Who is Cary Supalo?
Dr. Cary Supalo completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Pennsylvania State University in 2010. Being totally blind since age of seven, Cary encountered many barriers to access along his path to becoming a chemistry professor and access technology innovator. He founded Independence Science in 2009 to serve as a vehicle of change for students who are blind in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields of study.
Dr. Supalo has a love for science and a contagious passion for science access. He has mentored and guided many students, sighted and blind alike, to help explore their STEM career interests. Independence Science leverages Dr. Supalo’s network in science education and in the STEM educational technology industries, and his deep connections with the blind community.
Cary feels very strongly that students learn by doing: this has also been borne out by his formal research studies with students who are blind. The science access tools that he has developed and innovated through Independence Science are helping to empower students who are blind or have low vision around the world to be more engaged in a hands-on way to seek out more fulfilling hands-on science learning experiences.
Cary has created a synergy of momentum that is shifting the societal paradigm of science education for students who are blind to have hands-on science learning experiences. Independence Science now leverages an entire team of blind and otherwise disabled scientists who are sharing their many years of experience and expertise to further open doors of opportunity for students with disabilities in the STEM professions.
Dr. Supalo’s Dissertation:
“Teaching Chemistry and Other Sciences to Blind and Low-Vision Students through Hands-On Learning Experiences in High School Science Laboratories”
To Access the dissertation for purchase from ProQuest, click here [link]
His M.S. in Chemistry with an emphasis in catalysis, 2005, Pennsylvania State University. Thesis: “Cerium Zirconium Lanthanum Dioxide Catalyst Supports Impregnated with Platinum/Palladium for the Methanol Steam Reforming Reaction”