Baltimore Teacher Completed NOAA Research Expedition

A local educator joined a 17-day scientific voyage to gain hands-on field experience for her students.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a distant ship silhouette and oceanographic equipment, representing maritime research and educational development. — Cheyanne Vanderdonckt, a Baltimore elementary school teacher, completed a 17-day Atlantic research expedition with NOAA to develop new marine science curriculum modules. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cheyanne Vanderdonckt, a special education teacher at Moravia Park Elementary, completed a 17-day research expedition aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II during the summer of 2026. She is the 18th Maryland educator to participate in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program.

Why it matters

The program aims to bridge the gap between oceanographic research and classroom instruction by immersing educators in real-world data collection. Participants return to their schools with firsthand experience to inspire students in scientific inquiry.

Vanderdonckt served for 17 days aboard the Oregon II, where she conducted 12-hour shifts tagging sharks and deploying buoys. While participants receive no stipend, the program covers all travel costs.

The players

Cheyanne Vanderdonckt

She is a special education teacher at Moravia Park Elementary in Baltimore.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This federal agency manages the research and programs related to oceanic and atmospheric monitoring.

NOAA Ship Oregon II

This is a research vessel operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for oceanic surveys.

The details

During the cruise in the Atlantic Ocean, Vanderdonckt participated in fish and shark surveys and managed oceanographic data collection equipment. She is now translating these maritime field experiences into curriculum modules for her students at Moravia Park Elementary.

The Teacher at Sea program began in 1990.
Vanderdonckt completed her expedition in the summer of 2026.
Applications for the next program cycle open in November.

Deeper Dive

The NOAA Teacher at Sea program serves as a critical bridge between academic institutions and active field research, mirroring initiatives that seek to standardize real-world scientific exposure for educators.

Students at Moravia Park Elementary will benefit from enhanced, firsthand scientific lessons derived from their teacher's recent maritime research. The program's logistical coverage ensures that educators can participate in these expeditions without incurring travel expenses.

The takeaway

The participation of a Baltimore teacher in national research underscores the importance of professional development in field-based sciences. Educators looking to bring advanced curriculum to their classrooms can leverage these types of professional programs to gain essential skills.

What happens next

Interested educators can apply to the NOAA Teacher at Sea program starting in November for opportunities to join expeditions in the spring and summer of 2027.