Sarah Steinke selected for STEM initiative exploring deep-sea biology, geology in Eastern Pacific
A chemistry teacher at Lockport Township High School is taking part in a real-life science adventure, after being selected as a 2016 Nautilus Ambassador.
Sarah Steinke will sail aboard Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus during its 2016 expedition with the Corps of Exploration to explore a portion of America’s oceanic backyard – the area between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Ocean Exploration Trust selected 24 educators and 22 students from around the world to participate in the 2016 Nautilus Exploration Program expedition. The OET is a nonprofit founded by Robert Ballard in 2008. Its mission is to explore the ocean, seeking out new discoveries in the fields of geology, biology, maritime history, archaeology, physics and chemistry, while pushing the boundaries of STEM education and technological innovation.
The selected educators and students hail from schools, universities, after-school programs, science centers, aquaria and nonprofit organizations in 20 states in the U.S. and Australia. They will join the Nautilus Corps of Exploration during sea-going expeditions from May through September in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Nautilus Ambassador Program will bring seven educators from locations within the Community STEM Program aboard E/V Nautilus to experience life aboard a research vessel.
Ambassadors gain exposure to at-sea science, technology, engineering, communications and education during their time onboard, while also shadowing professionals in each field.
When Ambassadors return home, the hope is that they share the excitement of ocean exploration and research with their peers, schools and communities.
“This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ms. Steinke, and we are so proud she will be bringing back what she learns to Lockport High School,” said Brett Gould, assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum. “Our students will benefit immensely from her experience aboard the ship.”
As a member of the Corps of Exploration, Steinke will stand watch alongside scientists and engineers, as well as participate in live audio commentary and question-and-answer sessions through the Nautilus Live website, www.NautilusLive.org. The 24-hour web portal brings expeditions from the field to future explorers on shore via telepresence technology. Global audiences can tune in to the website, Facebook or Instagram at NautilusLive, and on Twitter as @EVNautilus to follow her expedition.
The OET promotes STEM education around the world using the excitement of exploration and innovation to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.