Donna Donnelly- 2011 Fellow

New Century Technology High School, Huntsville, AL Grades: 9-12 300 Explorer Boulevard NW Huntsville, AL 35806

Donna Donnelly was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, and moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1979 with her husband. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, with an emphasis in microbiology, and a Master’s degree in Biology, with an emphasis in immunology, from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Prior to teaching, Donna worked at NASA’s Marshall Space Center as a contracting laboratory technician in the Biophysics Division of the Science Laboratory of Microgravity.  Her research included both cell separation and protein separation in medical delivery systems and cancer research.  Prior to working for NASA, Donna researched the effects of microgravity on muscle mass loss during space flight. While getting her teaching certificate, she learned AutoCad drafting and worked for an engineering firm in Huntsville.

New Century Technology High School is a public school of choice, and its enrollment is comprised of students from the entire city of Huntsville, Alabama.  The school’s elective curriculum was designed and developed through partnerships with local business, industry and government agencies to provide technology based opportunities which emphasize hands on work, team problem solving, and discovery learning.  Over the last three years, Donnelly implemented a Biotechnology course with help from Hudson Alpha Biotechnology Institute.  In this course, students discover techniques of biotechnology research, design, production and marketing.  With the financial and planning aid of the Society for Science and the Public Fellowship, Donnelly implemented original research
opportunities for her students in the area of genetic modification of organisms.  During the first year of the Fellowship, students worked with professors at Alabama A&M University after school and during the summer to further their understanding and experience in original plant genetics research.  Students
are also encouraged to present at school level symposia, regional science fairs and the national plant genetic conference with their university mentors. 

Gardening was a necessity growing up in West Virginia and Donna still enjoys growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers.  She loves the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, and camping.  She also enjoys quilting and golfing, but spends most of her time dedicated to her students.  She has one son.