Kevin Simmons
National Science Foundation
Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
Florida – Grades 10-12, Physics, Chemistry, and Aerospace Science
Simmons earned both his B.A and B.S at North Carolina State University in Chemistry and Biochemistry. For the past 9 years, Simmons has taught Physics, Chemistry, and Aerospace Science in Northeast Florida.
Simmons has blazed trails in the state of Florida and within the science community as well. He is the Founder and President of TEKNA-THEOS Inc., a non-profit whose mission is “to better educate students through space related biochemical and engineering research.” He and his TTI students have designed a prototype bioreactor built by NASA contractors to investigate microgravity induced astronaut bone loss. He has served as Principal Investigator for several aerospace and education related projects.
Simmons took his students to both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. to advocate for increased aerospace funding with both the Governor and legislators. He and his students have won numerous awards and participated in competitions such as the Army Corps of Engineering High School competitions and placed first in the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation national competition.
“Having been volleyball coach for several years I see the classroom value of being not only one who instructs and informs, but also one who edifies. While I believe that group problem solving and competitions are tremendous mechanisms for learning, a teacher/coach’s enthusiastic support has a powerful and lasting effect. Having high expectations while encouraging students to do the impossible produces not only great results, but helps to develop great students.”
During his fellowship, Kevin helped to increase the Foundation’s understanding of the national need to engage students in engineering and aerospace-related competitive activities. Kevin will be staying a second year in the Engineering Directorate and will continue to support assessment of the division portfolio and better inform the public as to the numerous educational possibilities within the Industrial Innovation and Partnerships Division.