24 Science Teachers Recognized for Finding Innovative Ways to Deliver Quality Lab Experiences to Students

Twenty-four science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. (Shell) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged K–12 teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package.

“These science teachers have implemented remarkable science programs, providing high-quality lab experiences for their students with very little resources, often using their own funds,” said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at NSTA. “Now they have the chance to build the lab of their dreams. We commend all of the regional winners for their creativity, resourcefulness and commitment to their students.”

To enter the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, K–12 science teachers located in select school districts near Shell assets were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory resources, explain why laboratory upgrade support is needed, and describe their approach to science education instruction using their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries. The elementary-level regional winners each receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $15,000, and middle and high school–level regional winners receive a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.

The regional winners now advance to the national phase of the competition, where they will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 of support to attend a future NSTA National Conference. All national winners will be honored during a special evening celebration during the conference.

Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Regional Winners

Carson Asset

• Elementary Level: Jackie Nguyen, Escalona Elementary School, LaMiraga, California
• Middle Level: Oscar Espinoza, Ross Academy of Creative and Media Arts Middle School, Artesia, California
• High School Level: Jose Rivas, Lennox Math, Science, and Technology Academy, Lennox, California

Deer Park Asset

• Elementary Level: Yelitza Cienfuegos, Bayshore Elementary School, LaPorte, Texas
• Middle Level: Alyssa Ruffin, LaPorte Junior High School LaPorte, Texas
• High School Level: Cathleen Baxter Swindle, Pasadena Memorial Senior High School, Pasadena, Texas

Geismar Asset

• Elementary Level: Sheila Bryant, Park Forest Elementary Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Tyler Colson, Eva Legard for Coastal and Environmental Studies School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• High School Level: Kristy Cambre, Lutcher High School, Lutcher, Louisiana

Houston Asset

• Elementary Level: Arianna Martinez Moody, Harvey Brown Elementary School, Houston, Texas
• Middle Level: Rebecca McNair, Maybelline Carpenter School, Houston, Texas
• High School Level: Jamie Flint, Spring Woods High School, Houston, Texas

Monaca Asset

• Elementary Level: Nicole Darroch, Ridge Academy, Corapolis, Pennsylvania
• Middle Level: Cay Kovach, Brownsville Area Middle School, Brownsville, Pennsylvania
• High School Level: Kathy Jo Sagwitz, Valley Junior/Senior High School, New Kensington, Pennsylvania

New Orleans Asset

• Elementary Level: Nechelle Williams, Iberville Math, Science & Arts Academy East, Saint Gabriel, Louisiana
• High School Level: Nicholas Bijou, Sarah T. Reed High School, New Orleans, Louisiana
• High School Level: Sasha Kreinik, The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men, New Orleans, Louisiana

Norco Asset

• Elementary Level: Taylor Boudreaux, Lakewood Elementary School, Luling, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Nadine Stewart, East St. John Preparatory Academy, LaPlace, Louisiana
• High School Level: Dennis Pevey, Ponchatoula High School, Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Port Allen Asset

• Elementary Level: Mari Webre, Caneview K-8 School, Port Allen, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Nikita LaCour, Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• High School Level: Jennifer Bollich, STEM Magnet Academy of Pointe Coupee, Morganza, Louisiana

For more information about the Challenge, visit the competition website at https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit https://www.nsta.org/, or follow NSTA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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