Teaching in a Title I school definitely has its challenges, but Olivet Nazarene University, math education alumna Katrina (Hurt) Hull ’10 knows that when students discover a passion for learning, they can positively change the trajectory of their futures.
An outstanding young teacher, Katrina was approached by Portland State University two years ago to implement a MESA club (Math Education Science Achievement) as an afterschool program to get students interested in the field of invention. During the first year, a group of McKay MESA club students won over $30,000 for the prototypes they entered in various invention competitions throughout Oregon.
This summer Katrina received the Lemelson-MIT Excite Award for being one of 36 educators in the nation who have successfully guided students through invention competitions. She spent a week at MIT learning from inventors who shape technology and subsequently the economy with their innovations and creativity.
An auxiliary benefit of the award was establishing connections with major universities that will hopefully benefit Katrina’s students in future competitions and academic experiences. The positive reactions from the student body, administration, and community about the MESA club have inspired her to dream about creating a maker space for innovators in Salem.
Although awards and prize money are exciting, Katrina’s driving motivation is to show continuous love and kindness to the next generation of leaders.
To learn more about Olivet’s areas of studies in mathematics and education, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Photo submitted by Katrina Hull. Used with permission.
Published: 7/25/2018
