Inspired by her father, an engineer who brought the family to the US from Honduras when she was two years old, Susie Bennett felt the lure of science early on. “I was a third-grade student reading science textbooks,” she said.
From their home in North Port, Bennett’s dad taught her about the impact and wonder of the sciences, explaining the details of the space program while sitting in their backyard watching NASA launches in real time. A loyal follower of “Star Trek” he ultimately convinced Susie and her siblings to love the TV show and, as a result, become fascinated by the future of space travel.
After attaining a BA in Business and working in the retail industry in her 20s, Bennett’s passion for science won out. “I decided to just go for it,” she said, and went on to earn a BS in Biology from the University of South Florida and an MS in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. “My mom gave me the confidence to always strive for more and to follow my dreams,” she added.
Then, while working as a Microbiologist and Quality Assurance Analyst at Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, Bennett was granted the opportunity to intern at the Kennedy Space Center and study microgravity research.
She continued her space exploration last summer when she participated in spacesuit and emergency egress training at the Center for Human Space Exploration at the University of Arizona, Biosphere 2. More recently, she participated in a Life on Mars simulation experience with the Space Foundation, in collaboration with NASA and sponsored by SpaceX.
Bennett currently teaches IB Chemistry, Pre-IB Chemistry, Pre-IB Biology at Venice High School (VHS), where she encourages and informs her students to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. She inspires them to recognize the interdisciplinary and connectiveness of science to the real world.
Ananya Kakayadi, a junior at VHS, has experienced that inspiration firsthand. “Mrs. Bennett definitely affirmed my decision to pursue (the) STEM-related career of medicine,” said Kakaydi, who ultimately wants to be a neurologist. She affirmed that Bennett is a role model who has a wealth of valuable information about STEM career paths “One of the biggest things she's taught me is that STEM careers don't have to solely be in traditional fields like medicine or engineering. STEM is used in every industry, including the cosmetic industry, food industry, etc.”
For example, recently she’s been teaching her students about the chemistry and engineering behind NASA’s Artemis program. Many of them hadn’t even realized that practice launches can be seen from their own backyards in Southwest Florida.
In addition to being a science lover and advocate for STEM, Bennett enjoys the beaches and diverse wildlife of living in the Venice area. She finds the region to be calming and beautiful.
Bennett hopes to become certified as a Scientist-Astronaut with the International Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in the near future and participate in some analog astronaut missions. With Bennett’s amazing work ethic and confidence, she will undoubtedly achieve her ultimate goal: to work as a Scientist for NASA.
My mom gave me the confidence to always strive for more and to follow my dreams,
