KENNEWICK, Wash.-A Biology teacher at Southridge High School has been awarded a grant from the Society for Science to advance STEM education.
Rama Devagupta, who also teaches Chemistry at Columbia Basin College, is one of 41 teachers from across the country awarded grants for scientific innovation that will provide students with research project resources.
The Society for Science is a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit that works to advance STEM education and build science literacy.
The grants, ranging from $2,000-$5,000, were awarded through the Society’s STEM Research Grants program that engages students from diverse and low-income communities in independent science research projects, according to a press release on the awards.
According to the Society for Science, the STEM Research Grants were awarded in two forms, research kits prepared and presented to teachers and funds directly to teachers to be used for STEM-related equipment.
The grant funding awarded to Rama will be used to help students study and better understand neuroplasticity in the brain.
“Most current high schoolers lack a deeper understanding of the brain’s neuroplasticity,” said Rama. “We can now purchase EEG equipment which will widen student engagement in their learning and help them to appreciate and understand the significance of taking care of one’s mental health, one’s own learning and taking responsibility for their decisions and actions.”
Rama is the 2023 WA State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching, and the 2023 recipient of Washington Education Association’s Human & Civil Rights International Peace and Understanding Award.