Cynthia brings a unique JASON background to the Argonaut program. She has been a regional JASON trainer for six years and has presented JASON at a variety of educational conferences. In addition to JASON, she has other experiences including geology field camp and summer paleontology research in Utah and Big Bend, TX. She is particularly proud of how she can develop enthusiasm for science in students with diverse backgrounds. Cindy’s larger-than-life personality makes her a delight to work with. She connects with the students in a real way, letting each one know that she cares for not only their education but more importantly, for them as people.
In Her Own Words
On Heroes and Inspiration
I have learned so many things through JASON expeditions. I have learned that I can reach out and make a difference to other teachers and students by showing enthusiasm for science and learning in my own life. My heroes in my life are my husband Dale and my mentors Dr. James Westgate and Terri Clark. All of these people have shown me that we never quit learning. Also I learn from my students every day by seeing the world through their eyes. We must all keep our mind open to new ideas and new pathways. JASON has given me these opportunities by taking me in new directions and giving me new opportunities to share this knowledge in unique ways. Terri Clark, a local teacher and cancer survivor, inspires me by never giving up. Terri has always told me I can do anything that I desire as long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other and trying to reach my goals. Dr. Westgate, a professor at Lamar University and JASON advocate, has inspired me by setting examples of the highest aspirations and teaching me how to teach. He keeps giving me new venues to share my expertise with others – from teaching college classes to sharing JASON with girl scouts, boy scouts and other community groups. JASON is outside the scope of his regular teaching duties but is an opportunity that he uses to enrich the community.
On How I Use JASON to Engage Students
Many times I have used the JASON curriculum and methods to reach students that otherwise might not understand science concepts. The hands on approach that JASON uses helps these students interact with their environment in ways that they can grasp and comprehend. JASON gives me the background and lab experiences that I use to teach my students. Labs and hands-on teaching give all students an opportunity to participate in the classroom and cross the language barriers that many experience. Also, JASON has taught me to believe in myself and reach beyond the ordinary for solutions to world problems, such as energy research and new technology. My husband Dale has been my hero because he is also a life long learner and has been so supportive during my trips and always welcomes me home enthusiastically to hear about my adventures and journeys.
On Working with Space Architect and Host Researcher Constance Adams
During our first visit to the Johnson Space Center we discovered that the training facility was incredible and huge. Everyone was very impressed with the scale versions of the many space modules and vehicles. We met with Constance Adams, a space architect working on the International Space Station. She gave us an idea of what she does. Her accomplishments include designing TeSS, a space sleep module. She helped us grasp the challenges one must overcome to keep astronauts alive and well. These obstacles include overcoming zero gravity situations, protecting astronauts from sunlight and heat, and using materials that can withstand intense thermal conditions and stress. Constance showed us that you have to go beyond the ordinary and use creative solutions to reach your goals. She also showed us that many times ordinary items could be used in not so ordinary ways to achieve creative solutions. Thinking beyond the normal “in the box” gave the Argonauts and I a chance to see what it takes to be an astronaut having to work with what you have and make it operate successfully. It was a great experience working with Constance because of her knowledge and enthusiasm.
On Working with Student Argonauts at NASA
I enjoyed working with the Student Argonauts on this expedition. We discussed many obstacles facing people in space exploration. Of course music is a big topic with teenagers. Rock concerts in space became an ongoing discussion.
Although Hannah has no desire to go to a rock concert in outer space… if it was on Mars she might reconsider. Anthony on the other hand would love to go anywhere to a concert just for the fun and the adventure. Madhu wants to be sure that there is chocolate in outer space.
Madhu, Anthony and Hannah all think that the Japanese Kibo (Hope) module looked more like a museum than a training facility. The many cubicles for showing the experiments being tested on the ISS were something that the Argos were curious about. We all were wishing we could talk with an actual astronaut so that we could ask questions about the experience of being in space for extended periods of time. The conclusion during their observation is that it is not yet complete and needs to be completed so that all scientists in space can practice their work while still here on Earth. However, they also think that it is totally awesome that actual astronauts use this same module during their training. Not just U.S. astronauts, but cosmonauts from Russia and astronauts from Japan. The fact that scientists from other countries are working together for a common goal in the GEM module was a great example that we can all work together toward other goals such as energy solutions where we all benefit.
On the Importance of Solving the Energy Crisis
All of the Argonauts ultimately came to the conclusion that our future is all about energy – about how energy is harnessed, transformed, conserved, and efficiently used. We are the generation that is going to need to tackle the energy problems that will be so vital in our future. It is going to take all of us to make this a reality. Each person must practice conservation and change our habits so that we leave our Earth in a better condition than it is now. The JASON Argonauts showed me that even though adults think that our young people are only interested in themselves… they are actually looking to the future and making important differences and decisions in their world. The Student Argonauts that I worked with showed amazing insight into the global problems that energy presents now and in the future.
What JASON Means to Me
JASON means that I can make an impact on others globally. It is an opportunity to be an advocate of life-long learning in adults and young people. JASON has given me a chance to see that I can make a difference in our future by teaching our future scientists to see how important energy research and conservation should be. I will be able to take all the experiences that I have and turn them into teaching moments not only in my classroom but also in other classrooms around the world. JASON also is a great starting point with learning disabled, low-income or students with language barriers due to the opportunity to share the Argo field expeditions through virtual field trips or learning games that they can learn from in the classroom or at home.
The best thing about being an Argonaut has been the opportunity to travel, meet others and make new friends that share my enthusiasm for scientific discovery and research. The other Argonauts have opened a whole new world to me and this opportunity has given me new respect for what our young people face today in terms of global energy crises, global warming and increasing our preservation of intellectual opportunities. Best of all, JASON has given me insight into myself, that I can make a difference and has given me new confidence in my abilities as a teacher and student.