Elle Winfield is an ORISE Fellow at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Her research focuses primarily on the development of an ecofriendly essential oils-based larvicide meant to kill mosquitos. Around the world, mosquitos are responsible for transmitting diseases like Zika, malaria and dengue. Eradicating mosquitos in their larval stage prevents them from become adults and thereby capable of spreading disease. During this conversation with ORISE Featurecast hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood, Winfield takes a deep dive into the importance of her research, other activities she does as part of her fellowship, how she cultivated her interest in science and more.

Cybil "Nikki" Cavalieri is an ORISE Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, working on climate change refugia in Tanzania. With her research, Cavalieri aims to provide agencies and communities in Tanzania with information to be able to help make decisions on how and where to prioritize resources for conservation. Hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood talk to Cavalieri about the meaning of her research, how she became interested in biogeography, the importance of collaboration when you're working remotely -- not only is Cavalieri not working in Tanzania on the regular, she lives deep in the Great Lakes Woods -- and how good mentors can change the path of your life. Plus, you'll hear about her travel adventures and her love for all manner of creatures.

For as far back as she an remember, Karen Valdez wanted to be a dentist, and went to dental school in Mexico. Still, she longed for an education in the US and took English as a Second Language classes at El Paso Community College. Valdez's interest in science fueled her desire to continue her education. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, hosts Michael Holtz and Matthew Underwood talk to Valdez about her role as an ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she is conducting research into tick-borne illnesses. Throughout the conversation, Valdez talks about how she came to love science, her educational journey, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and what she hopes comes next in her career trajectory. To learn more about ORISE research participation program opportunities at the CDC, visit https://orise.orau.gov/cdc/current-research-opportunities.html

This episode of the ORISE Featurecast is our monthly look at the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. Matthew Underwood sits in as guest host for this episode with guest co-host Amy Szczepanski, a member of the current AEF cohort. Matthew and Amy talk with three members of the 2017 AEF cohort – John Galisky, Chris Wright and Kelly McCarthy – who participated in the development of the five-year strategy for STEM education. The five-year strategy was an effort to strengthen the federal government's commitment in the STEM education ecosystem to equity and diversity, evidence -based practices, and engagement with the national STEM community. The strategy highlighted collaboration with learners, families, educators, community leaders, and employers. The AEF fellows were among the many stakeholders included in the development of the plan, which really was focused on expanding and improving the nation's capacity for STEM education and preparing our future workforce. John Galisky is a doctoral student at UCSB where his research focuses on integrating science with literacy and language development, especially in the elementary grades.. For 25 years John taught Physics, Earth Science, Electronics & Robotics and Space Science at Lompoc High School, next to Vandenberg Space Force Base. John was awarded an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship in 2017 where he worked in a congressional office as a legislative assistant on issues related to education, science and technology, energy and environment, immigration, labor, and gun control. Chris Wright is currently a high school math teacher and department chairperson from Pasadena, MD. Chris served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow in 2017-2018 in the Congressional Committee on Education and the Workforce under current Ranking Member Congressman Robert C. Scott. Chris also spent five years as a district-level instructional math coach and lead curriculum developer. Kelly McCarthy is an Education Program Specialist in NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement where she leads and supports a number of K-12 and Higher Education STEM initiatives, including activities aligned with the Artemis Missions that will return humans to the Moon and beyond. She serves as co-lead of NASA’s Next Gen STEM Earth portfolio, focused on engaging learners, formal and informal educators with NASA projects that study Earth and the missions that take place in low Earth orbit. Prior to joining the NASA OSTEM team, Kelly served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator supporting the Education & Diversity portfolio in the National Science Foundation’s Geoscience Directorate. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act gives the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility for managing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) manages this program for DOE in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the partnering Federal agencies, which, at the time of this recording, included the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Library of Congress (LOC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The DOE sponsors five placements in congressional offices. To learn more about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office has a fundamental role to collect and disseminate data on the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes waters. Isabel Dunn and Suse Lagory are ORISE research program participants at EPA GLNPO. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Dunn and Lagory talk about their love of the Great Lakes region, the importance of conservation, what it's like conducting research on the Lake Guardian, the EPA's Great Lakes research vessel, what led them to become interested in science as a career, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and so much more. Learn more about research opportunities at the EPA at https://orise.orau.gov/epa/

The Library of Congress serves as the research library for the U.S. Congress and is also the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library of Congress manages the largest collection of books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in the world. Programs for learners of all ages are constantly in development, making the Library perfectly suited for Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, host Michael Holtz and co-host Amy Szczepanski talk to Amara Alexander and Kelsey Beeghly about their AEF experiences at the Library of Congress. Amara Alexander, is a middle school principal in Tennessee, and was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator at the Library of Congress in the 2019-2020 cohort. As an Einstein Fellow, Amara worked on highlighting African American inventors and their inventions through blogs and professional development sessions. Kelsey Beeghly, is a curriculum and assessment coordinator from Florida, is currently serving as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator at the Library of Congress. She is currently developing science teaching resources incorporating primary sources and expanding knowledge of the Library of Congress’ collections related to the history of STEM. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act gives the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility for managing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) manages this program for DOE in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the partnering Federal agencies, which, at the time of this recording, included the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Library of Congress (LOC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The DOE sponsors five placements in congressional offices. To learn more about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.

