ARLINGTON, Va.—August 2, 2022—Twenty-seven science teachers have been named regional winners in the annual Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Sponsored by Shell USA, Inc. 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.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s regional lab challenge winners. Their innovative approaches, creative ideas, and unwavering commitment to give their very best to their students—and to the community, as they engage and motivate the STEM leaders of tomorrow—is commendable and inspiring,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Director, Workforce Development and Diversity Outreach. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with teachers to help in furthering quality science education in the classroom.”

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 utilizing their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.

“It is clear that these incredible educators’ tireless commitment to education and their focus on powerful science teaching has made a tremendous impact on the quality of learning and student engagement during an extremely challenging year,” said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., executive director, NSTA. “We applaud all of the regional winners for their resilience, ingenuity, and dedication to their students.”

The regional winners each received a school science lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 (for the elementary and middle levels) and $15,000 (for the high school level). The winning teachers 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 on Science Education, where they will be honored during a special evening celebration.

Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Regional Winners

Carson Asset

• Middle Level: Joseph Gonzalez, Carnegie Medical Magnet School, Carson, California
• Middle Level: Matthew Medrano, Stephen White Middle School STEAM Magnet, Carson, California
• High School Level: Aulikki Flagan, Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra, California

Deer Park Asset

• Elementary Level: Shannon Fanning, La Porte Elementary School, La Porte Elementary School, La Porte, Texas
• Middle Level: Jeffrey Gale, Fairmont Junior High School, Pasadena, Texas
• High School Level: Shelby Jones (co-teacher Amanda Lewis), La Porte High School, La Porte, Texas

Geismar Asset

• Elementary Level: Rebecca Gerdes (co-teacher Karen Kneht), Northwestern Elementary School, Zachary, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Savannah Jones (co-teacher Dawn Perret), Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• High School Level: Renita Atreal Whitaker, Plaquemine High School, Plaquemine, Louisiana

Houston Asset

• Elementary Level: Arianna Martinez-Moody, Harvey Brown Elementary School, Houston, Texas
• Middle Level: Ariel Delos Reyes, Morris Middle School, Houston, Texas
• High School Level: Amy Neblett, Ball High School, Galveston, Texas

Kermit Asset

• Elementary Level: Kara Murrow, Greathouse Elementary School, Midland, Texas
• High School Level: Aimee Peralta, Pecos High School, Pecos, Texas
• High School Level: Erica Reagan, Midland High School, Midland, Texas

Monaca Asset

• Elementary Level: Kristin Holmes, Economy Elementary School, Freedom, Pennsylvania
• Middle Level: Scott Setzenfand, Ambridge Area Middle School Freedom, Pennsylvania
• High School Level: Kimberly Johnson, Valley Junior Senior High School, New Kensington, Pennsylvania

New Orleans Asset

• Elementary Level: Megan Chauvin, Raceland Upper Elementary School, Raceland, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Samantha Kreuscher (co-teacher Yann Colin), Lycée Francais de la Nouvelle-Orléans Middle School, Slidell, Louisiana
• High School Level: Tiffany Booth, Eleanor McMain High School, New Orleans, Louisiana

Norco Asset

• Elementary Level: Tiffany Scott, Luling Elementary School, Luling, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Christie Williams, Albert Cammon Middle School, St. Rose, Louisiana
• High School Level: Cecelia Gillam, Hahnville High School, Boutte, Louisiana

Port Allen Asset

• Elementary Level: Morgan Decuir, Caneview K-8, Port Allen, Louisiana
• Middle Level: Samantha Mendenhall, Port Allen Middle School, Port Allen, 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 Shell USA, Inc.
Shell USA, Inc. is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell USA Inc. operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future.

FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Shell USA, Inc. Media Line 832-33-SHELL

About NSTA
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 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.

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Contact:
Kate Falk, NSTA
(703) 312-9211
kfalk@nsta.org