Dr.
Jessica
Doiron,
Freedom
High
School's
coordinator
for
the
Center
for
Environmental
and
Natural
Sciences
(CENS)
specialty
program
and
a
biology
instructor
at
the
school,
is
among
66
U.S.
educators
selected
by
the
Society
for
Science
to
serve
as
an
advocate
for
students
who
are
typically
underrepresented
in
science
research
competitions.
The
advocate's
role
is
to
encourage
and
support
underserved
students
to
enter
their
projects
in
science,
technology,
engineering,
and
math
(STEM)
competitions.
The
Advocate
Program
provides
training,
stipends,
and
year-round
support
to
mentors
supporting
underrepresented
and
low-income
students
in
entering
science
research
competitions.Dr. Doiron shares the goal for Freedom High will be to create a program that promotes independent science research projects that give students the opportunity to understand the process of science. This includes helping them develop critical-thinking skills and encouraging creativity and exploration of their individual interests. Dr. Doiron looks to increase Freedom High students' exposure to different science disciplines and careers.
"Freedom is a Title I school with an extremely diverse population," said Dr. Doiron. "Only 16 % of our students report English as the first language spoken at home, with the majority reporting Spanish as the first language. This population of students is typically underserved and underrepresented, especially in STEM. I want to show these students that what they thought was impossible is possible, research opportunities do exist, they are competitive, and they can succeed."
Prior to joining Freedom, Dr. Doiron taught in the community college setting for over 15 years. Her background is in biology, ichthyology, and ecology. Since this will be Freedom's first year in the program, she is keeping her goals realistic.
"By entering projects into competitions, students gain self-confidence, the ability to turn learning into real science, an increased understanding of the scientific method, and the chance to receive recognition for achievement," said Doiron. "I am very excited to be a part of the Advocate Program."