Duluth Teacher Alison Wood Awarded Fulbright Fellowship for Research

Alison Wood, a dedicated science teacher at Duluth Denfeld High School, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program fellowship. Starting in January 2026, she will spend four months in Greece conducting research on environmental education and citizen science.

Innovative Teaching Methods in Environmental Education

Wood’s classroom is notable for its hands-on approach to learning. Currently, her natural resources class is exploring soil erosion through interactive “stream tables,” where students create miniature landscapes to observe the effects of water flow. “There’s a whole opportunity to approach education with playfulness, while keeping with the idea of effective learning,” Wood remarked. This philosophy is evident in her diverse teaching methods, which include outdoor excursions to sites like Hawk Ridge and Merritt Creek.

After more than a decade at Denfeld, Wood has built a reputation for her engaging and practical environmental lessons. Senior Garry Hendrickson, a student in her class, expressed his appreciation for her teaching style, stating, “It’s always something different… It’s never boring or just the same old, same old.”

Fulbright Fellowship: A Global Opportunity

Wood learned of her selection for the Fulbright fellowship just before the start of the school year. She is one of only 14 K-12 educators chosen for the 2026 program aimed at fostering international connections and educational exchange. The application process involved submitting a detailed research proposal, which Wood has been refining through workshops and mentorship.

As part of her research, Wood plans to investigate how Greek schools have successfully integrated citizen science into their curricula. This approach encourages students to participate in scientific observation and data collection, fostering a sense of responsibility towards their environment. “If we want kids to actually make decisions where they care about our spaces, we have to get them connected first,” Wood noted. This connection is crucial for developing a deeper understanding of environmental issues.

In Athens, Wood will collaborate with educators and researchers from the University of Athens, focusing on best practices for implementing citizen science in schools. This could involve various activities, such as tracking air quality or observing changes in local biodiversity. “There’s a million flavors to choose from,” she explained, emphasizing the versatility of citizen science.

Wood’s research will also address the challenges of sharing data collected by students. She aims to explore effective platforms for data sharing while ensuring the safety and privacy of young participants. “One of the big conversations is which platforms people are using and how to make those platforms friendly, fun, and safe,” she said.

Upon completing her research, Wood intends to develop practical tools and lesson plans that can be shared with other educators in Duluth Public Schools and beyond. She believes that the skills of observation and critical thinking are essential across all subjects and grade levels.

Although her absence from the classroom will be felt, Wood plans to maintain communication with her students. She intends to create a social media presence to share updates about her research journey. “I’m definitely going to miss the students… I’m really excited about what I’m going to be doing and learning,” she said. This fellowship represents not just a personal achievement but a significant opportunity to enhance environmental education in her community.