Two Maricopa educators were selected to be a part of the Society for Science 2026–27 Advocate Program, according to a press release Tuesday. 

Claire Diane Tabanas-Morales, a biology teacher at Desert Sunrise High School was selected for the second year in a row and Desert Wind Middle School teacher Michaella Banate is a first-time applicant. 

Both teachers were selected because of their strong proposals, said Emily Freeland, Manager of Research for Teacher Professional Development at the Society for Science. 

The program provides financial and mentorship support for educators looking to expand their STEM research and provide greater access to science fairs and competitions for their students. 

The D.C.-based nonprofit’s Advocate Program is a year-long professional development program that supports teachers and mentors who are working to increase the number of students who enter STEM research competitions. 

Each educator will receive a $3,000 stipend as part of the program’s $326,000 total investment as well as year-long support from the Society of Science organization. 

Educators map out how the stipend will aid in their STEM research goals at the beginning of year at the Advocate Training Institute in Washington, D.C. 

Creating independent researchers 

“She has developed a strong track record of reaching students in her school. She’s also developed a really strong commitment to the program itself and supporting the other teachers in her cohort,” Freeland said. 

Her students are exploring different scientific directions, including neuroscience, plant science, computer science and coding.  

“I want them to have the freedom to explore different fields while developing the foundational skills they need to become independent researchers,” Tabanas-Morales said. 

Four of her Science Research Club students were recently accepted into the PRISM program in partnership with the University of Arizona, getting the opportunity to work with researchers and scientists.  

“The connections I have made through the program have helped me and my students find opportunities to showcase their abilities and pursue meaningful experiences in science.” Tabanas-Morales said. 

Creating a path into STEM 

“Her application demonstrated a strong commitment to wanting to grow that program and foundation in her school and community,” Freeland said. 

Banate’s middle school students are exploring disciplines including life sciences, medical science, physical sciences, project-based learning, engineering design, and astronomy. 

Her emphasis is creating the framework for critical thinking through the scientific method and in teaching the research proposal process. 

She started a STEM club to connect students with resources. The scholarship will be used to grow the club, on proposed programs and taking students to state fairs and competitions. 

For Banate, the program is used to integrate science and research into the classroom or after school, and to push students to look into STEM careers in the future  

“It will strengthen my ability to bring meaningful, inquiry-based learning into my classroom and expand research beyond the classroom and will help my students build confidence, think critically and see themselves as capable scientists,” Banante said.