Why Science News in High Schools is so important to this neuropathologist

Susan Staugaitis, M.D., Ph.D., a native of Newark, New Jersey and a longtime reader of Science News, knew from an early age that she wanted to become a scientist. She’s relied on Science News since the early 1980s to stay informed.

“This periodical has been a mainstay for my continuing education. The advances and discoveries in basic science are the foundation that fuels how the practice of medicine transforms. Science News has offered insights and updates about the fundamental discoveries in basic science that provided me the foundation of staying up to date with current advances,” she wrote.

A neuropathologist, Susan worked at the Cleveland Clinic for 17 years. Sadly, in 2014 she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the same disease she has studied throughout her life. 

Susan recently made a contribution to the Science News in High Schools program, which brings Science News magazine to high schools across the U.S. and worldwide. She wanted to share how important this program is to her and why she chose to make this donation. 

“Basic science education and research are severely undervalued and underfunded. When I learned about the Science News in High Schools Program, I was excited that there was a mechanism for me to contribute. The idea of helping to use responsible science journalism to teach students and help keep them ahead of textbook content is very important to me,” she wrote.  

Susan’s donation will fund a 10-year subscription to Science News for her alma mater, Saint Vincent’s Academy in Newark, as well as five-year subscriptions to Science News for five other high schools. 

“My donation is my attempt to encourage others with the financial means to contribute to the advancement of basic science education and research,” she wrote. 

The Society for Science & the Public is extremely grateful for Susan’s support of Science News in High Schools and her dedication to science education.