The research plan that the PI has initiated will answer a long-standing puzzle of embryology- how do inducers transmit their effects to cause particular patterns of organ formation in vertebrates? The PI is involved in several innovative teaching projects, and is committed to increasing the standard of science education in the United States. This NYI award will free time that she would otherwise devote to grant applications and allow her attention to focus on performing research of the highest quality and on implementing changes in both the curriculum of her home institution and in the involvement of scientists in school-level education.