Dr. Donna E. Stewart
Baltimore County Public Schools
Dear National Science Foundation:
Thank you for providing support for my participation in the Research Experiences for Teachers Program. This program has truly broadened my appreciation of the multidisciplinary aspect of science teaching and research.
After completing postdoctoral research in1993, I left the laboratory. Following this I taught college for five years, followed by high school science for five years (so far). During this time I have been challenged to educate a new generation of young scientists. Furthermore, for those uninterested in the sciences, the laboratory activities have sharpened their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. As a public school teacher serving a predominantly minority population, I seek out opportunities to enhance science teaching. The teaching focus of the RET program was especially appealing, since there was a requirement to translate the research experience into the classroom. I am certain that I will be able to use this experience and the data generated to develop several activities, which I will integrate into the curriculum with enhanced skill and enthusiasm.
As an African American woman, I am personally aware of the critical problem of under representation of minorities in the sciences. This experience has enriched my professional and personal life in several ways. First, it has allowed me to get hands-on training in a new area of research. Second, I had the unique experience of working with outstanding researchers in a Smithsonian museum. I am anxious to tell my students about my research as well as to describe the “behind the scenes” tours. Third, working in the Repatriation Office personally enriched me, since my paternal lineage is of the Blackfoot tribe. It was inspiring to conduct research that could potentially contribute to the effort of the Repatriation Office to return the remains of Native Americans to their tribes.
As a 1985 recipient of a NSF Graduate Fellowship, I have long been aware of your foundation’s commitment to fund critical science education initiatives. I look forward to working with other NSF funded programs in the future.
Sincerely,
Donna E. Stewart, Ph.D.
Research Experiences for Teachers, 2002