In a teaching career that has spanned nearly 25 years, I have sometimes questioned the value of the work I have done. Planning stimulating and creative lab activities ... spending summers doing hands-on science in order to simulate these experiences in my classroom ... has it all been worth it? The Presidential Award represents a validation for me. Because of this inherent recognition that my work has been meaningful, it is for me the ultimate professional honor.

Lori Lancaster Gresham, OR | 7-12, Science, 2009

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Lori Lancaster has been employed as a chemistry instructor by the Centennial School District in suburban Portland, OR, for the past 19 years. Previously, she taught International Baccalaureate chemistry, physics, and general science for 4 years at the Inter-American Academy in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and she taught advanced chemistry for 3 years at the Center for Advanced Learning, an interdistrict upper-division academy for students preparing for careers in the health sciences. In 1994, Lori participated in science research through the Murdock Trust Partners in Science program. She has continued her association with this foundation as a workshop facilitator, grant reader, and program advisor. She has worked several summers at Xerox Corporation in Wilsonville, OR, performing organic synthesis reactions and characterizations under the direction of the principal research chemist. Lori brings her breadth of experience to bear on her classroom, creating fascinating, relevant laboratory activities that engage the minds of her students. Lori has a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Teaching, with an emphasis in Chemistry, from Portland State University.

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