In 2024, Dr. Michela Ombelli, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School, was recognized with a prestigious Teacher of Merit Certificate by the Regeneron Science Talent Search. This award, granted by the 83-year-old science research competition, honors educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and inspire their students to pursue scientific inquiry.
One of the students recognized in the 2024 Regeneron STS was senior Daniel Kim, who was named one of the top 300 scholars for his project titled “Engineered Underwater Vehicle for Ocean Litter Mapping”. Dr. Ombelli has been instrumental in supporting and guiding students like Daniel to excel in their scientific endeavors.
Dr. Ombelli’s journey at Los Alamos Public Schools began in 2016 as a substitute teacher, and she has been teaching at Los Alamos High School since 2018. Currently, she teaches courses like AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Chemistry, where she continues to inspire students to engage with science and engineering and to pursue their passion for research and discovery. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Ombelli’s dedication and commitment to fostering a culture of learning and inquiry among her students.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search serves as a platform to highlight the importance of science and engineering in shaping the future of our nation. Through her teaching and mentorship, Dr. Ombelli has contributed significantly to nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers, and her impact on the students at Los Alamos High School is undeniable.