Western North Carolina plants new STEM educator research community

Society for Science is expanding access to STEM education in Western North Carolina through a new initiative. Sponsored by Appalachian State University’s GEAR UP, the Western North Carolina STEM Research Fellows Program supports teachers in the Appalachian GEAR UP districts by helping them bring research and experimental design opportunities for middle school students, as reported in the Watauga Democrat.

The year-long program is led by one ambassador, Allyson McFalls, and two lead fellows, Christy Arrowood and Gareth Wilkinson. Together, they manage and support teacher cohorts throughout the year, drawing on their own experience and expertise from the Research Teachers Conference in Washington, D.C. They are also leveraging Society for Science resources, such as Science News Learning and STEM research kits through the Society’s STEM Research Grants Program. Allyson, from Boone, North Carolina, and a former participant in the Society’s Advocate Program, is collaborating with educators from across the region.

“Having a greater number of Western North Carolina students participate in science competitions makes space for these unique voices and perspectives to be heard. Often, these students bring new and different solutions to problems that can be solved through scientific exploration,” Allyson says. “This adds value and weight to the voices from rural Western North Carolina, which is particularly important, given how many of these students have been directly or indirectly impacted by Hurricane Helene.”

Allyson says North Carolina faces many challenges in implementing STEM and research opportunities for students, particularly in terms of funding.

“This program provides not only professional support but also financial support through funds provided by Society for Science,” Allyson says. “Additionally, enrollment in the Science News Learning program provides educators with high-quality, relevant and current science journalism that we share with our students.”

Each participating fellow received a $1,250 stipend, a $1,000 supply budget or a STEM Research Grant STEM kit, a travel budget and access to the Science News Learning Program.

Christy Wood, from Morganton, North Carolina, says that at the November kickoff event at Southeastern Community College, the fellows experienced research firsthand using Science News, and Science News Explores articles, as well as science equipment. Attendees worked in teams, acting as students through the research process. They were able to see what this could look like in their own classrooms. During the discussions, teachers shared their discoveries, asked questions and gained new insights and perspectives.

Christy says one of the biggest challenges educators face in incorporating research education into their classrooms is time. With an already packed schedule, finding time to incorporate research activities can be tough.

“This program is goal-oriented and aims to keep STEM and research prominent in lesson plans,” Christy says. Allyson, Christy and Gareth hope that these resources and mentorship will boost participation in science fairs and strengthen regional confidence in STEM and research education for both educators and students.

Below are the Western North Carolina Research Fellows for 2025–2026:

1. Kelly DelGatto — Liberty Middle School (Burke County Schools)
2. Adam Dibert — Brevard Middle School (Transylvania County Schools)
3. Amanda Hall — Cullowhee Valley School (Jackson County Schools)
4. Susan Higdon — West McDowell Middle School (McDowell County Schools)
5. Scarlett Lackey — River Bend Middle School (Catawba County Schools)
6. Samantha Langley — River Bend Middle School (Catawba County Schools)
7. Kristin Menickelli — Cullowhee Valley School (Jackson County Schools)
8. Melissa Painchaud — Arndt Middle School (Catawba County Schools)
9. Marissa Robinson — East McDowell Middle School (McDowell County Schools)
10. Silvia Sikaffy — Table Rock Middle School (Burke County Schools)
11. Raymond Szpara — Macon County Middle School (Macon County Schools)
12. Susan Wyatt — Rosman Middle School (Transylvania County Schools)