Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award

Aymette Medina Jorge is an internationally recognized educator, researcher, and advocate for expanding access to science and space education for students around the world. From Ponce, Puerto Rico, she has dedicated her career to creating hands-on, real-world learning experiences that inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Amy is a middle and high school STEM educator at Odyssey Academy in Galveston, Texas, and she has led more than 60 student-centered space and microgravity experiments, including projects involving biometric sensors, high-altitude balloon research, radiation testing on 3D-printed materials, and in-flight 3D printing during parabolic zero-gravity flights. Her work has helped connect students directly to aerospace research and emerging technologies while championing greater Hispanic representation in STEM fields. Her work with ISS Mimic Edu has been revolutionary in the education field, earning her the 2026 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. 

On May 31, 2025, Aymette made history as part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-32 mission, becoming the first Puerto Rican woman and one of the first Hispanic educators to travel to space. The mission launched from West Texas and carried six crew members beyond the Kármán line aboard the fully reusable New Shepard vehicle. Her participation symbolized a powerful message to students everywhere that dreams in science and exploration are achievable through education, determination, and perseverance.

Aymette’s dedication to educational excellence has earned numerous honors, including the 2023 AIAA & Challenger Center Trailblazing STEM Educator Award and the 2024 Space Center Houston Cheri Brinley Outstanding Educator Award. Through her teaching, outreach, and global collaboration efforts, she continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, explorers, and future leaders in STEM education.

From the Space Foundation:

"The National Space Day video also recognized Aymette Medina Jorge as the recipient of the 2026 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award from the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The award honors educators who demonstrate excellence in technology education and inspire students through innovative approaches to STEM learning. Medina Jorge was presented the award during the National Space Day Community Event held May 2 at Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs.

A STEM teacher in Galveston, Medina Jorge has led more than 60 space experiments and Zero-G projects while championing Hispanic representation and inclusion in STEM fields. She also recently flew as an astronaut on the Blue Origin NS-32. Her work reflects the spirit of the award by connecting education, innovation, and discovery in ways that inspire the next generation of explorers and problem solvers." (Credit Space Foundation)