- Master’s degree in education, Indiana University;
- Licensed teacher, endorsements Science K-9, Earth/Space Science 5-12, Reading K-12;
- Indiana Teacher of the Year finalist, 1996;
- Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, 1996;
- National Science Teacher’s Association presenter 8x at national conventions;
- Served 3 terms developing and writing for Science Curriculum Review Committee, Southwest Allen County Schools, Ft. Wayne, IN;
- Contributing writer, Teaching Chemistry with Toys and Teaching Physics with Toys, Miami University, 1995;
- EAA Chapter 2, Ft. Wayne, current board member and past president;
- Private Pilot,1350+ hours, flown coast to coast, built and fly (850+ hrs.) homebuilt aircraft;
- Continued teaching through EAA Young Eagles flights (over 300) and groundwork with kids.
Statement of Personal interest in the National Airmail Museum
The National Airmail Museum’s historically and culturally significant story told through artifacts and interactive displays will enlighten regional visitors as to the great contributions made by early aviation pioneers. Through this foundation in the past, the Museum can be a window to the future. Featuring dynamic programming focused on STEM education, children and youth will engage with a spiraling curriculum of hands-on, minds-on aviation activities, igniting their curiosity and excitement for further learning. Educational activities could be a 15-minute encounter for the casual visitor, to a half-day workshop for school groups, to week-long summer day camps. As a long-time volunteer with EAA and the Young Eagles program, I have seen the enthusiasm of our members, including youth, as they share their love of aviation with others through ground and flight activities. Some of these same EAA members could find further enjoyment as volunteer instructors or docents in the Museum. In addition, EAA Chapter 2 could find a much-needed home meeting space within a side room of the Museum.