatro, luego en el 2000 me fui para la Propuesta de Título I dentro del colegio dando español y matemáticas, simultáneamente trabajé en el Instituto donde estudié, enseñando Programación hasta el 1991. Hace tres años empecé con el Departamento de Educación donde me desempeño como maestra de Ciencias Biológicas y Ciencias Física donde siento que estoy motivando y cultivando el gusto por las ciencias…
Tengo a mi hija Victoria Patricia que es mi inspiración para seguir adelante.
Brenda Rosa Guerra
Mi nombre es Brenda I. Rosa Guerra. Nací el 13 de marzo de 1971 en Vieques P.R. donde aun resido. Soy madre soltera de 3 hijas. Curse estudio en Educación Elemental en la Universidad Interamericana de P.R. en Fajardo y complete así el grado Bachillerato. Comencé trabajando para “HeadStart” (Pre-escolar) en el Municipio de Vieques durante 2 años consecutivos. Actualmente, llevo 13 años como maestra del Departamento de Educación.
Tuve la oportunidad de ser seleccionada junto a un grupo de maestros para participar del programa “Earth Partnership For Schools”, del “Restore Leadership Institute” en la Universidad de Wisconsin -Madison Arboretum, del 13 -22 de Julio 2009. En el cual nos dedicamos a la restauración ecológica estableciendo una relación positiva entre las personas y la tierra.
Dedico mi tiempo libre al trabajo voluntario para “Fish & Wild Life Service”, manejo y conservación de los recursos, donde soy miembro de Ticatove. Ticatove es un grupo de conservación sin fines de lucro que se dedica al monitoreo diurno y nocturno de tortugas en peligro de extinción. Además, llevo años consecutivos trabajando como supervisora de un grupo de jóvenes llamados “Y.C.C” (Youth Conservation Corp) de “Fish & Wild Life Service” en la conservación en el área y manejo de los recursos en los refugios de vida silvestre.
Joel Martínez Reyes
Soy Joel Martínez Reyes obtuve en el 2004 un grado de bachillerato de la Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico en Educación Secundaria con concentración en química. Actualmente realizo una maestría en la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico en Currículo y Enseñanza en Ciencias. Recién graduado comencé enseñando en la Escuela vespertina Eduardo Neumann Gandía en Ponce donde laboré tres años como maestro de química, biología, ciencias ambientales y ciencia general para desertores escolares. Trabajé como maestro de ciencias en la Escuela Superior Vocacional María Socorro Lacot en Guayama dos años (2008-2010). En el 2010 me trasladé a la Escuela de la Comunidad Superior Vocacional Bernardino Cordero Bernard en Ponce y enseño química, biología y ciencia ambientales. En el 2010 y 2011 participé de la Feria Científica como jurado evaluando trabajos de investigación científica en la región de Caguas y Ponce respectivamente. Durante el 2010 estuve en los talleres CIME para maestros de ciencias de la universidad de Puerto Rico recinto de Bayamón .He participado en el 2011 de diferentes propuestas como Quarknet (Física de partículas) de la Universidad de Puerto Rico recinto de Mayagüez. También en marzo del 2011 estuve en el NASA Kennedy Space Center recibiendo talleres. Pertenezco a la Asociación de Maestros de Ciencias de Puerto Rico. Próximamente estaré participando como miembro en la Sociedad de Astronomía de Puerto Rico. En la escuela quiero formar para agosto 2011 un Club NASA incluyendo parte de las actividades del currículo que NASA nos ofrece en las clases de ciencias que imparta.
Diana Toro Collazo
Hi, my name is Diana Toro Collazo. I was born in Ponce Puerto Rico on April 27th, 1966, but was raised in Vineland, New Jersey. Came to Puerto Rico and finished my High School years. I made my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education (k-6) from the University of Puerto Rico –Ponce, with a Minor in Mathematics. Have a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Caribbean University. I have been working in different schools as an English, Math, Technology or Science teacher throughout my 21 years in the Department of Education.
