Pingry’s Science Department has been awarded a prestigious Toshiba America Foundation grant thanks to the dedication and commitment of biology teacher Tommie Shintaro Hata. Hata applied for the grant in hope that it would help Pingry continue to provide students with unique opportunities in science and to further develop its working relationships with university research laboratories.

Hata’s innovative work with Pingry students has been recognized in scientific journals, such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, where he was acknowledged in the June 2006 issue for his ability to bring cutting-edge science into the classroom. “Scientists from local universities come to Hata’s classroom to lead lab activities such as protein crystallization. The basic concepts of protein structure are then used to drive discussions of medically relevant issues.”

The journal goes on to note Hata as a case in point of teaching deeper concepts through cooperative programs with university departments. Included as examples are his involvement with the Science Outreach program at Rockefeller University, as well as the Center for Biomolecular modeling at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, which runs SMART Team, a program that brings scientists, schoolteachers, and students together.

Hata’s work with Pingry’s SMART Team has enabled students to work closely with leading scientists in the field and gain greater insight into their studies.

Highly regarded within the scientific community, Hata has recently had the honor of making a presentation to the recipient of the 2006 Nobel Prize in chemistry, Roger Kornberg, at Dr. Kornberg’s symposium.

The Toshiba America Foundation grant will enhance Hata’s efforts to enable his students to connect with real science firsthand.



© 2007 The Pingry School