Announcing AFOSR’s 2026 STEM Teacher Leadership Academy Cohort

We are thrilled to announce our next cohort of thirty four talented educators who were selected for this year’s STEM Teacher Leadership Academy. The Academy connects K-12 teachers with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s (AFOSR) basic science research portfolios during a week of workshops, presentations, and exhibit tours. The AFOSR STEM Team received a record number of applications this year, making this our most competitive program to date. Congratulations to these accomplished educators - we look forward to an incredible week of programming in the months to come!

Let's celebrate our amazing Mentors! Supporting our week-long professional development are Dani Maxwell and Ally Washington, two outstanding educators and 2025 STLA participants, along with Natalie Woods, who recently completed her Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) with the Department of the Air Force STEM Office.

The 2026 STEM Teacher Leadership Academy will take place from July 27 - July 31 at the FUSE Center at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia. For the first time ever, we are also including a field trip to the Pentagon.

  • Tanya Adkisson

    Biomedical Sciences

    Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, MD

    “I am looking forward to learning exciting new information and opportunities for my students and networking.”

  • Noha Attia

    Science Teacher

    William Wirt Middle School, MD

    “Integration (how well it blends science, math, and engineering) and application (hands-on problem solving)”

  • Kannan Cangro

    Librarian

    Clermont Elementary School, Virginia

    “I am looking forward to collaborating with a diverse group of STEM educators to exchange practical strategies and refine my teaching across grade levels. I am especially excited to bring back new ideas that strengthen student-driven inquiry.”

  • Chaunelle Copes

    Math Teacher

    Imagine Andrews Public Charter School, MD

    “I'm looking forward to collaborating with fellow educators, learning new STEM teaching strategies, and bringing back practical ideas that will engage and inspire our students. I'm also excited to grow as a teacher leader by sharing experiences and learning from others.”

  • Grace Delaney

    Librarian

    Long Branch Elementary School, VA

    “I am most excited to meet educators that are also interested in teaching STEM and learning new ways to engage students.”

  • Martha Fountain

    Algebra I, Physics, AP Physics Teacher

    Riverbend High School, Virginia

    “I am most looking forward to meeting and collaborating with like-minded individuals who are passionate about educating our youth in the matters of STEM. I am excited about what I will learn and gain from this experience that will help me become an even better educator for my students."

  • Anthony Frazier, Jr.

    Aviation & UAS (Drones)Teacher

    Grace Hopper Center (New Arlington Career Center), Virginia

    “I am looking forward to meeting and working with other cohort educators, gain direct exposure to cutting-edge Air Force research, and walk away with connections I can bring back to my students at the Arlington Career Center.”

  • Damian Green

    Computer Networking and Cybersecurity

    Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, MD

    “As a Computer Science teacher, I look forward to collaborating across the different disciplines, represented in this cohort, to show students how our fields are interdependent and foster interdisciplinary careers.”

  • Ashton Green

    STEM Specialist

    Whittier Elementary School, Washington, D.C.

    “Learning new ways to institute repeatable systems that last year after year.”

  • Catherine Holl

    Biology Teacher

    Hayfield Secondary, Virginia

    “I’m looking forward to learning ways to incorporate new technologies and research methods into the AP Bio curriculum to make the class more relevant and engaging for students.”

  • Tavell Johnson

    Technology Education

    Thomas Jefferson Middle School, VA

    “I'm looking forward to hearing new ideas on how to present STEM content to various audiences such as students with disabilities and English language learners. I also look forward to sharing what challenges and success stories educators have when presenting their projects.”

  • Dongo Kaka

    Biology Teacher

    High Point High School, MD

    “I would love to learn about activities I can incorporate in my lesson as a biology teacher.”

  • Janiel Lawrence

    Science Teacher

    William Wirt Middle School, MD

    “I’m looking forward to learning new STEM teaching strategies and to collaborate with other educators.”

  • Meredith Moore

    Chemistry and Psychology Teacher

    The Field School, Washington, DC

    “I am looking forward to collaborating with other teachers and learning new ways to enhance my teaching practice.”

  • Antonia Nathan

    Internship Coordinator and Educator 

    DuVal High School, MD

    “I am excited to learn more about biotechnologies to share with my students.”

  • Steve Nystrom

    Engineering Teacher

    Grace Hopper Center, Virginia

    “I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to sharing time with fellow STEAM teachers for a week.”

  • Christie Opauski

    STEM Teacher

    Sully Elementary, Virginia

    “Build community and gain resources.”

  • Praise Osamor

    Technology Concepts, Computer Science Discoveries

    Imagine Andrews Public Charter School, MD

    “I’m looking forward to learning about all of the amazing topics that have been selected for this year’s Academy. I’m also very excited to connect with other STEM educators in the DMV area, learn about the research happening through AFOSR’s science portfolios, and gather tools and strategies I can bring straight back to my classroom at Imagine Andrews.”

