STAT is proud to honor Donald Burken, a longtime STAT member and volunteer leader, with the Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contributions and Leadership in Science Education. The award is the highest award STAT can bestow upon a member for contributions to science education.

Donald, who recently retired from Spring Branch ISD, received the award last month at the 2023 Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), presented by STAT, in Houston.

Donald has volunteered at CAST since 2009 (you may have seen him behind the registration desk!) and also served as 2013–2014 STAT President. He has led many STAT initiatives (including CAST) and has been a mentor to hundreds of teachers in his district and beyond.

The Virginia Woods Award may be presented in an ongoing recognition of Virginia Woods's contributions to science education in general and to STAT in particular. The award is named for Virginia Woods, STAT's longtime executive secretary.

STAT is thrilled to welcome Donald to the exclusive list of STAT heroes and legends who are recipients of the award.