Jessica Reuther JACKSON — Earlier this summer, one Jackson Liberty High School biology teacher was afforded the opportunity to assist in alternative energy research.
Jessica Reuther was among 40 teachers from around the country who participated in this year’s Siemens Teachers as Researchers (STARs) fellowship.
From June 17-29, Reuther and her fellow educators gathered at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn.. to conduct short-term research projects.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with top scientists and collaborate with other teachers,” Reuther said.
Of the 40 teachers who gathered in Tennessee, Reuther was one of 20 middle school and high school level teachers involved in the program.
Working with Dr. Barbara Evans, the group Reuther was a part of researched the “visualization of switchgrass biomass for improvement of biofuel production.”
With rising gas prices remaining a constant concern for Americans, the science community has been researching biofuels, a form of fuel that is already being used extensively in Brazil, according to a press release.
According to the press release, STARs is a part of the Siemens Foundation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative.
Specifically, the program is designed to help teachers develop methods of encouraging students to become interested in STEM.
In recent years, student interest in the sciences has declined, causing many people to fear that America could become less of a powerhouse in scientific advances, according to the press release.
“I look forward to bringing this experience back to my classroom and my students,” Reuther said.