Thank You! STEM Speakers Mrs. and Dr. Hubka

The administration, staff, students, and parents of Miner Elementary School would like to extend our utmost gratitude to Mrs. Janet Hubka and her husband Dr. Mark Hubka for presenting their work on "The Art of Science: Taking Art to the Cellular Level" to our student body on Thursday, April 5. The Hubkas were introduced by two of Miner’s “STEM Star” student ambassadors and students from grades PK3 to 5 were enthralled with the beautiful imagery produced by the Hubkas through their company, Ilus Art of San Diego, California. The Hubkas also talked about stem cell research on the International Space Station and at the San Diego Zoo, as well as efforts to help save the Northern White Rhino from extinction through cell banking. Kim Cherry, DCPS Deputy Chief, STEM, introduced the speakers. Carla Duhaney, the Director of Education at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium also presented on the topic of science education.

After the assembly, the Miner Parent Teacher Organization hosted lunch for our esteemed guests, student ambassadors, and school leaders.

On Monday, April 9, Mrs. and Dr. Hubka returned to Miner to present several gifts to the school: three incredible artworks and two high-powered microscopes for Miner’s STEM Lab! The Hubkas also presented Certificates of Recognition from Senator Kamala Harris of California to Principal Jackson and Director of Strategy & Logistics Dr. King. We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Wanda Legrand, DCPS Deputy Chancellor of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, who gave remarks on the importance of STEM education. Miner’s STEM Star student ambassadors once again emceed the presentation.

None of these amazing events would have been possible without the dedication and efforts of Miner’s STEM educator, Ms. Alesha Russey. Ms. Russey worked in partnership with the USA Science & Engineering Festival and their “Nifty Fifty” school speaker program to bring such an inspirational opportunity to our students. This is the second year that Miner has hosted a Nifty Fifty speaker. Last year, Miner welcomed Dr. Aprille Ericsson of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Thank you again to Mrs. and Dr. Hubka, Ms. Duhaney, Dr. Legrand, Ms. Cherry, Senator Harris, and the USA Science and Engineering Festival for your support of Miner Elementary School and STEM education!
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For more information:
http://ilusart.com/
https://www.sfsciencecenter.org/
https://usasciencefestival.org/
https://usasciencefestival.org/explore/school-programs/nifty-fifty/
https://www.minerelementary.org/