Debbie Cox is a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) biomedical science, chemistry, and biology teacher in the Independence 30 School District. Before teaching, Debbie worked in industrial biochemistry, inspiring her to bring real-world science into the classroom. She created a science fair program where she mentors students in independent lab research, and her students have won awards at regional and international science fairs. Debbie started a HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter at her school, recognized at state and international competitions. She also established several FIRST FLL and FTC robotics programs; her teams have received numerous awards and written patents. One team was featured in a national STEM campaign with Will.i.am, met President Obama at the White House Science Fair, and was showcased by national media. Debbie was awarded the 2019 Howard Gadberry Teacher of the Year for her science fair work, the 2019 Independence Academy Teacher of the Year for her work with PLTW biomed and job shadowing, and the 2021 National Geographic Society Remote Learning Award for her virtual science fair website. She is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM), and is a Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI) Certified Evaluator. Debbie was honored as the 2023 HOSA-Future Health Professionals Missouri State Advisor of the Year and recognized at state and international HOSA leadership conferences. She received the 2024 Charles S. Shipman Teacher of the Year Award from Linda Hall Library for her work with science fair students.Educator Awards & Recognitions:• 2nd Annual White House Science Fair• 2014 Missouri FTC® Compass Robotics Coach of the Year • 2014-15 High School Teacher of the Year• 2016 Women in STEMM (WiSTEMM®) Educator of the Year Regional Award• 2017 Classroom Innovator Award from the Cerner Corporation• 2019 Greater KC Science & Engineering Fair Howard Gadberry Teacher of the Year• 2019 Independence School District Academy Teacher of the Year• 2021 National Geographic Society Remote Learning Award• 2022 Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI) Certified Evaluator• 2023 HOSA-Future Health Professionals Missouri State Advisor of the Year• 2024 Charles S. Shipman Teacher of the Year from Linda Hall Library