Attorney Interview: Loree Harvey from Monte Vista, Colorado

By the Advocate ProgramThe society provides professional development and support to educators across the country to support their efforts to provide students with opportunities in STEM fields, particularly in participating in scientific research competitions. As part of this unique professional development opportunity, attorneys receive training and support from firm staff, peer mentoring, a stipend, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC to attend our Advocate Training Institute. The goal of the program is to bring together educators working to close STEM gaps in the United States – and create a lasting community of support.

To share more about the Advocate experience, we caught up with Loree Harvey, now in her third year of the program. As Lead Advocate, she serves as a resource and mentor for newer Advocates. You may also recognize Loree from her role in Science Fair: The Series, in which she helped several of her students graduate Regeneron International Science and Technology Fair.

Learn more about Loree and her time in the Advocate program in our interview below.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am currently in my 20th year in the Monte Vista School District, teaching high school life sciences and student research. I have a bachelor's and master's degree in biology with a focus on amphibian physiology. Before becoming a teacher, I worked extensively with several state and federal agencies in the areas of wetlands and terrestrial ecology and wildlife restoration and management. I also currently serve as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management, monitoring summer habitat and wildlife on 500,000 acres of BLM land in the San Luis Valley.

What was your experience as a lawyer? What part of the Advocate Training Institute did you enjoy most?

I have truly enjoyed being both an Advocate and Lead Advocate over the years I have participated in this outstanding program. The Advocate Program is a unique opportunity for motivated teachers to grow and expand their student inquiry programs and increase their outreach to underrepresented student populations. This, in turn, helps students who may have never had access to research opportunities to try their hand at scientific inquiry and hopefully experience excitement and success and consider future careers in STEM.

What do you like most about the Advocate Training Institute?

My favorite thing about the Advocate Training Institute is meeting so many amazing teachers from around the country and sharing their enthusiasm and ideas for providing research opportunities to students.

In your role as a culture change advocate, you will work to build a community that promotes STEM exploration and achievement, not only among students but potentially beyond. What strategy did you use to achieve your goals?

Having provided research training and opportunities to students through my program, I take great pride in helping teachers not only in our district, but also those in neighboring districts who want to establish and expand their own research programs. and get children excited about science. I am passionate about helping all children learn about science, regardless of what school they attend, because the ultimate goal for solving the major problems we face as a society and nation today is one informed, scientifically educated citizenry. This can only happen if science is available, accessible and understandable to everyone, and I want that more than I can express.

The Advocate Program has provided me with critical funding and support to achieve not only my specific student research goals, but also the larger goal of helping my fellow students expand their programs and recruit students from across our geographic area.

Can you tell us in a few words why you are passionate about STEM education? How has the Advocate Program supported you in your work?

In just a few words? This is hard, but let me try! As students gain a deeper understanding of STEM subjects, they learn to think critically, trust data, and see facts for what they are, thereby avoiding the haze of scientific misinformation that seems to dominate much media. I believe the Advocate Program is fully aligned with this mission and supports teachers who want to train students to be critical, analytical thinkers.

Why would you recommend other educators apply for the Advocate program?

The Advocate Program is a phenomenal opportunity to join a network of smart, innovative and like-minded colleagues. In the Advocate Program, you will learn about the many research competitions available to students and the effective and powerful strategies other outstanding teachers use to improve student research. It is an unparalleled professional development opportunity and the benefits and rewards of being part of such a group remain with a teacher throughout their career.

What gives you hope for the future?

That as adults we set an example and teach children not to give up. As I journey through my teaching career, I see that the very students who have learned this lesson are advancing and expanding the boundaries of what we know and what we can do as responsible stewards of this planet. That gives me great hope.

Learn more about the Advocate Program and how to apply here: https://www.societyforscience.org/outreach-and-equity/advocate-program