Sprayberry High School is gaining more attention for reaching for the stars in STEM education. 

After being selected for the prestigious Space for Teachers Embedded Teacher Program, veteran science teacher Todd Hefflinger will take flight aboard a Zero-G parabolic aircraft this May to conduct groundbreaking microgravity research developed in collaboration with Sprayberry students.

The Embedded Teacher Program is a national STEM project through Space for Teachers, Inc., designed to introduce middle and high school students to aerospace careers. This unique opportunity builds upon Sprayberry’s growing reputation as a leader in STEM innovation. The school’s partnership with NASA has already yielded significant achievements, including awards for "Most Innovative Design" and "Best Experimental Design" in the global Plant Mars and Plant the Moon competitions. Sprayberry’s students and staff are taking their research to new heights—literally. 

“Our STEM students have gained rare and invaluable opportunities working directly with some of the top aerospace engineers and scientists in the country,” said Mr. Hefflinger. “From engaging with Martian and lunar regolith simulants to designing hardware for microgravity, our students are truly pushing the boundaries of what high school students can achieve. These experiences inspire a new generation of innovators and problem solvers, further demonstrating that Cobb is the best place to teach, lead, and learn.” 

Flying Sprayberry’s Research in Microgravity 

When Mr. Hefflinger takes flight this spring, he will be helping his students build upon their success with the Plant Mars challenge. They will fly a 3D-printed nutrient matrix in microgravity. This innovative design earned the Sprayberry team a "Best Experimental Design" win in the Plant Mars challenge, and they now aim to prove its functionality in zero gravity. The matrix architecture embeds a nutrient gel, which is dehydrated before the flight. In microgravity, the experiment will involve using a novel injection system to rehydrate the matrix and study nutrient migration across the gel in the absence of gravity. 

This research has real-world implications for supporting sustainable agriculture on Earth and future space missions. 

As part of the Embedded Teacher Program, Mr. Hefflinger will undergo approximately 30 parabolic dives aboard the Zero-G aircraft, simulating microgravity and lunar gravity. This experience will advance the research and serve as a transformative educational moment for Sprayberry students, who have been integral in preparing for the flight. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators 

Sprayberry High School Principal Sara Fetterman praised Mr. Hefflinger’s commitment to fostering student success. “Mr. Hefflinger is an exceptional teacher whose genuine nature and deep passion for science make a lasting impact on his students,” she said. “His enthusiasm for STEM is contagious, inspiring curiosity and a love for learning. We are thrilled that he has been selected for this program and look forward to seeing how this experience impacts student learning at Sprayberry.” 

Mr. Hefflinger’s selection is a testament to his leadership in STEM education. His dedication to groundbreaking projects, such as the Plant Mars initiative, and his ability to inspire students to excel in competitive and cutting-edge science initiatives set him apart. Beyond his role as a teacher, he serves as the educational facilitator for the Mars Rover Resource Utilization team at the Center for Space Research in Austin, Texas, each summer and participates in the inaugural FastLab program, where students design experiments for the International Space Station. 

A Legacy of STEM Excellence at Sprayberry 

Sprayberry’s STEM program has long been a trailblazer in integrating real-world aerospace challenges into its curriculum. The school’s ongoing collaboration with NASA has not only earned accolades but has also created opportunities for students to design experiments that astronauts aboard the International Space Station carry out. This culture of innovation has led to transformative experiences for students and staff alike, solidifying Sprayberry’s reputation as a hub for STEM excellence. 

Mr. Hefflinger’s participation in the Embedded Teacher Program exemplifies the opportunities that emerge from Sprayberry’s commitment to STEM education. As he prepares to fly Sprayberry’s research into microgravity, he continues to inspire students to reach for the stars—proving that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning. Other Sprayberry educators are also helping students shoot for the stars. 

Fellow Sprayberry educator Dr. Hannah Oldham was recently recognized as STEM Teacher of the Year for the East Georgia Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Chapter and for the State of Georgia.