Dr. Aprille Ericsson Visits 6th Graders
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
On Friday, September 20th, 6th Graders at Putnam Avenue Upper School were visited by Dr. Aprille Ericsson. A former Cambridge resident. She is
a NASA Business Lead Manager, Aerospace Engineer (Rocket Scientist), Academic, former Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, Bowie State University, and Howard University. She is proud to be the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace option from Howard University, and the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
During her time with our students, Dr. Ericsson spoke of her Cambridge roots and her journey to becoming a rocket scientist.
Our vision for all our students is that they are headed toward the Good Life! We believe that our students will work to achieve their highest potential, be college-ready, become successful and contributing members of society with the best possible quality of life! Dr. Ericsson not only shares Putnam Ave.'s vision, she is an embodiment of the Good Life! She urged students to spend time thinking about what they want to be and what path will get them to their Good Life.
She specifically emphasized the importance of Math and Science--both in terms of the pathway to college and their careers. Students were excited to meet her, thoroughly engaged in
her presentation at the auditorium and took the opportunity to write
about the highlights
from the visit!