Lanier High School science teacher Hamid Samia has been chosen as one of 20 Siemens Teachers As Researchers – STARs—for 2011.

Selected from more than 200 applicants, these educators will work with the nation's top scientists on short-term projects focused on the most current and innovative science research happening today.

Samia will spend two weeks at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy's largest science and energy laboratory, working on research projects with cutting-edge scientists and researchers.

The STARs program is a professional development course designed to empower teachers to bring the excitement of authentic research into the classroom and inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Working in small groups, teachers will collaborate with ORNL scientific teams to conduct individually designed research projects that will give them real-world experience to bring back to their classrooms.

In addition to the research, the STARs teachers will participate in facility tours and seminars. This immersion into authentic research, professional scientific collaboration, and educational enhancements will provide insight, resources and scientific contacts to the teachers.

Samia received her BA in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and teaches Chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry. She serves as the Science Department Representative on the Campus Advisory Committee. She also started and sponsors an Education Reading Group and a Campus Environmental Club.