I have been for the last five years in a small rural school in Ponce giving science to 4th to 6th graders. Trying to do the best I can for the kids and their parents which live in poverty. Love being part of the environmental cause so I decided to have a Club which is part of the “Fideicomiso de la Conservacion”. We do lots of activities so they can have the knowledge and experience needed to help them make a better world. I also have a Robotics group that has competed in Technology Challenge 2010 and there looking forward to compete this year as well, and the years to come. This experience has made them think about what they really want to do when they grow up
One of my favorite interests, since a little girl, was in space and everything that has to do with it. I love teaching topics related to space in my classroom, but since the first NASA Workshop I took, I learned about STEM and ever since, that’s what I integrate in my classroom. I am so overwhelmed with the materials, the knowledge and the experience given to me and my students. I know this will change my students’ lives encouraging them to choose goals related to STEM, for a better future for them and their families.
Annette M. Costas
Nací en Ponce, Puerto Rico el 20 de enero de 1963. Soy la menor de cuatro hijos de Miguel J. Costas Santiago y Nilda Ortiz Colón (QEPD). Mis hermanos son Dayana, Miguel J. y Ginnette. Estudié un bachillerato en ciencias con especialidad en Biología con un "minor" en química en la Pontifica Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico recinto de Ponce. Contraigo matrimonio el 9 de abril de 1988 con Miguel A. Vélez Caquias, padre de mis dos hijos: Miguel Ángel y Eduardo Antonio. Regreso a la PUCPR en el año 2000 a tomar los cursos en educación para la certificación de maestra de ciencias y termino de una vez la Maestría en Educación en Currículo y Enseñanza con especialidad en Biología, obteniendo este grado el año 2005. Comienzo a trabajar como maestra de ciencias a nivel superior en el Colegio La Milagrosa en Ponce. Impartí los cursos de Ciencias Terrestres, Biología, Química y Física por espacio de dos años. En el 2008 comienzo con el Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico en la Esc. Pedro Colón Santiago en Juana Díaz y en el 2010 me mueven a la escuela Federico Degetau y González en la Cuidad Señorial de Ponce. Participo como líder voluntaria de los Boy Scouts of América por más de diez años y disfruto muchísimo de todo lo que tiene que ver con la naturaleza. Amo mi trabajo y soy un aprendiz eterno, así como las ciencias son dinámicas así deben ser los conocimientos y el aprendizaje.
Christine Ann Fuentes
My name is Christine Ann Fuentes. I was born in Brooklyn New York on July 19, 1964. I’m the third of three children. My father was Roberto Fuentes and my mother is Idalia Falcon. Both of them are from Puerto Rico and they teach me to love my country even do that I was born in New York. My family moved to Puerto Rico when I was six years old. I had a very happy childhood. What I love the most it was visiting my grandfather’s farm, playing with his animals, and picking up vegetables and fruits.
When I was fifteen years old we moved to Mayaguez and in my adolescence I love the beach a lot. My favorite beach was “El Combate”. I study my high school in Jose de Diego in Mayaguez. I went to Interamerican University of San German. I study Biology and I get my graduation degree on December 1988. In 2002 I went back to college and make my teachers certification as elementary school teacher.
In 1999 I open the first chapter of Girls Scout of America in my daughters school WALKS in Mayaguez. It was my first experience with young girls. At that time I was leader of two different groups Brownies and Juniors Girls Scouts. Since then I knew I have to be involve with young people and teach them all I know, because they are our feature.
I had been teaching since 2001, for the last five years I had been teaching Science. My goal as a Science teacher is to motivate my students to make investigations and experimentation to answer their questions. As I always said “making investigations is how we learn”.
For the last three years I had been assisting to a special program name CeCiMat (Mathematics and Science Partnerships) for Science and Math teachers In UPR Aguadilla. This program provides us with knowledge, materials, and ideas of different investigations that we can make in the classroom.
I am teaching Science in Liceo Aguadillano, Aguadilla Puerto Rico. I teach Science to Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade. I also teach Health last semester to Sixth Grade. This semester I am teaching Earth Science laboratory to Eighth Grade.
Jaydee Rodriguez Miranda
Mi nombre es Jaydee Rodríguez Miranda. Nací el 3 de enero de 1977, en el pueblo de Ponce. Actualmente estoy casado con Lilliany Orona Batista, con quien he procreado dos hijos, Jayliani Rodríguez Orona y Yadiel Rodríguez Orona.
