Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Guatemala: The APS and GLOBE Recognize Waleska Magdalena Aldana Segura for Her Dedication to Science Education
Dr. Magdalena Waleska Aldana Segura, a longtime physics
professor at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and Universidad
Galileo, and GLOBE Guatemala educator and collaborator, has been named
a Global
Spotlight Member by the American Physical Society (APS) in
recognition of her outstanding contributions to science education and
research across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Her passion for science began as a young girl in Guatemala, captivated by the mysteries of the night sky and the glow of fireflies during evening walks with her father. These simple yet profound questions sparked a lifelong curiosity that led her to a career in physics and science education.
Today, Aldana Segura channels that childhood wonder into a movement that is advancing science education beyond borders. She leads the binational STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) program in Guatemala and Mexico jointly with GLOBE International STEM Network (GISN) member Julián Félix. The program is focused on professional development for educators and mentoring opportunities for students, has had financial support from the US Embassy in Guatemala. The program is endorsed by several academic institutions by Universidad de San Carlos, Universidad Galileo, Universidad de Guanajuato as well as the NOC (National Outreach Committee) of the International Astronomical Union, and won several international awards, the program has sparked a culture of scientific learning and innovation that goes far beyond the classroom.
“STEAM Program is a great example of passion and collaboration,” says Aldana Segura. “There is hope for a brighter future when you witness children becoming inspired, wanting to learn more about the cosmos and how it functions.”
Her leadership is deeply connected to the GLOBE Program,
where she has been actively involved for over 10 years. Starting as a
judge in the 2013 student science fair (now the International
Virtual Science Symposium [IVSS]), Aldana Segura has grown into
a key mentor and researcher within GLOBE. She currently guides groups
of university thesis students, graduates, and high school students
presenting mosquito-borne disease projects at regional GLOBE events,
such as the 2024 Latin America and Caribbean Regional Meeting in the
Dominican Republic.
A core focus of her work within GLOBE is to replicate and expand her mosquito research project to Costa Rica, addressing this shared regional challenge through the power of the GLOBE network.
Aldana Segura also contributes to the GLOBE Evaluation Working Group, helping improve program feedback mechanisms, and is an active member of the mosquito subcommittee within the “Trees within LAC” campaign.
“For me, GLOBE is not just data,” she explains. “Behind each data point are stories—interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects that connect a large community of teachers, students, and scientists. GLOBE brings science to every corner of the world.”
She highlights that GLOBE's strength lies in its ability to connect people from vastly different realities and contexts to investigate global challenges together. Her collaboration with the GLOBE country coordinator in Costa Rica on mosquito research exemplifies how the GLOBE network creates unique regional and international scientific collaboration opportunities.
Her contributions represent a milestone not only for Guatemala but also for the entire Latin America and Caribbean region and for the GLOBE Program as a whole, demonstrating the transformative impact of community, education, and science working in harmony.
“GLOBE is a living network that teaches us to observe, understand, and act together. It reminds us that science belongs to everyone—and that every student, every teacher, and every data point can make a difference. Thank you, GLOBE.”
Learn more about GLOBE Guatemala.
Story courtesy of the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Coordination Office.
Photos courtesy of Waleska Aldana Segura.