Dr. Ali Fant

Dr. Ali Fant attended Nova Southeastern University, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she earned a doctorate in Computer Science Education. During her time at this institution, Dr. Fant performed research on high school students' computer use in schools near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

Dr. Ali Fant teaches math, science, and computers to students living above the Arctic Circle in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough School District. As a certified Alaska educator, she prepares students for such lunar support operations as terraforming. Dr. Ali Fant has also conducted experimental research in Alaska’s boreal forests to accelerate tree growth, and to this end operates experimental pecan tree farms in Texas and in Alaska.

In 2010, Dr. Ali Fant was selected by Honeywell International Inc. as the only Alaskan teacher to participate in the Space Academy for Educators. Participants were drawn from 47 states and 22 nations. In this program, she worked with a team on simulated space shuttle missions, addressing such problems as sick people and fires. At the program, which took place at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama, Dr. Ali Fant was given innovative techniques for teaching math and science, such as building model rockets and using air traffic control systems, while learning about the future of the U.S. space program.

A space enthusiast, Dr. Ali Fant belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the American Astronomical Society and the Society of American Foresters. She also holds lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and the American Radio Relay League. Dr. Ali Fant holds an Amateur Radio License, and she is a Space Exploration Educator Astronaut in training. A charitable individual, she has been involved with The United Methodist Church and Goodwill Industries International, an organization that serves millions of people in need worldwide.

In 2011, Dr. Ali Fant was selected by the United States government to teach math and science to students at the American Middle School serving U.S. citizens living abroad in Schweinfurt, Germany.