Cursé mis estudios desde el kínder al noveno grado en la Escuela Antonio Romero Muñiz del barrio Collores y mis estudios secundarios en la Escuela Superior Josefina León Zayas, ambos en el pueblo de Jayuya.
Cursé el Bachillerato en la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Utuado, donde obtuve el certificado en Educación Elemental de Cuarto a Sexto. También obtuve el certificado en Educación Física en la Universidad Interamericana del Recinto de Río Piedras.
Mi primera experiencia de empleo en Educación fue en la Escuela Elemental Anélica Toro para el año escolar 2000-2001. Mi segunda experiencia fue en la Escuela Elemental Rafael Martínez Nadal en el año escolar 2001-2002, ambos en el pueblo de Jayuya. Luego me desempeñé como maestro de educación física en la Escuela Elemental Dr. Ramón E. Betances de Ponce desde agosto de 2001 hasta mayo de 2010.
Desde agosto de 2010 al presente trabajo en la Escuela lemental Rafael Martínez Nadal como maestro de Ciencias para los grados quinto y sexto.
Jacqueline López
Mrs. Jacqueline López works in American Military Academy at Guaynabo, P.R. as a distinguished advisor of research and curriculum at K-12 level. Also is the Coordinator of Science Fair, Science Club Advisor and performs in the editing of proposals on the area of technology. As part of her professional development, Mrs. López has participated on workshops in the National Conference from Science Education NSTA. She developed educational projects online- web quest, and given workshops to teachers for the AMGEN prizes. In 1996 she won Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching given by President Bill Clinton. She chose to participate at the Space Academy in the year 2007, given by NASA. She dreams with this experience, dreams to nurture the hundreds of students that have passed through her classroom and serve as a positive mentor. She says, “If you have a dream, the sky is the limit.”
Dominique Bernard-Sanchez
Teacher from French Guyana
Paul Jones
Lead Teacher
Paul T. Jones is a middle school science teacher at The School of International Studies at Meadowbrook in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science. He has been a long time advocate for school age children having mentored middle and high school students since 1992. In the class, Paul brings real-life experiences to make the world of science come alive. Paul’s class has been featured on the NASA CONNECT episode titled, "The 'A' Train Express." He and his students also participate in many science-based video teleconferences, with students from around the world. Paul was recently awarded Norfolk Public Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2010. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending quality time with family, biking, camping, hiking, traveling and attending student extra-curricular activities.
Dan Borick
Lead Teacher
Dan is currently serving as an Educator in Residence at the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton, Virginia on loan from Portsmouth Public Schools. His duties at NIA include development of NASA eClips© education guides, as well as integration of modeling, simulation, and visualization applications in his home school district’s science and mathematics curriculum. Dan’s other duties include running the Portsmouth Planetarium at the Children’s Museum of Virginia. He has been involved in the professional development courses for Portsmouth schools over the past two years. Dan has taught physical science, Earth science, environmental science, oceanography, marine biology, experimental design and has also served as an elementary teacher over his 30 plus year career. He is married to his college sweetheart and they have a daughter attending Longwood University.
Dan Lewandowski
Richard Neefe
Richard Neefe is Science Program Specialist for the last six years with Portsmouth Public Schools in Portsmouth, VA. His major focus is to coordinate STARBASE Victory, a grade 4-6 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) center for Portsmouth students. STARBASE Victory teaches a 4-day immersive learning experience for all 14 Portsmouth elementary schools (serving about 3600 students each year). The experiences students have at STARBASE are the foundation for further explorations in STEM opportunities available in Portsmouth from grades 4-12. Mr. Neefe received his Master of Education degree from Old Dominion University, with a concentration on grades 4-8 mathematics and science and has furthered his education with additional training in experimental design, problem based learning, LEGO robotics, GLOBE certification, AIMS education, ArcGIS digital mapping, and computer software training in graphing calculators, Activstudio, Flash, and Movie Maker. Mr. Neefe's work at STARBASE helps connect learning across all content areas to provide students with opportunities for careers in STEM fields.
In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Neefe has served with the United States Navy as a Nuclear Electrician's Mate aboard the USS South Carolina (CGN-37) and enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time with family.
Email: richard.neefe@pps.k12.va.us
School: Portsmouth Public Schools