PSM grad students connect to Michigan science teachers with Turfgrass research

Updated from an original article written by Patty Bonito, PSM Communications.

PhD candidate Jackie "Jack" Guevara and master's student Jacob Kilby gave the keynote address to hundreds of science teachers at the Michigan Science Teachers Annual Conference, Saturday 2 May in Lansing MI.

The students engaged the teachers for more than an hour with their passion for the research and excitement about the FIFA World Cup 2026 project. Jackie wove tales of her journey from high school science geek, to at the University of the Philippines, to MSU and her work in the Turfgrass research program to bring natural turf to FIFA World Cup fields in 2026. Jacob shared how his love of soccer with his skills in math and science are leading him to his dream job.

Jackie and Jacob both got a warm welcome and a great response and started some conversations with Michigan high school teachers about how to blend MSU Turfgrass research with their classroom studies.

This is perfect," said a teacher as she approached Jake after the talk. "I have a low-motivation student who really loves soccer." The teacher spoke with Jacob about planning a ZOOM meeting with her science class. Another teacher noted that her science unit about growing plants in controlled systems would be enhanced by this presentation.

 

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