2026 STAT Statewide Award Recipients

Dustin Perez, M.Ed., is a fifth-grade science teacher at Robert L. Crippen Elementary in New Caney ISD, where he works to ensure every child has opportunities to experience science, not simply learn about it. His teaching is rooted in the belief that curiosity grows when students can investigate, ask questions, and connect science to the world around them. 

In his classroom, students investigate authentic phenomena, work alongside scientists, and connect their learning to scientific research. Beyond the classroom, Perez founded Science Discovery Nights, free family events that bring scientists and STEM organizations into his school community, and has developed student programs in gardening, environmental science, robotics, and space science. His students have also participated in space-related research, including an experiment selected for testing in microgravity aboard a parabolic flight and preparations for an amateur radio contact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. 

Perez also leads professional learning for science teachers, serves on Texas Education Agency science committees, writes and presents for educators, and serves as chair of science education for the Texas Academy of Science. Whether teaching students or supporting fellow educators, he believes powerful science learning begins with opportunities to experience, question, and discover the world. 

Jokasta Maldonado-Mullet is a science educator, STEM innovator, and instructional leader with more than 20 years of experience helping students see themselves as scientists, problem solvers, and innovators. With a foundation in industrial microbiology, her career has taken her from Puerto Rico to Texas, where she has focused on making science rigorous, relevant, and accessible to diverse learners. 

Maldonado-Mullet currently serves as an eighth-grade science teacher and science department head at Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School in Red Oak ISD. Her classroom emphasizes inquiry, hands-on investigation, STEM challenges, engineering design, technology, and real-world applications that allow students to actively experience science. 

Her commitment to student achievement is reflected in measurable growth. From the 2025 to 2026 cohorts, eighth-grade science performance increased, with Masters performance rising from 17% to 33% and Meets performance increasing from 59% to 63%. Student performance on TEKS 8.7B, Newton's laws of motion, also increased from 43% before implementation of the lesson to 67.96% afterward. 

Beyond her classroom, Maldonado-Mullet has secured competitive grants to expand student access to technology, materials science, robotics, and STEM experiences; mentored fellow educators; served on Texas Education Agency Grade 8 Science STAAR Item Review and Rangefinding Committees; and presented classroom-ready science practices to fellow educators. 

Tina Hovance is a research scientist turned educator who currently serves as a secondary science coordinator in Katy Independent School District in Katy, Texas. She has spent more than 25 years in education, beginning as a high school science teacher and softball coach before moving into a science instructional coach position.  

Hovance has presented on science education at the local, state, and national levels and is a published author. Outside of education, she enjoys reading nonfiction, running, spending time in nature, and being with family and friends.