GHS grad named AAAS Fellow
By From staff reports
Published in News on August 21, 2015 1:46 PM
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. The AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships provide the opportunity for accomplished scientists and engineers to participate in and contribute to the federal policymaking process while learning firsthand about the intersection of science and policy.
Dr. Iris Wagstaff, a STEM education researcher and policy analyst, has been named a 2015-16 AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, in the program's most competitive track Health, Education and Human Services. Beginning in September through August 2016, Dr. Iris Wagstaff will serve at the Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice in Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences.
Dr. Wagstaff will use her vast experience as a research chemist, STEM Education researcher, science educator, and science program manager to direct a STEM graduate fellowship for PhD students in Forensic Science.
Dr. Wagstaff is a native and current resident of Goldsboro and 1988 graduate of Goldsboro High School.
She has a bachelor's degress in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master's degree in chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University and a PhD in STEM education research and policy analysis from North Carolina State University.
Wagstaff is the only fellow representing N.C. State and only one of three fellows representing the state of North Carolina this year out of almost 1,000 applicants from the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Wagstaff will have the opportunity to work with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during her tenure as a fellow.
Dr. Wagstaff has over 20 years of experience in STEM outreach to the community working with students (K-20), teachers and parents to encourage youth in STEM, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented. She develops informal science programs with real-world applications for students throughout the state of NC and the country. She is a sought after STEM education expert, consultant and speaker.