Science Interactive Announces the 2024 Golden Goggles Award Winners

ENGLEWOOD, CO —October 8, 2024 – Science Interactive, a leader in supporting effective science education, announced its 2024 Golden Goggles Award winners. In its second year, this awards program recognizes educators who are positively impacting student success and advancing science education. Nominations opened this summer, and only five educators nationwide were selected to receive the honor.

From behind the screen to video, in-person, and everywhere in between, each day educators across the country are working hard to give their students an important opportunity to gain the scientific literacy needed to better understand the world around them. For some, this leads to advanced coursework and interest in STEM-based careers while for others it becomes an enriching learning experience they’ll never forget. 

The 2024 Golden Goggles recipients who positively impact student success include:

• Dr. Amanda Rosenzweig, Delgado Community College (Biology / Anatomy & Physiology), has been named Inclusive Educator of the Year, representing the category of Expanding Access & Equity. As a winner in this category, she exemplifies teaching in ways that are inclusive of all students—from implementing a variety of tools, both in person and online, to continuously striving for full ADA compliance for all of her department’s courses and working with underrepresented students.
• Telicia Ward-Thomas, American National University (Pharmacy), has been named Student Champion of the Year, representing the category of Promoting Student Support & Mentorship. Telicia has been instrumental in adapting and perfecting her program’s Pharmacy Technician Lab courses. From course restructuring, design, and supplementing learning activities to promoting an environment where students feel comfortable approaching her academic and personal issues, Telicia’s work goes beyond the classroom and serves to improve student outcomes time and again.
• Carlota Tibi Marin, San Joaquin Valley College(Chemistry), has been named Blended Learning Innovator of the Year, representing the category of Implementing Innovative Blended Learning Methods. Her use of different modalities, commitment to hands-on learning, and use of mental maps and AI showcase a unique ability to reach all students. Beyond that, her commitment to helping students on weekends, evenings, and being an ear for them exemplifies the true spirit of these Golden Goggles.
• Ricki Burnett Arndt, Utah State University, Brigham City (Biology), has been named Student-Centered Educator of the Year, representing the category of Fostering Student-Centered Learning. As a winner in this category, Ricki exemplifies putting students first. From developing curriculum that works seamlessly for students completing their activities on campus, at home, or using a blend of modalities to the dedication it takes to be available for your students every day of the week, her work has affected great change and is paying off in the lives of her students.
• Dr. James Brown, Colorado Christian University and City University of New York (Microbiology), has been named Science Interactive’s Community Champion of the Year. As an honorary Golden Goggles winner, Dr. Brown has been selected for his continued advocacy and pioneering work in delivering science courses online. As one of the ‘godfathers of online education’, Dr. Brown advocates tirelessly for quality learning online, making him this year’s Community Champion.

Among other benefits, this year’s honorees will be able to further invest in their students’ success by taking advantage of a Science Interactive donation or grant opportunity, as well as share their knowledge and best practices with the broader community through various presentation opportunities.

“In a world where education is evolving rapidly, the Golden Goggles awards highlight the educators who teach science in ways that embrace technology, creativity, and accessibility in order to transform the way students engage with science. This year’s award recipients exemplify this and go above and beyond in their work to empower students with scientific literacy, inspire curiosity, and spark innovation. We’re proud to partner with them and honored to support the work they do to impact student success,” said CEO of Science Interactive, Sasha Peterson.

Nominations for the 2025 program will open next July. Honorees are announced every fall. Evaluations include multiple reviews by Science Interactive’s team of scientists and curriculum experts to assess the extent to which nominees positively impact student success.

To learn more about the program, click here.

Contact:
Lauren O’Brien
Vice President of Marketing
lauren.obrien@scienceinteractive.com