In the tundras of western coastal Alaska sits a remote Yup’ik village called Scammon Bay. A town of fewer than 500, its people travel on 4-wheelers or snowmobiles, and there are no roads connecting it elsewhere. Coming or going requires multiple planes and cooperative weather. It’s a beautiful place to live, but science teacher Mary Cook knows that the isolation can be a hurdle for her and her students. Cook works to find ways to inspire them to dream big and tackle challenging subjects.
![Mary Cook, left, was a Teacher at Sea in 2016. She continues to make an impact by connecting her students with NOAA science and scientists. (Image credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea) Mary Cook, left, was a Teacher at Sea in 2016. She continues to make an impact by connecting her students with NOAA science and scientists.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2019/Jun/MaryCook_TAS1.png?itok=17h7aek7)
Mary Cook, left, was a Teacher at Sea in 2016. She continues to make an impact by connecting her students with NOAA science and scientists. (Image credit: NOAA Teacher at Sea)