Laura Lukes holds both a B.S. in Geological Sciences and a M.Ed. in Science Education from The Ohio State University, as well as a M.S. in Geological Sciences from Virginia Tech. She teaches high school and community college in Scottsdale & Mesa, Arizona (2010 NAGT Outstanding Earth Science Teacher). She has created virtual geology field trips and a rock and mineral museum at Saguaro High School in Arizona. She is actively involved in developing Earth science curriculum and training teachers, scientists, and informal educators. She is especially interested in developing programs that provide research experience opportunities for teachers and students to support the future national STEM workforce. Currently, she is the 2010-2011 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation - Office of Polar Programs, where she has taken the US lead on the Joint Science Education Project.