My name is Juliana Capra, and I am a fourth year Liberal Studies Major at California State Polytechnnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona for short). I plan to teach Science at the Middle School level. This will be my second time participating in the Spaceward Bound program. During the summer of 2009 I had an internship at Jet Propulsion Laborartory, where I studied in the field of Habitiability Assessment.

I feel that going into the field to conduct scientific reseach and explore is one of the best things that teachers can do for their students. Even if it's not possible for entire class field trips, teachers should share their experiences of field research with thier students and fellow teachers. I believe that it is this kind of research and investigation that encourages student curiosity and inspires students to become scientists.