About the Author

Travis Chapman

Dr. Pam Page Carpenter

Travis Chapman is a Science teacher at Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC. He has taught Physical Science, Chemistry, Earth Science and AP Environmental Science for thirteen years. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Science Education. Travis has served in numerous leadership positions, including being a department chair, a school-wide Career Day Coordinator, school leadership team member, professional learning team leader, and head boys varsity basketball coach. He is always searching for innovative ways to introduce exciting and meaningful lessons to his colleagues and students. Travis’ journey has led him to numerous professional development opportunities including traveling to Belize as part of the Duke-Teacher Research Program for Sustainability. He received a Kenan Fellowship in 2008 and will be part of the Kenan Fellows Class of 2010.

In developing the curriculum “Investigating Alternative Fuels for Vehicles” Travis worked with Dr. Pam Carpenter of North Carolina State University. Dr. Carpenter serves as the Project Coordinator for K-20 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education for the North Carolina Solar Center in the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University. Dr. Carpenter develops and oversees programs for K-20 educational programs and outreach for the Solar Center in renewable energy technologies and clean transportation with a focus on STEM and is Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Technology, Design, and Engineering department She is Director of the North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition and works in the area of green workforce with state agencies and the community colleges. She holds an Ed.D. in Technology, Design, and Engineering Education with a minor in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University.