My Student Experience: Science Education Majors Receive Funding to Travel to National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference in California

June 11, 2026 - 21:40

For Gillian Grimmick, a science education major at NC State's College of Education, the daily work of designing lesson plans and lab activities for her future students is a constant focus. That is why she felt a surge of excitement when she learned she could attend the National Science Teaching Association conference in Anaheim, California this past April.

Grimmick was one of several science education majors who received funding to make the trip possible. The travel grants allowed these future teachers to experience one of the largest professional gatherings for science educators in the country. At the conference, they attended workshops, listened to keynote speakers, and networked with experienced teachers from across the nation.

For students like Grimmick, the opportunity was more than just a field trip. It was a chance to see cutting-edge teaching methods in action and bring fresh ideas back to their own classrooms. The hands-on sessions and new resources they encountered will directly shape how they teach biology, chemistry, and physics to the next generation of students. The experience reinforced their commitment to science education and gave them a clearer picture of the profession they are about to enter.