Promoting science education across borders

Magdalena Waleska Aldana Segura

As a young girl growing up in Guatemala, Magdalena Waleska Aldana Segura was captivated by the night sky and wondered why the stars shone so brightly. On walks with her dad, she also questioned the brightness of fireflies. Those simple, yet profound questions marked the beginning of her fascination with science, leading to a career in physics.

“There is hope for a brighter future when you witness children becoming inspired, wanting to learn more about the cosmos and how it functions,” she says.

Fast forward to today, and Aldana Segura, a longtime physics professor at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and Universidad Galileo, is channeling her early wonder into a movement that’s promoting science education across borders. She serves as coordinator of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) program in Guatemala, which focuses on professional development for educators and mentorship opportunities for students. Through conferences, online courses, and collaborations, the STEAM program has sparked a culture of scientific learning and innovation that reaches far beyond the classroom.

Backed by the University of Guanajuato, the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, and the University of Galileo — with support from the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala — the STEAM program is more than a national effort, it’s a global force.

“Collaboration and passion are exemplified by the STEAM program, which has touched over 1.7 million participants in more than 54 countries worldwide,” Aldana Segura explains.

The accolades have followed the STEAM program. It has received several Reimagine Education Awards — international honors often referred to as the “Oscars of Education” — affirming its innovation and reach.

Aldana Segura has another reason to smile, as APS recently named her a Global Spotlight Member, a designation that highlights the work and impact of global physicists. Aldana Segura calls the recognition “a great honor and a motivation.” Her membership with APS, she says, fuels both “inspiration and collaboration,” and participation in key conferences like the March and April Meetings (now APS Global Summit) keeps her and her team at the forefront of discovery.