Melissa de Vera is an assistant director in the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Services for the Indian Health Service. The IHS is recruiting interns for its summer program. de Vera talks about the trajectory of her career and the surprising turn her life took toward environmental engineering, and what interns will do during their summer appointment. she says that while interns are classified as civil or environmental engineers, they don't have to be studying those disciplines. Rather, applicants should have a heart for public service. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indian and Alaska Native people. The Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction (DSFC) with IHS administers a nationwide Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) program that is responsible for the delivery of environmental engineering services and sanitation facilities to American Indians and Alaska Native people. To apply, go to https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/HHS-IHS-2024-0005

Mariana Sorroza is an intern in the National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program. Her research focuses on the importance of "soft skills," like interpersonal communication, presentation skills and the like. While they're called "soft,' Sorroza believes these skills to be very important. In this episode, host Michael Holtz talks to Sorroza about her internship, plans for her future, the importance of representation in the science and the importance of taking care of your mental health. Tune in for a wide-ranging and important conversation. Learn more about the NNSA MSIIP: https://orise.orau.gov/NNSA-MSIIP/

This episode of the ORISE Featurecast continues our monthly exploration of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellowship. This month, host Michael Holtz and guest co-host Amy Szczepanski talk to two educators who are AEF Fellows at the USGS. They talk to Sarah Slack and Samantha Willsey about a day in the life at USGS, what inspired them to become educators, what they hope to take back to their communities when their fellowships end, and so much more. Sarah Slack, who has taught middle school science and STEM in Brooklyn, NY for the past 14 years, is spending a year as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow with the USGS in the Office of Youth and Education in Science (YES). She is currently working on using USGS resources to create curricula that build science and engineering skills in K-12 students by providing opportunities for them to engage in authentic research and design activities. Samantha Willsey, a science teacher from Bremen, Indiana, is currently serving as the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the Youth and Education in Science (YES) office. She supports YES programing and outreach to encourage positive action in a changing world. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act gives the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility for managing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) manages this program for DOE in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the partnering Federal agencies, which, at the time of this recording, included the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Library of Congress (LOC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The DOE sponsors five placements in congressional offices. To learn more about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein.

Jenny Paul, who is an ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow at the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf Ecosystem Measuring and Monitoring Division and Gulf of Mexico Division, is the recipient of the ORISE Future of Science Postdoctoral Award. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Paul and host Michael Holtz discuss her research in benthic ecologies, what the Future of Science Award means to her, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and so much more. To learn more about Paul and the ORISE Future of Science Awards, visit https://orise.orau.gov/resources/stem/professional-development/during-the-internship/future-of-science-awards.html

Nathan Boyle, a former postdoctoral fellow in the Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, has studied machine learning for predicting fallout from chemical biological radiological and nuclear weapons. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Boyle discusses his research emphasis during his fellowship, where he is now, the value of mentorship and collaboration in the research process and so much more. To learn more about Boyle and the IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, visit https://orise.orau.gov/resources/stem/professional-development/success-stories/2023/nathan-boyle.html

Educators who are selected for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship say the program changes their lives and their classrooms for the better. In this episode of the ORISE Featurecast, Michael Holtz talks to four current and former AEF Fellows about how the program has impacted their lives and the lives of their students. Gretel von Bargen, Kelly Day, Amy Szczepanski and Dr. Pascale Creek Pinner share their experiences in this wide-ranging and informative conversation. Gretel von Bargen was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow in the Department of Energy, Office of Science. After the fellowship, Gretel returned to teaching an advanced biology course for high school students. As a dedicated STEM educator, Gretel works to develop her students' understanding and appreciation for the nature of science and the natural world. Kelly Day, a former middle school math teacher from Indiana served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for the Department of Energy from August 2020 to July 2022. During her fellowship, Day helped manage the National Science Bowl and participated in the FC- STEM Interagency Working group on Convergence Education. Day currently works for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science’s Workforce Development of Teachers and Scientists office. Amy Szczepanski, a high school teacher from New York City, is currently serving as the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator at the Department of Energy (DOE) in the Office of Workforce Development of Teachers and Scientists (WDTS). Currently, Amy is working on supporting the programs WDTS provides as well as expanding her own professional development as an educator. Dr. Pascale Creek Pinner was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator in the Department of Energy, Office of Science from 2018-2019. After she completed her fellowship, Dr. Pinner returned to her home state of Hawai’i. She is currently an NGSS curriculum coordinator and teacher in the Hilo Intermediate School district. The AEF program provides unique opportunities for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to serve 11 months in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. Einstein Fellows bring their extensive classroom knowledge and experience to their host offices to inform federal STEM education efforts. Einstein Fellows gain knowledge, resources, and broader perspectives on national educational issues that can then be brought back to the classroom or to leadership positions in their districts or elsewhere. Einstein Fellows bring their expertise, practical insights, and real-world experience as classroom teachers to Congress and to branches of federal government in an effort to contribute to the educational outcomes of research, award, and instructional programs at the sponsoring agencies. To learn more, or to apply for the AEF, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act gives the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the responsibility for managing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) manages this program for DOE in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and the partnering Federal agencies, which, at the time of this recording, included the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Library of Congress (LOC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The DOE sponsors five placements in congressional offices.

