Sasha Pereira has been named Science Moab’s new School to Science Program director.
She joins Science Moab after spending the last few years teaching students about the Colorado Plateau through her role as an outdoor educator and river guide with Canyonlands Field Institute, according to a statement from the nonprofit.
She brings a multidisciplinary research background to the team, having worked in the field of fisheries ecology as well as in an environmental education research lab before coming to Moab.
Pereira’s passion for empowering youth through inclusive, place-based science education is what drew her to Science Moab. “Experiencing science outside of the classroom can be eye-opening for many students and I know firsthand how valuable mentorship and hands-on career exploration activities are! I am excited to continue making science accessible to youth in our community by expanding our relationships with community partners and increasing the number and diversity of students we serve,” she said.
School to Science provides opportunities for students in grades 9-12 to participate in job shadows and internships with scientists conducting research in the region. Since the program’s inception in 2021, students have been able to immerse themselves in topics such as paleontology, biogeochemistry, anatomy, engineering and more by working and learning alongside scientist mentors in the field and lab.
Students have reported near-universal increases in scientific knowledge and college and career readiness after participation in the program., according to Science Moab.
Funding for the School to Science Program director position was made possible with a $10,000 grant from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program.
“Local grants have the power to create meaningful change within the communities our tracks touch,“ says Beth Whited, Union Pacific president and Union Pacific Foundation president. “We are proud to partner with nonprofit organizations who are making an impact on the future — creating safer places for children and families; bringing economic prosperity to communities; building vibrant, inclusive areas for people to thrive; and instilling sustainable practices.”
-Doug McMurdo
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