Astronauts Memorial Foundation Educator featured in the Fall 2026 issue of BYU Magazine.

We are proud to celebrate AMF Lead Educator Steve Portz, whose extraordinary career is featured in the Fall 2026 issue of BYU Magazine.

Steve’s journey has taken him from working as a thermal protection mechanic on Space Shuttle Columbia to spending 38 years helping students discover the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Along the way, he introduced students to emerging technologies, guided nationally recognized robotics teams, and helped young people turn ideas into real-world solutions.

Today, Steve brings that same passion to the Center for Space Education at Kennedy Space Center, where he helps students learn by designing, building, testing, and exploring.

Steve’s story reflects what AMF’s mission is all about: honoring those who made exploration possible, inspiring the next generation, and educating the innovators who will carry that legacy forward.

Congratulations, Steve, on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full feature: https://magazine.byu.edu/article/stem-nasa-educator-steve-portz/