The AAUW Corpus Christi Branch held a meeting on Saturday morning, November 1, 2019, at the YWCA on Corona Drive. Our guest speaker was Kimberly Moore, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University. Kimberley has over 20 years of teaching experience and currently serves as the instructional director of STEM, Advanced Academics, and Career and Technical Education at West Oso Independent School District.

Kimberly was one of four people – and the only woman – selected by Citgo and Ocean Exploration Trust to be a Nautilus Ambassador in 2019. The Ocean Exploration Trust, founded in 2008, is an international program centered on scientific exploration of the seafloor, operating from the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus. The program brings educators and students aboard to offer hands-on experience in ocean exploration, research, and communications. Various missions are sponsored by NOAA, Office of Naval Research, NASA, and National Geographic Society.

For the 2019 Nautilus Expedition season, Kimberly worked with a team of scientists who are continuing the exploration of the Osborn Bank off the coast of Southern California. They collected high-resolution mapping data and characterized submerged shorelines in the California Borderland region. A major focus of the Nautilus Exploration Program is to inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue careers in STEM and to globally raise interest and awareness for the deep ocean. Live video is posted to the website, and free educational material is available online for everyone. You can find more information on their website at https://nautiluslive.org/.

Kimberly wrapped up her presentation with a review of the lower female participation rates in STEM programs, and she emphasized how important it is to show young girls that women can choose and be successful in STEM fields. Speaking about our AAUW Branch’s recently-initiated STEM program with the West Oso Independent School District, Kimberly stated, “Don’t underestimate your contributions. The support you give these girls is really life changing.”

President Dottie Ewing thanked Kimberly Moore and presented her a book in appreciation of the inspirational program.

– Story and photos by Dr. Vickie Natale