Sara Lisa Garcia-Torres is a NASA Education Specialist currently housed at Texas State University where she is also pursuing her PhD. Sara worked in public schools for the past 16 years as a bilingual and inclusion teacher, Gifted & Talented Facilitator, and as a STEM teacher. She has over 140 hours of science training through the University of Texas Hands on Regional Collaborative, in addition to 96 hours of science training through the Texas Natural Science Center. Sara works with educators, families, and community members to support STEM efforts in public schools, homes, and communities. She has been awarded several local grants and recognitions. Among them she has received a grant for utilizing green spaces at public elementary schools to begin a science outdoor classroom. Sara was recognized by her peers earning a Teacher of the Year award and receiving a national White House Initiative on Educational recognition. Her research interests include STEM education, both the delivery to underrepresented students (K-20), and culturally relevant preparation of teachers through traditional and non-traditional methods. Sara holds degrees from Texas State University (MEd), and University of Texas at San Antonio (BA). | |