Matthew Pearce

NASA Education Program Specialist

Matthew Pearce is an Education Program Specialist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically working at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City. He has over 35 years of experience in leadership, administration, and STEM education across various academic levels. Pearce's role primarily involves providing oversight and guidance for NASA's education initiatives, including internships, fellowships, and educator professional development programs aimed at enhancing student interest in STEM fields.

Professional Background

Current Position: Education Program Specialist at NASA since 2014.
Previous Roles:
- Principal Investigator for NASA's Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) since 2015.
- Education Program Specialist for NASA's Science Mission Directorate from February 2022 to October 2023.
- Founding Science Department Chair at West Ranch High School in California from 2004 to 2012, where he developed extensive curriculum and led various educational initiatives.

Contributions and Achievements

Pearce has collaborated with NASA for over a decade as a NASA-NEAT educator, focusing on integrating NASA's scientific content into educational practices.
He has developed effective distance learning programs and has been involved in curriculum development across various scientific disciplines, including genetics, biochemistry, and health sciences.
His work has earned him recognition and awards from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and NASA.

Educational Philosophy

Pearce emphasizes creating equitable opportunities in STEM education, particularly for underrepresented groups. He actively engages with both formal and informal educational settings to foster a comprehensive understanding of science through innovative teaching methods and collaborations with external organizations.

In summary, Matthew Pearce is a seasoned educator dedicated to enhancing STEM education through his work at NASA, leveraging his extensive experience to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.