Science Super Heroes
In celebration of Science Channel’s 20th Anniversary we will be launching Science Super Heroes, crowning individuals each month who have used science to make a difference in their community. We at Science Channel know science is everywhere and used everyday. It’s in the DNA for progress and possibility. Through Science Super Heroes we are committed to igniting passion for science and encouraging the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and game changers.
Super Heroes will be honored both on air and online the first Thursday of every month!
This Month’s Winners
Jocelyn Duff
Jocelyn Duff is the Founder and Executive Director of CureCMT4J, an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation inspired by her 11 year-old daughter, Talia. In 2015 Talia was diagnosed with CMT4J, a rare disease, similar to ALS, known to affect approximately 22 people worldwide. CMT4J is a life-threatening, neuro-degenerative disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to paralysis and respiratory compromise. Jocelyn founded CureCMT4J in June, 2016 to address an expedited path toward a cure. She quickly formed a scientific team of world-experts who began pre-clinical work in October, 2016 at Jackson Laboratories, through a grant from the NIH. In December, 2016 CureCMT4J funded the first-ever viral vector production for CMT4J through the UNC-Chapel Hill. Duff expects “proof of concept” results as early as June, 2017. CureCMT4J’s goal is to reach a small clinical trial as quickly as possible to save Talia and others afflicted with CMT4J. “We have the science. Now we need the funding.” To learn more about CMT4J or to donate towards a cure go to: curecmt4j.org.
Matt Sloane
Matt Sloane is the CEO of Skyfire Consulting, and it’s parent company, Atlanta Drone Group. Through his work with fire and police departments around the country, he has helped these agencies incorporate cutting edge drone technology into their arsenal of life-saving technology. From giving firefighters critical information about active fires, to giving police officers real-time intelligence on hostage takers, these machines are saving lives daily. Matt and his team are also using this technology for national news networks during severe weather outbreaks to help warn viewers about the dangers of natural disasters.
Robert Jett
Robert Jett is a Co-Founder and current Board Member for TeCanal, Inc., a nonprofit organization operating in and around Baltimore, Maryland. TeCanal aims to build interest and proficiency in STEM-related fields by providing low-income communities with both technological resources (like laptops, computers, etc.) and in-person educational programs led by high school volunteers. TeCanal is an organization driven by a belief that all people should be given the chance to participate in a world that is becoming more and more dominated by science and technology. In the two years since its founding, TeCanal has grown to include an after-school program and an immigrant and refugee center – and several expansions are planned for the coming months. Robert is currently a freshman at Yale University, where, although undecided in major, he plans to continue to investigate how educational opportunities can be made more free and accessible for people not only in Maryland but around the world.
Our Partners
With a continued dedication to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to students everywhere, Discovery Communications partners with nonprofit US2020, which seeks to to dramatically scale the number of STEM professionals mentoring and teaching students through hands-on projects, with a focus on girls and underrepresented minorities.
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing girls across the U.S. and Canada with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges they face. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls. At Girls Inc., girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals, AAAS has individual members in more than 91 countries around the globe. Membership is open to anyone who shares our goals and belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help solve many of the challenges the world faces today. You can lend your support to our efforts on behalf of scientists, engineers, educators, and students everywhere by becoming a member. Together we can make a difference: Join Us.
Iridescent’s mission is to create and deliver powerful science, engineering and technology education to help underprivileged children and youth develop: Curiosity to learn how things around us work; Creativity to try new ideas; Perseverance to keep improving and developing their ideas. We are an education non-profit that trains professional engineers, scientists, and parents to deliver cutting-edge STEM education to underserved girls, children and their families. Over the past seven years, we’ve trained more than 3,500 mentors and engaged more than 60,000 participants in our programs.
DIY (“Do-It-Yourself”) Girls’ mission is to increase girls’ interest and success in technology, engineering and making through innovative educational experiences and mentor relationships. We’re a supportive community for girls driven by an interest in creating and building with technology. DIY Girls uses a three-pronged program approach that integrates engagement, capacity building, and continuity to ensure girls’ success. We offer after-school and in-school programs, as well as workshops that provide hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) experiences for girls. Girls learn technical skills and apply them by creating their own creative projects and inventions. DIY Girls has reached over 1200 girls in Los Angeles since 2012.
Mouse is a national youth development nonprofit that believes in technology as a force for good. Mouse empowers all students to create with technology to solve real problems and make meaningful change in our world. Mouse is committed to creating more diversity in STEM and opening opportunities for students from underserved communities across the country.