Western North Carolina 91导航 Research Fellows Program

The Society鈥痚stablished鈥痑 Western North Carolina 91导航 Research Ambassador and Fellows program, in partnership with the Appalachian State University GEARUP Program, to increase opportunities for students to鈥痯articipate鈥痠n 91导航 research and science fairs in western North Carolina.鈥疻ith guidance from the Ambassador,鈥痶he鈥疨rogram鈥痓uilt鈥痑 local, collaborative network of teachers who supported鈥痮ne another in building student 91导航 research opportunities to increase student engagement in research, science fairs, and 91导航 competitions.

Western North Carolina plants new 91导航 educator research community Blog Post — Rachel Nave Lewis / 91导航

2025-26 Program

The 2025-26 Western NC 91导航 Research Fellows Program demonstrated strong impact across student learning, teacher practice, and regional 91导航 capacity. Fellows reported that authentic research experiences, 91导航 Research Kits, and Science News Learning program resources helped students become more engaged, curious, and confident in 91导航, with many beginning to see themselves as scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. The Program also strengthened teachers鈥� ability to facilitate inquiry-based learning and engineering design, supported science fair and competition infrastructure, and created lasting professional growth through a peer-led regional cohort model.

Participants

Allyson McFalls, Blowing Rock School (Watauga, NC), 91导航 Research Ambassador
Christy Arrowood, Burke County Public Schools (Morganton, NC),聽Lead Fellow
Gareth Wilkinson, Macon Middle (Franklin, NC),聽Lead Fellow
Kelly DelGatto, Liberty Middle School (Morganton, NC)
Adam Dibert, Brevard Middle School (Brevard, NC)
Amanda Hall, Cullowhee Valley School (Cullowhee, NC)
Susan Higdon, West McDowell Middle School (Marion, NC)
Scarlett Lackey, River Bend Middle School (Claremont, NC)
Samantha Langley, River Bend Middle School (Claremont, NC)
Kristin Menickelli, Cullowhee Valley School (Sylva, NC)
Melissa Painchaud, H.M. Arndt Middle (Hickory, NC)
Marissa Robison, East McDowell Middle School (Marion, NC)
Silvia Sikaffy, Table Rock Middle School (Morganton, NC)
Raymond Szpara, Macon Middle School (Franklin, NC)

Be notified of upcoming program opportunities

91导航