Dr. Ann Marie Macara attended the University of Toronto, Canada, earning an Honors BSc in Animal Physiology with a minor in Visual Studies. She then pursued graduate school at the University of Michigan, US. After getting her Ph.D. in neuroscience, She decided to leave academia to pursue my dreams of science museum exhibit design and science education. Joining a marine science institute in San Francisco, Dr. Macara discovered a joy of teaching that led her to her current role as a high school science teacher. With seven years of formal teaching experience, She has taught a range of grades, including 5th and 6th graders for three years and currently 11th and 12th graders at Wildwood School in Los Angeles. At Wildwood, Dr. Macara teaches courses in ‘Advanced Biology and Biotechnology’ and ‘Neuroscience.’

Dr. Macara has always been interested in both art and science. But it was only until she began teaching that she realized she could finally combine these two interests and started making bioart with her students. Bioart is a collaboration with the natural world. It requires familiarity with organisms, biological processes, and biotechnologies in order to create a work of art. Bioart informs her approach to teaching which is centered on establishing genuine connections between students and nature. Digital fabrication is a recent addition to her curriculum where it has been incorporated into student-driven research projects based in bioart.

THE CHEVRON FAB STEM FELLOWSHIP PODCAST

Welcome to the 2nd Edition of the Chevron FAB STEM Fellowship podcast. This is a tour through Fab Lab and maker spaces worldwide to learn about the best practices in teaching STEM and equitable, inclusive, engaging outreach. The Chevron FAB STEM Fellowship is a one-year discovery program for outstanding educators to learn about creating innovative and inclusive programs to teach STEM, using digital fabrication, and engaging new and underrepresented student populations in STEM education and careers. Our host for today is Chevron FAB STEM FellowAnn Marie Macara with Takuma Oami from Sendai Flat FabLab – Sendai, Japan.

Special thanks to Karen Rawls, Social Investment Manager for Chevron USA, for creating and supporting the Fellowship program and these podcasts.