Joylene Ware, an engineer from NASA who is also a Jacksonville native, recently visited Englewood Elementary for its Annual Day with NASA program, which motivates students to become interested in math and science.
Englewood is a literacy and technology magnet, and has been hosting representatives from NASA for the past 11 years. It began when magnet lead teacher Jacquelin Theus met a cable technician who arranged for his daughter, a NASA engineer for Kennedy Space Center, to visit the school. Since then, the school has invited NASA representatives to visit each year.
Mrs. Ware, who graduated as Valedictorian from Jean Ribault Senior High School in 1997, currently works at NASA/Kennedy Space Center as an environmental engineer. She received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Florida State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management systems at the University of Central Florida.
Mrs. Ware, as well as her husband and some family members, spent the entire day at Englewood, hosting four assemblies to reach students in every grade level.
During the presentations, she talked to the students about herself and the preparation she needed for her career. She also provided them with information about the International Space Station.
"Our Annual Day with NASA is a wonderful way for us to wrap up the school year, and provides our students with something to look forward to throughout the year," said Theus. "This event is always a big hit with our students and teachers."
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