  • Tejas Patel

    Biology/Chemistry/Environmental Science/Anatomy & Physiology Teacher

    John R. Lewis HS, Virginia

    “I am looking forward to meeting the AFOSR STEM Team and my colleagues.”

  • Daniel Pellito

    Science Teacher

    Francis C Hammond Middle School, Virginia

    “I'm excited to hear about how people approach inquiry based learning.”

  • Nancy Penchev

    Staff Development, Social Studies and Science head

    Arcola Elementary, Maryland

    “I am hoping to find exciting lessons that will spark curiosity in my students.”

  • Jeff Politzer

    STEAM, Technology Education, Robotics

    Kenmore Middle School. VA

    “I would like to get ideas for STEAM/STEM activities that I can try with my students.”

  • Tinequa Reese

    Biology & Environmental Science Teacher

    Arlington Career Center/Grace Hopper, Virginia

    “I’m most looking forward to learning new technologies and practical skills that I can bring back to my classroom next year, as well as connecting with inspiring educators who are doing amazing work in STEM.”

  • John Reichenberg

    Biology, Exercise Science, Physical Science Teacher

    Sussex Academy, Delaware

    “I’m most looking forward to collaborating with other STEM educators, learning from their ideas and experiences, and growing together as instructional leaders. I’m especially excited to create and refine engaging content that connects with students in meaningful ways and brings STEM learning to life in the classroom.”

  • Kendra Rivers

    STEM Teacher

    Colin Powell Academy, Maryland

    “I am most looking forward to collaborating with peer leaders to gain innovative STEM strategies that I can implement within my school community. This experience will allow me to refine my leadership skills while bringing fresh, actionable insights back to my classroom.”

  • Nadia Robles

    Physical Science Teacher

    Swanson Middle School, VA

    “I am looking forward to learn from the STLA team and leader educators in the STEM field. Very thankful for this opportunity and excited to bring resources and activities to all students.”

  • Susan Stine

    Computer Science Teacher

    Accokeek Academy, Maryland

    “I’m most looking forward to collaborating with other educators and gaining new, practical STEM strategies that I can bring back to my classroom. I’m especially excited to explore hands-on activities that will better engage my students and deepen their learning.”

  • Renee Shaw

    Science STEAM Technology Teacher

    Montessori Public School of Arlington, Virginia

    “I’m most looking forward to collaborating with other educators to deepen my practice in inquiry-driven STEM and invention education. I’m especially excited to develop meaningful, real-world learning experiences that empower students to think creatively, solve problems, and bring their ideas to life.”

  • Jordan Straub

    Science Teacher

    West Yellowstone School, Montana

    “Meeting other professionals from a different part of the country.”

  • Andrea Trumbull

    Advanced Academics Resource Teacher

    Ravensworth Elementary, VA

    “Looking forward to expanding my practice in STEM education, with the goal of bringing back applicable activities and pedagogies to my school and district.”

  • Kerry Urbatch

    Advanced Academics Resource Teacher

    Woodlawn Elementary, VA

    “I am looking forward to learning new strategies and gaining experiences and resources I can bring back to my school/scholars. I also hope to make meaningful and lasting connections with other teachers in my cohort.”

  • Lauren Williams

    Advanced Academics Resource Teacher

    Lees Corner Elementary, VA

    “STEM content to incorporate into my critical and creative thinking lessons.”

  • Herchelle Wright

    Math, Science, and Health Teacher

    Imagine Andrews Public Charter School, MD

    “I’m especially excited about the neuroscience focus because it combines my background in neuroscience with my passion for education. I look forward to learning from researchers, collaborating with fellow educators, and bringing innovative STEM experiences back to my classroom.”

  • Russell Youmans

    Physics Teacher

    Annandale High School, VA

    “Meet other teachers, explore Air Force programs for teaching opportunities.”

2025 STLA Mentors

  • Dani Maxwell

    Science Teacher

    Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Virginia

    “I'm looking forward to meeting with other educators to share ideas and strategies. I am excited to introduce my future students to the world of STEM.”

  • Ally Washington

    Science Teacher

    Kenmore Middle School, Virginia

    “Returning to the STEM Teacher Leadership Academy as a mentor for a second year is an incredible opportunity to continue the work I’m most passionate about - supporting educators as professionals and helping bring authentic STEM research into our classrooms. Last year, I loved diving into STEM portfolios, collaborating with career scientists, and learning alongside educators who are deeply committed to inspiring the next generation. This year, I’m especially excited to contribute on the organization, planning, and facilitation side of STLA and help create meaningful experiences for fellow educators..”

  • Natalie Woods

    District Mathematics Curriculum Specialist

    Boonesville District #93, ID

    “When you show up and step up, something powerful happens. Your people appear. Your next opportunity appears. Growth requires challenge. Doing hard things changes you. You come out stronger, more confident, and asking a new question: If I can do that, what else can I do?"