David Lockett

David Lockett

Fellowship Placement: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Hometown: Riverview, FL

David Lockett is middle school STEM and computer science teacher at Bok Academy in Lake Wales, Florida. He is serving his fellowship at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the Office of STEM Engagement.

For the past three years, he has implemented a variety of astronomy-based projects including the Bok Small Radio Telescope (BSRT). The project focused on naturally occurring radio light from stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects. As an ACEAP Ambassador, accessing and using data being collected and other resources from observatories builds understanding for future growth and continuing scientific discovery. The Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP) brings American astronomy educators to Chile to demonstrate firsthand how astronomical facilities function, how they make their data and discoveries accessible to the public, and how astronomy and science benefit communities on a local and global scale. The Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP) is a collaboration between AUI, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory,  AURA, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, and Gemini Observatory, and is supported by the National Science Foundation.

He is a recipient of the International Society of Technology in Education STEM Professional Learning Network Award, which is awarded to STEM teachers that have displayed leadership and advocacy in understanding and advancing the authentic use of STEM in education.
David is currently a collaborator on the Innovators Developing Accessible Tools in Astronomy (IDATA), a NSF STEM+C project, working to advance knowledge and understanding of best practices in teaching and learning related to computation and computational thinking in astronomy.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Fisk University, and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University, and is currently pursuing his M.S. in Instructional Design from Full Sail University.
He has endeavored to impact local, state, and national initiatives in a variety of project-based learning opportunities at numerous national and state conferences, such as the National Science Teachers Association, International Society for Technology in Education, and Future of Educational Technology Conference, showcasing computer science and STEM initiatives.

David believes that as a STEM teacher, accessible instruction and technologies that promote student equity and engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving is key. He is increasingly active with national efforts to provide more STEM role models for students and builder stronger connections to the professional scientific community.