Heather Watson

Too often there is a perception that STEM is only for ‘gifted students,’” writes Dr. Heather Watson, JMU associate professor of engineering and 2014-16 AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow. But Heather knows that an appreciation for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science is important for all. As a Fellow at the National Science Foundation in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Heather contributes her expertise to help improve STEM education. “Even if a young person does not go on to study in one of these fields, they need the basic knowledge to make informed opinions or decisions on issues related to these topics later in life.”