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Summer WSST Newsletter
WSST Awards and Recognition by Laura Ramthun and Miranda Dahlke This spring, the Awards and Recognition Committee recognized winners of the 2020 Ron Gibbs Award and the 2021 Ron Gibbs Award, Excellence in Science Teaching Awards, the Friend of Science Education Award, and the Frank Zuerner New Science Teacher Award and Scholarship. We congratulate the following winners who were recognized in the virtual Awards Ceremony on March 11, 2021.
2020 Ron Gibbs Award: Dr. Karen Mesmer
for science education, holding many positions of leadership in WSST throughout Dr. Karen Mesmer, a recent retiree of the his career, including his current role as Baraboo School District, was an integral CFO for the organization. Recognizing part of the success of the science depart- the importance of supporting educator ments at the middle and high school lev- development, he strongly supported the els. Starting as a middle level instructor, implementation of grants and scholarKaren thrived on the curiosity of her stu- ships as offerings for educators from WSST during his tenure as president. dents. As she progressed through her career into the world of district adminis- Michelle Griffin-Wenzel, the WSST tration, she also consulted with the state Membership Chair, stated “Kevin embodies the mission of WSST: ‘To Promote in development of standards based on NGSS. Dr. Mesmer’s favorite part of her Science Education in Wisconsin’, through his work across the state but also career continues to cite her time in the classroom as the most meaningful part of throughout the United States. … I can’t her career. Noting her impact in the dis- even begin to imagine how many people have participated in one of Kevin’s sestrict, Dr. Nicholas Karls said, “I truly believe there is not a single educator, stu- sions and have been inspired by his pasdent, parent, or community member who sion for science and science education.” has worked with Dr. Mesmer that doesn’t 2021 Excellence in Science wholeheartedly believe she deserves this Teaching Awards: Dr. Jamie recognition.”
2021 Ron Gibbs Award: Dr. Kevin Niemi Dr. Kevin Niemi began his involvement in Wisconsin science education with his creation and management of BioNet. From there, he became a strong advocate
Schneider, Dr. Tanzeem Ali, and Jennifer Bault
Dr. Jamie Schneider, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UW-River Falls, was recognized for her impact in Chemistry education at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. She is
