Fernando Ruiz

Educating since: 1992 |
Title: STEAM Educator / School Administrator
Location: Cota, Colombia, South America | School: Oakland Colegio Campestre
Program: Colombia Space School, United Space School, SCH Space University.
Education: STEAM Educator, Oakland Colegio Campestre, Colombia; Colombia Space School, Chief Communications Officer; Lunar Sample Teacher, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Director of Art and Photography, Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague

Highlights: Since 2009, Ruiz has invited students and teachers from over 25 Colombian schools and universities to join in his “learning adventures” through Space Centers in the USA. At Oakland School, teachers have incorporated STEAM activities into each and every class to inspire students from preschool to high school. Alumni have been inspired to become doctors, engineers, pilots and professionals who help invite young students to keep reaching for the stars.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruiz and fellow SEEC CREW MEMBERS engaged teachers and students from nine countries with The NASA SPARX Challenges and competitions and The Space Metaverse international Challenge. Ruiz believes that “we cannot afford to stop moving forward. Setting a good example is key to the message we teach.”

Since 2011 Fernando is member of the Foundation for International Space Education, FISE. and now Head teacher of the United Space School, an interdisciplinary program that annually brings together up to 50 students from 30 different nations to study in Houston, Texas.

“A good teacher needs to be a full-time student in order to stay updated and learn innovative, diverse ways to inspire students and their community. It is through the teacher that families and countries are empowered to work as a team to building a better future, together. It is important that students understand discipline and consistency as the key vehicles to fulfill one´s dream. Ruiz is an example of living his dream to inspire future generations.