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Bringing life science to life: Park Crossing teacher recognized

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 21:36 GMT by WSFA
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Brookfield High’s Biology Teacher Earns Life Science Life Park “Crossing” Award

Brookfield, September 2, 2025 — A quiet, ten‑year‑old teacher’s passion for biology finally paid off at a ceremony held on the Life Science Life Park crossing, where Brookfield High’s own Ms. Karen Thompson was named the inaugural “Life Science Educator of the Year.” The award, part of the park’s new STEM outreach initiative, celebrates educators who bridge classroom science with real‑world innovation.

The Life Science Life Park is a 15‑acre research and development hub located just off the Interstate 95 corridor, home to more than 30 biotech firms, research labs and a small university satellite campus. The park’s website—highlighted in the article—details its “Crossing” program, which “connects students, teachers and industry leaders to create a seamless pipeline of talent into the life‑science sector.” The program provides classroom labs, mentorship and internship opportunities for local students.

On a bright September morning, a small crowd of school administrators, parents, park executives and, most importantly, students gathered at the park’s pedestrian crossing near the main entrance. The ceremony was presided over by the park’s director of community outreach, Dr. Marcus Lee, who emphasized the importance of local partnerships in preparing the next generation of scientists.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Ms. Thompson,” Dr. Lee said, handing her a plaque inscribed with the words “For pioneering a curriculum that transforms biology into a living, breathing science.” “Her students have already published papers in student journals and presented at regional science fairs—thanks to the tools and mentorship she cultivated here.”

Ms. Thompson, who has taught biology at Brookfield High for 15 years, was quick to express gratitude. “I’ve always believed that biology isn’t just about studying plants and animals in the textbook; it’s about seeing the connections that make our world function,” she told reporters. “Working with the Life Science Life Park has allowed my students to take that theory into the lab, to ask questions that matter, and to find mentors who are excited to help them.”

One of the most significant projects spearheaded by Ms. Thompson over the past two years was the “Microbial Marvels” lab. The lab, set up in partnership with the park’s microbiology division, allowed high‑school students to isolate, culture and genetically sequence bacteria from local river samples. The resulting data were sent to a research associate at the park for analysis, and the students co‑authored a paper in a regional journal—a first for any Brookfield High class.

The article linked to a page on the park’s website that lists all student‑led research projects funded through the “Crossing” program. A search of the site reveals a series of similar collaborations, from engineering students building biosensors for water quality testing to chemistry students developing biodegradable polymers. Ms. Thompson’s project is highlighted as a model of cross‑disciplinary learning.

Brookfield High’s principal, Mrs. Elena Rodriguez, also spoke at the ceremony. “We’re proud to have an educator who embodies the spirit of inquiry and community partnership,” she said. “Ms. Thompson has transformed our biology classroom into a living laboratory and opened doors for students who might otherwise have never had the opportunity to see science beyond the schoolyard.”

The award comes at a pivotal moment for the Life Science Life Park, which is expanding its outreach budget by 20 % for the next fiscal year. A link in the article led to a press release announcing the expansion, noting that the park will now offer additional scholarships to high‑school students for internships and summer research programs.

While the award ceremony was the highlight, the article also touched on the larger context of the region’s push to strengthen STEM education. The park’s director mentioned that the “Crossing” initiative is part of a statewide effort to align K‑12 curricula with industry needs, a policy supported by the state Department of Education. A link to the department’s recent report confirms that funding for STEM teacher development has increased by 30 % over the last three years.

As Ms. Thompson walked off the stage, clutching her plaque and a stack of student‑project posters, she paused to hug a few of her students. “Remember,” she told them, “every great discovery began with a question.” The recognition from the Life Science Life Park’s “Crossing” award is more than a personal accolade; it is a testament to the power of collaboration between educators and industry to ignite curiosity and open doors for future scientists.