Mary Beth Harper is a native El Pasoan and self-professed desert rat, who has spent the majority of her 50+ years exploring the Chihuahuan Desert. A composite science certified teacher, she has taught grades 6 through 12 in El Paso ISD and college biology labs at UTEP for a total of 25 years. One of her biggest adventures involved accepting a Fulbright to teach in Turkey for a year: middle school students at a private school in the capital, Ankara. That really was an educational experience; both the students and exploring the rich history and geography of Turkey. She also spent two years in Atlanta at Emory University exploring Southeast flora and fauna. She received the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship in 1998 to develop a Scientific Research and Design course focused on environmental science. Of late, she works as the middle school science facilitator for the El Paso ISD, and it is in that capacity she became involved with the GK12 program at UTEP. Her passion about science education, in particular environmental education, is evident in conversation. She loves field trips of all kinds, for students and adults alike. Anytime one is suggested, count her in.