Robert B. Dorsett, MD
Meeker High School
Meeker, Colorado

Robert Dorsett is a native Coloradoan, fourth generation. His parents, Audrey and Merle Dorsett, both teachers in the Denver Public Schools, directed Skyland Camps, near Crested Butte, CO, during summers for forty years, and he grew up outdoors. His wife, Carol, saves lives and provides exceptional care as a nurse at Pioneers Hospital in Meeker. Robert graduated Thomas Jefferson High School, Denver, and then earned a Biology degree at Stanford University. Dr. Dorsett trained in medicine, obtaining his MD at Stanford University School of Medicine, then completed the Family Practice Residency at University of Utah. Robert served three years in Peace Corps as instructor of medicine and surgery at the Rift Valley Provincial Medical Center in Nakuru, Kenya.

In Fall 2000, Robert joined the faculty at Meeker High School, where he teaches introductory Biology, various upper division Biology courses, and Calculus. Dr. Dorsett is particularly proud of the high school’s Research Methods course, which affords students an opportunity to pursue independent, original research projects. He sponsors the Science Fair Program, which regularly sends students to Regional Fair and to State Fair. Meeker High has qualified three students for International Science Fair over the past five years.

Mary Ann Varanka Martin
Estes Park High School
Estes Park, Colorado

Mary Ann Varanka Martin is very lucky to teach in a small district. With only three science teachers for 400 students in the high school, Mary Ann has had the opportunity to teach a variety of science disciplines and examine a myriad of ways students learn. A few favorite teaching assignments include anatomy and physiology, all girls physics, all boys physics, genetic engineering, forensics, and a living/working in space module. Reflection upon teaching and learning led Mrs. Varanka Martin to a doctorate in science education, action research in my classroom, presentations in the science education community, and work on the Colorado State Model Science Standards and their evolution into a state-wide, high school test due out next spring. Mary Ann is married to David, a psychology and history teacher, who acts as her sounding board, idea critic and constant supporter. Mary Ann’s hobbies include quilting, cross-stitch, crafting, and spoiling her nieces and nephews.