Dr. Stephanie O’Brien received her B.S. in chemistry, MAT in teaching chemistry, and Ph.D. in science education from Stony Brook University. She has taught all levels of chemistry from inclusion to International Baccalaureate (IB) at Commack High School. Her pedagogical philosophy is that students need opportunities to experience what it is like to think and act as scientists. As a STEM master teacher in the Long Island region, she has presented at local, state and national conferences on topics such as literacy, flipped learning, inquiry instruction, student misconceptions as well as student technology integration.

“Winning this award is the culmination of the efforts of a variety of POGIL practitioners who have taken the time to develop my instructional skills as a POGIL facilitator. It's an honor to be recognized among such a highly esteemed group of educators,” said O’Brien.