Deana Sain Receives STEM Research Grant to Bring DNA Analysis, Solar Engineering and Environmental Research to Classrooms
Society for Science recently announced Deana Sain as a recipient of its $5,000 STEM Research Grant, expanding access to hands-on, student-driven science education in Hardeman County. At a time when STEM skills are increasingly critical, Deana Sain is helping students move beyond textbooks and into real-world scientific exploration.
Mrs. Sain, who is a K-8 STEM Teacher for Hardeman County Schools, serves students at the Hardeman County STEM/Learning Center. She has taught for over 28 years across multiple grade levels, with a focus on science, math, and hands-on STEM learning, and was named Tennessee MG Science Teacher of the Year in 2023. She was also named the Tennessee Rural Teacher of the Year for 2025 by TNREA. Mrs. Sain is passionate about expanding access to authentic research experiences for rural and Title I students and enjoys helping students see themselves as scientists and innovators through real-world investigations and community partnerships.
Through a combination of classroom-ready research kits and direct funding for specialized equipment, these grants will encourage educators to bring advanced scientific tools into their classrooms, giving students the opportunity to conduct fundamental and impactful research. For many students, it will be the first time they experience science as a process of discovery.
This year’s STEM Research Grant will provide students the opportunity to build a wide range of skills, from analyzing DNA using techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and gel electrophoresis to designing solar-powered solutions for their communities. They will also monitor water quality and bacterial growth and create sustainable gardens that support local families. These projects move beyond traditional instruction, enabling students to engage directly with the tools and methods used in college labs and professional research settings, preparing them for future careers in STEM.
“This grant from the Society for Science will transform how our rural, Title I students experience science. With professional-grade research tools in their hands, students will move beyond textbooks to conduct real investigations and begin to see themselves as scientists. This opportunity opens doors to curiosity, confidence, and future STEM pathways that many of our students have never had access to before,” said Mrs. Sain.
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