The Science Communication Lab (SCL) is thrilled to launch our 2025 Educator Ambassador Program—a bold new initiative designed to bring real-world science into classrooms through the power of storytelling. This pilot program features an extraordinary group of high school biology and environmental science teachers from across the country, each one a leader in their field and a passionate advocate for student-centered, curiosity-driven learning. As Ambassadors, they serve as co-creators and champions of SCL’s educational resources—developing lesson plans, providing critical feedback, and piloting new materials that meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.
From West Virginia to California, our inaugural cohort brings exceptional creativity, expertise, and commitment to connecting students with the process of science whilst humanizing scientists. Minu Basu (CA) draws on over a decade of AP Biology experience, combining academic research with inquiry-based teaching while mentoring students in STEM competitions. Rebecca Brewer (MI) is a national award-winning teacher and science resource creator who coauthored Biology Now and promotes research literacy. Christine Girtain (NJ), 2023 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, leads cutting-edge research programs and global STEM collaborations. Renee Haines (WV), a National Board-Certified teacher and recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, is known for fostering critical thinking and scientific confidence through advanced coursework and student-led science initiatives. And in Idaho, Dan Vanden Heuvel draws from his background as a wilderness ranger and outdoor educator to make science unforgettable—integrating field research, original songs, and storytelling to spark student engagement.
Guiding the vision of this program is Dr. Lee Meadows, a veteran science educator based in Birmingham, Alabama with decades of experience in both classroom teaching and STEM education leadership. As the founding Executive Director of the Alabama STEM Council, he championed statewide efforts to strengthen STEM learning and workforce alignment. A former professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he trained future science teachers in inquiry-based instruction and launched UABTeach, the state’s first UTeach program. Reflecting on the importance and impact of this program, Lee shares, “Science teachers want their students to see why science matters to them. The SCL films are perfect for that! And the SCL Ambassadors are the allies teachers need for seeing how to bring these powerful stories into their classrooms.”
To learn more about the program and meet the 2025 SCL Educator Ambassador cohort, visit sciencecommunicationlab.org/educators/ambassadors-2025.
Stay connected with the SCL Educator Ambassadors!
Look out for upcoming lesson plans, free webinars, and in-person meetups at NABT. Create an SCL Educator Account to access free classroom-ready materials, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Educator Newsletter for the latest opportunities, resources, and program updates—delivered right to your inbox.
