Two Doddridge County High School students have been selected to attend the JASON Argonaut Expedition taking place in Madera Canyon, Arizona, this June.
Ryleigh Jordan, a senior, is a member of the FFA Chapter’s Envirothon Team and is currently ranked tenth in the state in the field of entomology. She indicated that when she saw that this years Argonaut expedition was to Arizona studying entomology that she was ecstatic. “My future career is going to be in zoo science. When I saw that one of the Argonaut trips was to Arizona to study bugs and their habitat that honestly is what completely intrigued me and made me want to apply.”
The second student selected as an Argonaut, Olivia See, expressed, "The opportunity to travel to Arizona to study insects is an experience that I would not be able to have without this trip. I believe it would provide me with valuable insights in to the ecosystem and overall environment of Arizona, and it would also mark my first time traveling out West. Additionally, this trip would be my inaugural flying experience, adding another exciting dimension to the journey."
The teacher accompanying the students, Cassie Coffman, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Her strong background in teaching college-level speaking skills will help her students develop presentations based on their research findings. Furthermore, her involvement will offer valuable insights into how JASON materials and STEM can be integrated into her role as the Library Media Specialist.
JASON Argonaut Expeditions are one of the most sought-after opportunities in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education—only available to select students and teachers from JASON’s Argonaut partner school districts.
JASON Argonauts—named after the band of explorers in Greek mythology who accompanied the hero Jason in his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece—work directly with JASON Learning scientists, engineers, and other inspiring STEM role models, assisting them on field expeditions, joining them in their lab or office, or being mentored by them remotely.
The expedition, “Sky Islands BioQuest: Exploring Arizona’s Bug Diversity Amid Climate Change,” will occur in June in Madera Canyon, Arizona. The expedition will be led by two entomologists, The Bug Chicks, who have previously led expeditions to the Amazon Rainforest and Costa Rica. They design and conduct original research on arthropods and the effects of climate change on desert ecosystems. The Sky Islands BioQuest Argonauts will delve into desert biodiversity and study the impact of climate change on the local ecosystem.
Being an Argonaut is a transformative experience, and Argonauts return with a sense of wonder about our planet and the resilient people who work to conserve it. Argonauts build friendships that last a lifetime and become part of an incredible STEM community.
Educational exploration lies at the heart of JASON Learning’s mission. JASON’s Argonaut Expeditions embody our commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning.
According to Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning, “The application process for the Argonaut program is highly competitive, requiring an essay and video demonstration of character, dedication, academic prowess, communication skills, and a passion for STEM. They also have to submit recommendation letters. Successful applicants will embark on a transformative educational journey that will inspire and educate them, leading to a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their applications.”
Upon their return to their local communities, Argonauts share their knowledge and experiences, inspiring their peers and fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their real-world applications.
JASON Learning will share photos and a blog post of the expedition within a week of the Argonauts’ return. Follow @JASONLearning on social media for updates on the 2024 Argonaut Expeditions.