Masch was one of nine selected for a summer study program for teachers at University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern program was developed in 1991 to improve the quality of science education in North Central Texas and to make available to middle and high school science teachers some of the vast educational resources of UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Masch said she has had the opportunity to conduct hands-on biomedical research, observe her mentor, Dr. Ruth Word, as she conducted rounds in the obstetrics & gynecology department, and observe child births including natural and cesarean section deliveries. Masch will conduct a full presentation of her research project at the end of the program, and will create a classroom activity to bring back to her own science classes at de Zavala.
Ketcham earned a scholarship to attend the Educator’s Space Academy at the Untied States Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Ketcham applied for the Honeywell-sponsored scholarship via essay submission and was among teachers from 48 states and 16 foreign countries to attend.
During the Academy, Ketcham attended workshops related to fostering student interest in the space program, as well as received presentations about the United State’s current program and plans to colonize the Moon and travel to Mars. Astronaut Story Musgrave and Ed Buckbee, author of The Real Space Cowboys, delivered historical perspectives on the space program.
Ketcham also had the opportunity to train in NASA simulators, performing simulated space missions both in orbit and on the moon. Ketcham said he hopes to apply to the Advanced Educators Space Camp, as well as apply to NASA’s Teacher in Space program.
