Our Teachers

2018-2019 Fellows

• Marissa Friedman-“My hope is that the METEOR program will give me the experience and knowledge needed to better guide these students towards their dreams. As a chemistry teacher, my students are often conducting inquiry activities and working in the laboratory. I do my best to provide them with research-like opportunities during which they can investigate relationships between different variables and explore the world around them. I have limited research experience from college. I worked in an electrochemistry lab for a little more than a semester. I believe that the METEOR program will provide additional research experience that will improve my students’ experience in the lab. My teaching is limited by my experiences and knowledge. The more I learn and the more laboratory experience I have, the more exposure my students will receive regarding re-search.“How is this relevant” is a favorite question of my students. I can find a lot of ways chemistry is relevant in each of their lives. However, I am confident that I will be able to convince them of the relevance of chemistry and STEM in general after I have experienced this program.”

• Sherry Richardson– “The  brilliantly structured MTF Program will immerse me in the reality of laboratory research and design. Partnering with the industry’s brightest scientists and investigators to construct a hands-on experience for my students, is an ideal structure for optimal educational re-search experience. The opportunity to collaborate and learn from Children’s Research Institute scientists is the epitome of true research experience. The experts conducting research at CRI are in an optimal position to provide me with exclusive insight into scientific experimental design, execution and application to realistic need. Our contributions as educators and scientists are the experiences that change a student’s life. I experienced the magnificent impact of STEM research programs on students during my time as a STEM leader while participating in the IREX World Smarts STEM Challenge last year. We needed to use specific research strategies like brainstorming, research, prototype design and debriefing. Along with our bi-national team, I watched my students construct and present findings on an indigenous water purifier that earned First Place Finalist in the IREX World Smarts STEM Challenge. More importantly, I watched science research evolve my students into young professionals who overcame cultural barriers, stage fright and minimal research experience to succeed at innovating a solution that will change the world. My role in my students’ life is clear. I must continue to learn if I will continue to teach. The more training I undergo, the better equipped I become to motivate my students to become the greatest scientists this world. has ever imagined. The first step to fulfilling this destiny is embracing perfect opportunities to learn more techniques to provide this learning to my students. The MTF Program will prepare me to ensure my students are ready to be our future scientist and world leaders.”

2019-2020 Fellows

• Geneva Jost– “Teachers too often forget the power that comes with having had the experience of being a student themselves. That experience led me to where I am and informs the journey I want to create for my students. Being a METEOR Teaching Fellow will give me the opportunity to walk in the shoes of a student and a research scientist all at once. The research component will put me on the path I am asking my students to walk and, in turn, help me become a better guide for them as they embark on their own research journeys. The opportunity to complete a project of my own will breathe new life into my classroom by inspiring lessons and enriching the curriculum. The coursework component will help me grow and cultivate my skills to design and deliver those lessons. The prospect of working alongside scientists at Children’s National and under the leadership of professors from the George Washington University’s School of Education kindles my love of learning and inspires my drive to teach.”

• Kiana Bennett- “When opportunities present themselves that will advance my knowledge or skill in the direction of our school vision I need to immediately move on that opportunity. In my 10 years of teaching, I have always been involved with opportunities that will continue to advance my practice. I am extremely passionate about staying progressive with my teaching and enjoy seeing my students receive full scholarships at top-ranked schools. In my summers, I enjoy being the student and learning from those who have more experience than me or are experts in their field. As a candidate for the MTF program, I will not only be engaged within the program but will use my experience to share the knowledge that I obtain with the next year’s cohort. I am certain that I will be a great asset to your program and hope you find my diverse level of experience in teaching science and my leadership skills to be a complement to your program.”