Elizanette Lopez is an ORISE Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she is studying how to develop plans for preparing and responding to public health emergencies. In this conversation with host Michael Holtz, Lopez discusses the evolution of her career since her earliest interest in becoming a scientist at the age of seven and deciding she wanted to work for the CDC as early as age eight. The discussion ranges from the value of collaboration and mentorship to the importance of representation as a Hispanic scientist, and finding and building a community of support. Learn more about Lopez and her research here: https://orise.orau.gov/resources/stem/professional-development/success-stories/2024/nette-lopez.html

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve in the national education arena. Fellows spend eleven months working in Federal agencies or in U.S. Congressional offices, applying their extensive knowledge and classroom experiences to national education program and/or education policy efforts. In this episode, host Michael Holtz talks with Jill Latchana, ORISE program manager for the AEF, and Lachanda Garrison, a U.S. Department of Energy AEF Fellow on Capitol Hill. In this episode, Garrison shares her experience as an educator and as a Fellow, and the importance of hearing from constituents of elected officials. The conversation is wide-ranging and joyful. To learn more about the AEF Program, visit https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein

Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong-Mensah, a former ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the undergraduate program director for Health Policy and and Behavioral Sciences at the Georgia State University School of Public Health. She was honored with the 2023 Early Career Teaching Excellence Award from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health for her passion for teaching and her service to her profession. In this conversation for the ORISE Featurecast, Armstrong-Mensah talks about her work as a clinical professor, taking students to Ghana to study public health issues, and how public health issues in one part of the world impact people everywhere, and so much more.

Eriko Padron Regalado is an ORISE Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where he is conducting research on immunoassays and vaccines. Eriko is originally from Mexico and has studied in Saudi Arabia and at Oxford University in England. He is joined by Yvonne Garcia, health communications specialist at the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Padron discusses his incredible career trajectory, and he and Garcia discuss the importance of representation in the sciences. Both are committed to opening up opportunities in science for young Hispanic students and researchers. Join host Michael Holtz for an interesting and engaging conversation.

Mariah Guevara, who holds a biomedical engineering degree from Brown University, has a full plate and she loves it! At the time she and host Michael Holtz had this conversation, Guevara had recently been named a Fulbright Scholar. She was teaching students to prepare for the American College Testing (ACT) Test part time, conducting research at a local university and studying for the Medical College Admission Test. And, she was preparing to go to Spain to teach English as part of her Fulbright Scholarship. She had been an ORISE intern at the Department of Homeland Security Transition Branch, where she synthesized data about innovative technologies for a report that Congress will use to determine funding. Tune in for a fun and informative interview.

This is a special edition of the ORISE Featurecast, wherein host Michael Holtz interviewed the winners of the Ignite Off! competition during the ORISE National Postdoc Appreciation Week Symposium, held Wednesday, September 20. Amanda Fanelli de Souza, Madeline Addis and Samaria Estrella discuss their Ignite Off! presentations, the trajectories of their academic and research careers, obstacles they have faced as women in STEM, and the importance of mentorship and collaboration. The conversation was fun and, we hope, enlightening. Give it a listen. Learn more about the ORISE Ignite Off! here: https://orise.orau.gov/igniteoff/index.html

Sara Howard, an epidemiologist at ORISE, is working with a researcher at Vanderbilt University to study how factors that change over time impact the models assessing exposure and health risks from radiation exposures. Their ORAU-Directed Research and Development project is still in its early stages, but Howard explains the science behind assessing multiple factors, why the research is important, and what the outcome could be. Join Michael Holtz and co-host Amber Davis for an interesting and enlightening conversation about work that is part of the ongoing Million Worker Study, which has been underway for many years.

Jennifer Childress, a high school science teacher in Alaska, recently completed the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. During her fellowship, Childress was part of the Department of Defense STEM program. Her experience as an educator proved valuable to helping shape some of the programming offered through DoD STEM. In this episode, Michael Holtz and Bryan Campbell talk to Childress and Jill Latchana, program manager for the AEF program. The AEF program provides unique opportunities for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to serve 11 months in a federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. Einstein Fellows bring their extensive classroom knowledge and experience to their host offices to inform federal STEM education efforts. Einstein Fellows gain knowledge, resources, and broader perspectives on national educational issues that can then be brought back to the classroom or to leadership positions in their districts or elsewhere. Einstein Fellows bring their expertise, practical insights, and real-world experience as classroom teachers to Congress and to branches of federal government in an effort to contribute to the educational outcomes of research, award, and instructional programs at the sponsoring agencies. To learn more, or to apply for the AEF, visit https://orise.orau.gov/news/archive/2022/albert-einstein-distinguished-educator-fellowship-applications-open.html