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STEM City Newsletter
January 2026 Edition
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2026 STEMMY Award Nominations Are Now Open!
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Do you know someone who is making a meaningful impact on STEM education in our community? Now is your chance to recognize and celebrate them!
STEM City is now accepting nominations for the STEMMY Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who help STEM thrive in Flagstaff.From innovative classrooms and inspiring students to dedicated teachers, businesses, and community partners, the STEMMY Awards shine a spotlight on the people who make STEM possible in Flagstaff. Help us celebrate the changemakers who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through STEM—submit a nomination today!
We are accepting nominations in the following four categories:
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2025 STEMMY Award Winner Highlight
STEM Teacher of the Year
Ellen Fishel, Cromer Elementary
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Mrs. Fishel is far from the average art teacher—she is a true STEMMY educator who brings creativity, curiosity, and innovation to life in her classroom. With 18 years at Cromer, she seamlessly integrates STEM principles into elementary art, transforming projects from mushrooms to axolotls into rich explorations of science, design, and inquiry. Her welcoming classroom culture and “art mantra” ensure that students from all backgrounds feel empowered to think like artists, scientists, and problem-solvers all at once.
In addition to visual arts, Mrs. Fishel has taught 6th-grade science and gifted education, where she masterfully blends experimentation, creativity, and differentiated instruction for K–5 learners. Her year-long thematic units engage students in hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning, while field trips—such as visits to the Roden Crater—extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences allow students to explore light, sound, architecture, and design, helping them see the powerful connections between art and STEM and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
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It Takes a Community to Make a Maker
Tynkertopia & CommunityShare
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Flagstaff recently celebrated the Grand Opening of the Tynkertopia MakerSpace on Saturday, January 10, with doors officially opening to students on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Designed for youth and young adults ages 14–26, the MakerSpace provides hands-on access to tools, technology, and mentorship that help turn curiosity into real-world skills.
Dr. Alice Christie, founder of Tynkertopia, envisions the MakerSpace as a hub for innovation, mentorship, and collaboration where community members play a vital role in shaping the next generation of makers. The MakerSpace strengthens learning beyond the classroom through different avenues including a collaboration with Flagstaff Unified School District and CommunityShare. With grant support from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, this partnership connects students with local mentors, volunteers, and community partners across a wide range of fields.
This collaboration ensures that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Instead, it extends into the community, where relationships, shared knowledge, and hands-on experiences help young people discover what’s possible. From industry professionals to creative mentors, the message is clear: it truly takes a community to make a maker.
The Tynkertopia MakerSpace is located at 1515 E Cedar Ave, Suite D2. They’re open Tuesday through Friday 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
To explore CommunityShare opportunities in Flagstaff or get involved as a community partner, visit: https://www.communityshare.org/flagstaff/
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Addressing Disparities and Diversity In STEM
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Flagstaff STEM City honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day by recognizing how Dr. King’s fight to dismantle systemic barriers expanded access to education, research, and professional opportunity and helped open doors across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Dr. King understood that education, economic justice, and scientific progress were deeply connected. His leadership and advocacy pushed forward civil rights legislation and the desegregation of schools and universities, reshaping who had access to institutions that drive discovery and innovation.
Continue reading to learn about African American scientists whose work is shaping the future of STEM.
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Dr. Mae Jemison
In 1992, Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. A physician, engineer, and astronaut, her achievement broke long-standing barriers in aerospace and inspired generations of young women and people of color to pursue STEM careers.
After leaving NASA, she founded the Jemison Group to connect science, technology, and social impact in developing countries.
Learn more about Dr. Mae Jemison at https://www.nasa.gov/people/mae-jemison-m-d/
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Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett
As a viral immunologist, Kizzmekia Corbett played a central role in the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Her work helped accelerate a new era of vaccine science that continues to shape responses to emerging infectious diseases.
She is also a leading voice for science literacy and public trust in research beyond the laboratory.
To learn more about Dr. Corbett, visit https://hsph.harvard.edu/profile/kizzmekia-s-corbett-helaire/
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Dr. Emery Brown
At the intersection of medicine, neuroscience, and engineering, Emery Brown has transformed how scientists understand anesthesia and brain function. His research has directly improved patient safety during surgery and advanced methods for monitoring brain states in clinical settings. His work reflects the power of interdisciplinary STEM to deliver real-world medical impact.
Read more about Dr. Brown’s work in neuroscienchere https://picower.mit.edu/emery-n-brown
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International Day of Education
Youth Co-Creating the Future of STEM
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At STEM City, we believe education works best when young people help shape it. That is why the International Day of Education on January 24, 2026 is especially meaningful to our community.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” highlights the important role young people play in building the future. Youth under 30 make up more than half of the world’s population, yet many still face challenges accessing quality education and career opportunities. Listening to their ideas and involving them in learning is more important than ever, especially as technology continues to change how we live and work.
STEM education naturally supports this approach. Science, technology, engineering, and math encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. When students help design projects, explore new technologies, and work on real-world challenges, learning becomes more meaningful and engaging.
At STEM City, co-creating education means:
- Giving youth hands-on STEM experiences
- Encouraging leadership, creativity, and collaboration
- Making STEM learning accessible to everyone in our community
As communities around the world recognize this day, we celebrate the role of young people as thinkers, creators, and leaders. We remain committed to building STEM education with them, not just for them.
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2026 STEMMY Awards
We’re thrilled to share that the 2026 STEMMY Awards will take place at Lowell Observatory — an inspiring new venue that perfectly celebrates discovery, innovation, and exploration! Guests will have the opportunity to experience the new space and even enjoy a stargazing experience.
- Save the Date: March 19, 2026
- Event Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
- Hors d’oeuvres: 5:45–6:00 p.m.
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2026 STEM Celebration
The 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration is an opportunity for all of Flagstaff to engage with the STEM community. This year, the STEM Celebration will return to the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
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Follow Our New Facebook Page!
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STEM City is excited to launch our new Facebook page, where we’ll highlight Flagstaff’s incredible STEM ecosystem and share stories from our schools, partners, and community. Follow us at facebook.com/flagstaffstem to stay updated on upcoming events, student opportunities, community partnerships, volunteer needs, and the innovative work happening across Northern Arizona.
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