Mark Supal
National Science Foundation
Engineering Directorate, Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
Michigan, High School Technology
Mark Supal has worked in a specialized program within the Warren Consolidated Schools District, a public school system in the northeastern suburbs of Detroit, since 1994. He teaches at the Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center, a county-wide center for advanced high school students in Macomb County Michigan. For the past 15 years, Supal has been teaching physics, technology, computer programming, and computer-aided design to gifted and talented students. He also teaches research skills and mentors students for the Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit. Supal spearheaded a “Green club” at his school which promotes awareness of energy and conservation at the school through activities like plastics recycling and hydroponic gardening.
Supal obtained a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University and is a licensed professional engineer and building contractor in both Michigan and Florida. He earned a M.A. in Teaching at Wayne State University with teaching certifications in mathematics, science, physics and technology.
Supal has been recognized for STEM teaching by the Chrysler Corporation with a Closing the Technology Gap in Education Award in 2007 and 2008, and by the MEEMIC Foundation with the Future of Education Award. Supal continues to promote science research and inventiveness in his classroom and has led students to the “Grand Champion” status at the state level competitions in both of these areas.
Mark is concerned that the United States is no longer a world leader in math and science and understands the need to challenge students to work at their highest potential. Under Mark’s direction, students have designed and constructed projects like full sized trebuchets, high powered rockets, battling robots, a solar car, solar panels, and a full scale energy-producing wind turbine. “We need to bolster our educational curriculum by adding creative topics in engineering that give students hands-on experiences.”
Prior to teaching, Mark worked at General Motors Research Laboratories investigating and inventing new electrical components for the automobile. He has also worked as a professional engineer in the area of residential and commercial building construction.
Mark Supal is serving his Fellowship at the National Science Foundation, Engineering Directorate, Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships.