On Aug 5-6, 10 West Linn and Wilsonville high school students received the opportunity to partner with 10 Portland State University undergraduate students as part of the Microscopy Society of America Annual Microscopy and Microanalysis national meeting. Sponsored by the conference Education Committee, student scientists worked alongside WLWV International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Program Coordinators Dr. Jennifer Wells and Danielle Grenier, as well as PSU’s Dr. Erik Sanchez to pilot a program that will introduce students to the world of professional conferences and advanced microscopy and digital imaging.

On Aug. 4, students engaged in a pre-conference electron microscopy workshop in the Portland State University Nano Development Laboratory to learn key concepts and technical language. Nanoscale microscopy is the technical field that uses electron microscopes capable of magnifications up to 10 million times in comparison to light microscopes that are limited to below 200 times magnification.

On Aug. 5 and 6, students attended and participated in the first two days of the Microscopy Society of America National Microscopy and Microanalysis Conference at the Oregon Convention Center. Students participated in the Plenary Session and visit the Exhibit and Vendor booths.

Each West Linn-Wilsonville student was paired with a PSU undergraduate student, allowing for collaboration and learning throughout the conference. West Linn-Wilsonville students then presented their International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) project poster to conference attendees. During the two-day conference, students learned about the latest in Microscopy and Microanalysis from some of the field’s top scientists and researchers.

The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is proud to announce Dr. Michelle Jensen as the next principal at Boones Ferry Primary. Dr. Jensen was selected for the leadership position on Friday, Aug. 2 following an extensive interview process that included an exemplary field of candidates. 

Dr. Jensen was selected following three separate panel interviews comprised of teachers, classified staff, administrators, and parents in addition to follow-up interviews with Superintendent Dr. Kathy Ludwig and District administrators. Candidates explored questions about leadership and instructional practice, culturally responsive teaching, and collaborative school culture among other important topics.

Dr. Jensen is a seasoned principal coming to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District from Hillsboro School District where she’s been a primary school principal since 2016. Dr. Jensen has also worked as a Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and a lead counselor in Hermiston School District. Dr. Jensen received her doctorate from Oregon State University and has demonstrated a broad knowledge and understanding of instructional practices and culture-building during her career.

Welcome to Boones Ferry Primary and the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Dr. Jensen!