Gifted Education Fellowship winners

Dr. Carrie Jones is the 2024 American Association of Chemistry Teachers’ Teacher of the Year with a creative approach that brings science to life in her classroom. When she’s not inspiring young minds, Jones serves as the Middle-Level Director for the National Science Teachers Association and teaches at East Carolina University.

Hernán Castillo-Hermosilla is a Purdue University doctoral student in gifted, creative, and talented studies.

Anyesha Mishra is a doctoral student in the Gifted Education Administration program of the Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership department at William & Mary School of Education.

Katie Lee, a STEM educator, passionate advocate, and community builder, was recognized by the Mensa Foundation to support her in her pursuit of a master’s in gifted education from Johns Hopkins University.

Fabio Andres Parra-Martinez, who is studying social-emotional development of gifted children and identity development for their teachers, was recognized with a Mensa Foundation Gifted Education Fellowship to support his doctoral studies at Purdue University.

Teacher resource specialist for gifted and talented students, active volunteer, and passionate gifted education advocate Michelle Falanga was recognized with a Mensa Foundation Gifted Education Fellowship to support her doctoral studies at Rider University.

Lisa Lewis, an award-winning educator, STEM coordinator, and adjunct professor, was awarded a Gifted Education Fellowship to further her mission to support her students regardless of differences in health functions, mental abilities, or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Aakash Chowkase, a gifted youth teacher for more than 13 years and founder of India’s first post-graduate diploma in gifted education, was awarded the Mensa Foundation’s Gifted Education Fellowship to support his longitudinal research and mentoring project with rural and tribal students.