CONOCE MÁS SOBRE NUESTRA GENTE

Fernando Ruiz has led educators and students in participating in NASA Educational Programs through Space Centers in the United States for the past decade and a half. He created face-to-face and virtual programs so that international communities find interconnections that, like the explorations of the Universe, are born from the classroom.

His work transcends borders to institutions, educators, students and professionals along nine countries through OLA; Orbital Learning Alliance and his presence as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Aerospace Academy.

“This is who we are, not what we do. A good teacher must be a full-time student. There is no more powerful weapon for a better future than a motivated educator.”

«Our job is to build a better future, one class at a time»

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: Fernando Ruiz is a Colombian STEAM educator, school administrator, and international leader in space education with more than three decades of experience inspiring students and teachers to explore science, innovation, and the universe, starting from the classroom.

Based in Cota, Colombia, Ruiz has been educating since 1992 and currently serves at Oakland Colegio Campestre, where STEAM education is integrated across all grade levels, from preschool through high school. His educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that curiosity, discipline, and consistency are the engines that turn dreams into achievable goals.

A journey beyond borders

 In 2009, Ruiz learned that international students and educators could participate in educational programs through U.S. Space Centers. That discovery marked the beginning of a life-changing adventure. Over the past decade and a half, he has led teachers and students from more than 20 Colombian schools and universities to participate in NASA-related educational experiences and international space programs.

At Oakland Colegio Campestre, these experiences translated into a strong STEAM culture that has inspired alumni to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, pilots, scientists, and educators—many of whom now encourage new generations to “keep reaching for the stars.”

Leadership in Global Space Education

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruiz worked alongside fellow SEEC CREW members to engage teachers and students from nine countries through initiatives such as the NASA SPARX Challenges and the Space Metaverse International Challenge. His guiding principle remains clear: 

“We cannot afford to stop moving forward. Setting a good example is key to the message we teach.”

A Defining Moment 

Fernando fondly recalls a pivotal moment in 2011, during the launch of Atlantis (STS-135), the final Space Shuttle mission. While celebrating a graduation event in the Clear Lake, he was invited to join a table where George W. Abbey and Francesco Fusco were seated. Introduced by George Abbey to astronauts, mission directors, cosmonauts, and leaders from Johnson Space Center, Ruiz was presented as “a teacher who is bringing international students to NASA.”

Moved by his work, George Abbey—then Chairman of the Foundation for International Space Education (FISE)—asked Francesco Fusco, FISE’s CEO, to invite Fernando to join the United Space School (USS) Program, stating:

“This is the kind of teacher we need at the USS Program.”

Milestones with United Space School

• 2011: Joined the USS Program
• 2014: First Hispanic teacher to mentor the USS Program
• 2018: First Latin American Head Teacher of USS
• 2019: Appointed Coordinator for the Americas
• 2022: First post COVID in person Program
• 2025: First all hispanic Head Teachers USS Program

Ruiz continues to serve on selection committees, mentor students, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the USS Program, which annually brings together nearly 50 students from over 30 countries in what participants consistently describe as a life-changing experience.

Philosophy and Impact

Ruiz firmly believes that a great teacher must remain a lifelong student:

“A good teacher needs to be a full-time learner—open to innovation and diversity—to truly inspire students and their communities. Through educators, families and nations learn to work together to build a better future.”

Fernando Ruiz is a living example of that philosophy, dedicating his life to empowering future generations through education, collaboration, and exploration.

Acknowledgements & Roles

• Coordinator for Latin America, Foundation for International Space Education (FISE)
• Head Teacher & Director, United Space School Program (Houston)
• SEEC CREW Member, Space Center Houston
• Member of the Educational Department Close-Work Team, Space Center Houston
• First Commander, LIBERTAD-1 Mission (ML-1)
• Featured on the HonorID Celebrity Educator Wall of Fame
• Featured in the award-winning documentary Closer to the Stars (VibraLatina Houston)

Profile (Summary):

• STEAM / STEM Educator
• School Administrator – Oakland Colegio Campestre
• Chief Communications Officer – Colombia Space School
• Lunar Sample Teacher – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• USS Head Teacher and Program Coordinator for Latin America – FISE
• NASA SPARX, Mars Innovation & Space Metaverse Challenge Mentor
• Space Station Ambassador
• Space Foundation International Teacher Liaison
• Member – Orbital Learning Alliance (OLA)
• Director of Art & Photography
• Celebrity Educator Wall of Fame HonourID featuring teachers from over 25 countries.
• Co-founder, Communication Strategist, OLA; ORBITAL LEARNING ALLIANCE.
• Member of the International Aerospace Academy advisory committee.
• ISS MIMIC Education Specialist.
• ISS Above Participant.
• IPSC Sports Shooter.