Janelise Aldea Delgado, a dedicated educator from Juncos, Puerto Rico, has been awarded the prestigious Lucy Gaspar Award for Excellence in Science Education 2025 by the AAAS Caribbean Division. This recognition will be formally presented during the 40th Annual Convention of the AAAS Caribbean Division, scheduled for October 24-25, 2025.
With over 20 years of experience inspiring students to explore science through nature, Aldea Delgado has made significant contributions to the field of education. Since 2008, she has led the Mariposario Alianza Verde, a pioneering educational initiative in Puerto Rico”s public schools, where students engage in researching, protecting, and breeding butterflies within a controlled environment. This project has served as a model for innovative education and experiential learning for more than 16 years, fostering environmental awareness and a passion for science among hundreds of young people.
A native of Caguas and a teacher at the Clara Maldonado de Aramburu Secondary School in Juncos, Aldea Delgado expressed her gratitude in a press release, stating, “Receiving this award is an honor that recognizes not only my journey but also the work of my students, colleagues, and the community that has supported the creation and growth of the butterfly garden.”
Throughout her 25-year career in the public education system, she has distinguished herself by integrating research, environmental conservation, and active student participation in scientific projects. “I will continue to dedicate myself to scientific and environmental education with the conviction that teaching is the most powerful tool for building a sustainable and conscious future,” she added. Aldea Delgado is also an alumna of the Department of Education at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao.
In 2008, she became the first public school teacher to achieve certification in lepidopterology from the INBio University in Costa Rica. Her commitment to science education has garnered international recognition, including the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence, research scholarships, and the admiration of her peers and students.
Dr. Kevin M. Alicea Torres, president of the AAAS Caribbean Division, emphasized that honoring Aldea Delgado during the organization”s 40th anniversary “reaffirms our mission to highlight the essential role of educators who inspire scientific curiosity and environmental commitment from the classroom.” He further remarked, “Her journey embodies the spirit of the Lucy Gaspar Award and the transformative power of science when taught with passion, purpose, and empathy.”
The Lucy Gaspar Award for Excellence in Science Education honors the legacy of the prominent educator and scientific leader Lucy Gaspar, celebrating K-12 teachers in the Caribbean who promote curiosity, critical thinking, and the connection between science and community.
Aldea Delgado will receive her recognition at the 40th Annual Convention of the AAAS Caribbean Division, taking place at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Humacao on October 24-25, 2025.
