Written by: Charisma Prince
When Miranda Richetelle ‘17 decided to pursue her master’s degree, she knew she should return to her Falcon family. She started her undergraduate degree in education and biology at Albertus Magnus College in 2013. Shortly after graduation, she pursued her dream of teaching, and now, a decade later, Richetelle is enrolled in the Master of Science in STEM Education program. She knew after graduating with her undergraduate degree that she would come back for her master’s eventually, and when that time came, she thought back to her time at Albertus and the professors who helped her along the way. She is familiar with the high-quality education offered at Albertus and believes that her undergraduate experience effectively prepared her for her career.
Richetelle attributes her understanding of cross-disciplinary STEM teaching at Albertus to Christopher Stone, M.S. Ed, who is a part-time professor of education. There is a common misconception that STEM teaching only has a place in STEM classes, but Richetelle believes every class can benefit from the technology she has used. She sees the difference in her classroom when she uses technology in her lesson plans; students are more engaged, and information is retained better. Miranda is certain that materials typically employed in math or science classes, like observation sheets, can aid students and provide them with structure.
Richetelle has always been ambitious, and after a conversation with Professor Stone, she learned about a NASA program called “LiftOff” and decided to apply for it. The “LiftOff” program is for STEM teachers, and they invite the teachers to go to Texas for a week and work with NASA researchers. In addition to being accepted to this program, Richetelle was also awarded a Connecticut Science Grant, which will cover the program’s expenses. This year, program participants will focus on growing plants with zero gravity to help find a way for humans to live on Mars eventually. Richetelle will be able to participate in this program as a student of NASA and impart the knowledge she has learned to her students. Richetelle will also get the opportunity to be certified to handle moon rocks, which will allow her to possess moon rocks for research. She is most excited about the chance for experiential learning with this program; she is a very hands-on teacher and will receive materials to return to her classroom.
Learn more about the Master of Science in STEM Education program at Albertus here: http://bit.ly/4bWcVLW.