ISS National Lab STEM Award Recipients Inspire Students Through Space Station Science

June 12, 2024 • By Courtney Black, ISS National Lab Education Project Manager

From scientists who make meaningful discoveries that benefit Earth to educators who train the future space industry workforce, acknowledging those who have a profound impact remains a priority for the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. This year, we honor two educators who excel at inspiring students to explore space science with the Space Station Explorer Exceptional Educator Award and the Tony So Excellence in Education Award.

More than 2,500 educators worldwide engage their students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education supported by the ISS National Lab through the Space Station Ambassador Program. These Ambassadors use Space Station Explorers (SSE) programs and resources to provide their students with educational experiences inspired by space science, from programming robots onboard the space station to designing experiments performed by astronauts.

Each year, the ISS National Lab honors talented educators who utilize SSE partner programs to innovate space-related education for their students. These educators incorporate space station-related activities into their classrooms and encourage others to do the same.

Space Station Explorers Exceptional Educator Award

This award recognizes educators who have gone over and beyond to use space station-related programs to engage students in STEM subjects and careers. This year’s Exceptional Educator Award recipient, Lisa Werner, teaches music in the small town of Dousman, Wisconsin. She infuses every lesson with the wonders and excitement of space.

From experimenting with the effects of music on the growth of space tomatoes to composing music inspired by sunsets and constellations, space permeates music lessons so that students are never sure if they are in music or a science class. This interconnectedness celebrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education to reach every child and encourages them to pursue their dreams.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor validating my dedication and passion for incorporating space education into my music teaching,” Werner said. “The resources provided by Space Station Explorers are cornerstones of my daily curriculum, igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for space exploration while enriching the musical journey of my students. Just as music transcends boundaries, exploring space captivates individuals of all ages and backgrounds, making it powerful for engagement and learning.”

Tony So Excellence in Education Award

Our team created the Tony So Excellence in Education Award in 2022 to honor Tony So’s legacy. So co-founded Magnitude.io, a STEM education company and SSE partner program. He was a passionate educator whose impact continues to inspire all who knew him.

Javier Montiel is this year’s recipient of the award, which recognizes educators who serve with the same thoughtfulness, intelligence, and kindness that So demonstrated throughout his career and life. Montiel is no stranger to the space education community. He impacts thousands of students and educators in Central and South America and his school district outside Houston, Texas. Since 2007, Montiel has worked tirelessly to bring meaningful experiences to educators throughout Mexico and Colombia, including bringing educators to the annual Space Exploration Educators Conference in Houston each year.

Montiel is a long-time principal investigator in Magnitude.io’s ExoLab program, a biology investigation that brings together students, teachers, and researchers to perform plant experiments on the ISS. This is a full-circle moment for Javier because Tony So was the one who initially invited Javier to participate in ExoLab many years ago.

When asked about the award’s significance, Montiel said, “Receiving the Tony So Excellence in Education Award empowers me to uplift international communities through science, research, technology, passion, and meaningful projects.”

During the selection process, our esteemed partner Bradford Benn from Advisist, an audiovisual company that creates immersive experiences and one of our STEM education sponsors, served as a judge when selecting this year’s recipients. Awardees were chosen after being nominated, completing an application, and compiling a space-based lessons and activities portfolio.

Montiel and Werner will receive their awards during the ISS National Lab’s annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference, held in Boston, Massachusetts, from July 30 to August 1.

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