[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1270-E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING PROJECT INSTAR AND DR. GENEVIEVE HEALY

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2007

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Project 
INSTAR and Dr. Genevieve Healy, its director. Dr. Healy was a middle 
school teacher in Ohio before pursuing a masters degree at the 
University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric 
Science. During her graduate studies, Dr. Healy foresaw a potential 
benefit for K-12 teachers through research being performed at the 
Rosenstiel School. She introduced a collaboration between professors, 
graduate students, and K-12 public school teachers.
  With the help of her professors, Dr. Peter Swart, current chairman of 
marine geology, and Dr. Michael Grammar, at the time an assistant 
professor with the Rosenstiel School, Dr. Healy initiated Project 
INSTAR in 1997. This concept brought local public school science 
teachers from Miami-Dade County to the University of Miami where they 
had the opportunity to perform research side by side with graduate 
students and their professors. Ten years later, this program's success 
has been made possible in large part due to Dr. Healy's dedication and 
efforts. With the University of Miami's generous support, this 
initiative continues to grow.

[[Page E1271]]

  The Rosenstiel School, located in proximity to so many vital natural 
resources on Virginia Key, enhances the learning experience of its 
graduate students through substantial research opportunities. Project 
INSTAR seeks to help public school teachers gain hands-on knowledge of 
ocean sciences through their close involvement with this research. It 
annually invites fifty K-12 teachers from public schools in Miami-Dade 
County to participate in the program.
  This year marks its 10th anniversary. I would like to reiterate its 
significance as one of the top science programs, which actively 
enhances the development of K-12 teachers. Engagement in this Institute 
helps teachers implement their experiences at Project INSTAR into their 
own curriculum, benefiting countless public school students in science 
classes.
  I am grateful to the many professors and school teachers who have 
made Project INSTAR a reality. This innovative program spreads 
opportunity for hands-on experience to so many teachers. I proudly ask 
you to join me in recognizing Dr. Healy and everyone who has 
participated in this unique partnership.

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