Dr. Michela Ombelli, a science teacher at Los Alamos High School, has been recognized with a 2024 Teacher of Merit Certificate by the Regeneron Science Talent Search. This prestigious award is granted to educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and inspire their students to pursue scientific inquiry.
Among 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. She currently 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 her 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.
As an accomplished scientist herself, Dr. Ombelli knows firsthand the importance of scientific research in shaping our world today. Her passion for science is infectious, inspiring her students to explore new ideas and push boundaries.
Dr. Ombelli’s career began at age 35 when she earned her Ph.D., but she didn’t give up on pursuing her love for science until she was almost 60 years old.
Today, she continues to be an inspiration not only to her students but also
