High School Ambassador Candidates 2026
This year's candidates are
Learn more about each candidate below.
Dorothy Holley
Benson, North Carolina
Years of experience: 30+
Current grade levels taught: 9, 10, 11, 12
Teaching and Chemistry Interests
I currently teach Honors Chemistry and Honors Forensics. I am the faculty sponsor of the ChemClub, an organization I learned about at an ACS presentation at ChemEd2019.
Why I Want to Serve
I would love to serve with AACT to bring the rural Chemistry teacher perspective to the Governing Board and to bring chemistry resources to my home state of NC. I want to create strong partnerships and networks for the next generation of chemistry teachers and learners. With 30 years of teaching experience, I have a seasoned knowledge of AACT, and a desire to serve.
Vladimir Baldelomar
Boca Raton, Florida
Years of experience: 20-30
Current grade levels taught: 10, 11, 12
Teaching and Chemistry Interests
Chemistry has been my passion throughout my 28 years of teaching, especially in AP Chemistry, where I strive to make complex ideas meaningful and engaging. Serving as an AP Chemistry Reader since 2009 has deepened my understanding of how students think and learn. I enjoy teaching across levels, from general to advanced courses, and creating hands-on, research-driven experiences that bring chemistry to life. My interests also include outreach and supporting diverse learners through programs like Johns Hopkins CTY and NMSI. I am a fierce proponent of education and equality in science education for underrepresented populations.
Why I Want to Serve
I want to serve as a High School Ambassador because I care deeply about creating equitable opportunities in science education, especially in chemistry. Throughout my career, I have seen how a student’s socioeconomic background can shape their access to rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and academic support. These disparities are real, and they can limit a student’s confidence and sense of belonging in science. I am committed to helping close those gaps by advocating for inclusive, high-quality chemistry education for all students.
I am also passionate about inspiring the next generation of young chemists. Many students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, do not see role models who reflect their experiences or potential. I want to help change that by being a visible, approachable mentor who encourages students to see themselves as capable scientists. Whether through classroom teaching, outreach, or collaboration with other educators, I strive to create environments where all students feel supported, challenged, and valued. Serving in this role would allow me to extend my impact beyond my own classroom and work alongside others who share a commitment to access, equity, and excellence in chemistry education.
Carmen Foschino
East Meadow, New York
Years of experience: 20-30
Current grade levels taught: 10, 11, 12
Teaching and Chemistry Interests
Chemistry has been at the very core of everything I do for the past 19 years. I have taught regents chemistry, honors chemistry, AP chemistry, college chemistry, and non-regents chemistry and general science. Although they all have an individual goal, the thread of each is the same: chemistry is part of our everyday lives. This is evident in my classroom and the clubs I advise – STEM and pre-Med. I hope to get this message by connecting lessons/activities to something my students can relate to. If students leave my class/club confident they can relate to chemistry, I have been successful.
Why I Want to Serve
When students walk into chemistry for the first time, it’s always with trepidation because of the reputation of this course: it’s hard, you’ll never get it, mom and dad failed it, etc. My goal is to remove this negative connotation. I want students to walk away from chemistry feeling successful, not overwhelmed; interested, not turned off. I want to reach out to others and spread this same message. Chemistry is fun; chemistry is part of our everyday lives. What can we do to make all, or at least most students feel positive about this subject matter? I want to be this person that brings us all together, that shares how we go about achieving these successes or working through our failures. By bridging this gap, we have a very good chance of changing the way this class is observed.
Although chemistry is taught across the country, we’re not all following the same guidelines. I’d like to bring educators together to share their experiences. Are success rates better in some states than others? This shared information can benefit all educators, new as well as seasoned. There are so many resources we may not all be aware of; bringing the ideas together of other educators, we can learn from each other for the benefit of the wonderful students that walk through our halls, sit through our lessons. Students can walk away successful and having connected with the content. For these reasons, I’d like to serve as High School Ambassador.