Dorina Girbovan

Inspire, Empower, Achieve!

About me

Dorina Girbovan - Experienced Science Educator, International Space Ambassador, Founder, Trainer, and Speaker.

As an experienced Canadian and Romanian educator and mentor, I am passionate about inspiring others to reach their full potential. I serve as a trainer, speaker and 360 science consultant, sharing insights and expertise to enhance educational experiences.

As the only Romanian HESA via NASA Education International Space Ambassador, the G100 Romania Country Chair for the Space Technology & Aviation Wing and the Teacher Liasion Flight 24 from Space Foundation, I bring a unique global perspective to training and development, fostering curiosity and innovation.

My mission is to open pathways for learners, guiding their professional journey towards knowledge and discovery.

Let's explore the universe of learning together!

My mission

My mission is to inspire and empower future generations of STEM and Space leaders, guiding them like the Big Dipper guides travelers, toward a path of discovery, knowledge, and success. I foster global expertise, critical thinking, perseverance, and excellence while partnering with educational institutions, organizations, and individuals striving for success.

My roles:

I have held multiple professional roles over the past 24 years, working as a science international educator and certified trainer in the United States, Canada, and Romania, leading workshops and training sessions. In 2018, I was elected as a HESA via NASA Education International Ambassador and have served as a speaker and astronaut moderator at various global science and space events.

My expertise includes being a Physics examiner for Cambridge, developing science and space curricula, and writing educational materials. I am part of an elite group, the International Teacher Liaison for Flight 24, an initiative of the Space Foundation. In 2023, I became the G100 Romania Country Chair for the Space Technology & Aviation Wing, where I advocate for the promotion of women in science and technology. I am the founder of Beyond The Stars Education, an NGO dedicated to advancing space education for visually impaired students, while I am the coordinator of Space Camps in Belgium and USA since 2017.

On a personal note, I am a wife and proud mother of two children. My primary commitment is to lead with integrity and serve others by sharing my knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm. I aspire to inspire future generations, particularly women, to become leaders in the field of science.

My experience:

With 24 years of extensive educational experience in teaching science at high school and university levels under various curricula, while leading the Science and ICT departments for the last 14 years, I was able to effectively integrate each curriculum's strengths. My strong academic international background has provided me with a solid foundation in science, enabling me to design and advise on STEM activities and develop curriculum, while creating science project frameworks that align with educational standards. Being an international teacher, ambassador, and chair, I stay current with trends in science education and guide both schools and students toward professional success.

As a certified trainer and experienced Cambridge examiner, I have trained Science staff nationally and internationally through workshops, summits, and conferences, focusing on STEM, Project-based learning and Space memorable activities, curriculum planning, implementation, assessment, and progress tracking. My expertise in Cambridge assessment procedures enables me to guide teachers in supporting student success. Additionally, I organized Space sessions in diverse environments to enhance team-building.

As a dynamic speaker and astronaut moderator, I ignite inspiration in professionals and empower women in science and space through impactful global events. My organizational speeches focus on critical skills needed for excellence and sustainable success, illustrating the vital connections between space exploration and the business world. In 2023, I proudly represented Romania as the sole speaker at NASA's prestigious Space Exploration Educators Conference in Houston, showcasing our nation's commitment to science and innovation.

Since 2017, I have coordinated Space Camps at both the US Space and Rocket Center and Belgium Space Camp in Transinne, providing students with unforgettable experiences in the field of space exploration. Furthermore, I founded the Beyond the Stars Education Association, dedicated to making space accessible to all students, especially to those with disabilities. In my role leading the SCIVIS program since 2017, I have focused on creating inclusive opportunities that inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.

Certifications:

Physics Cambridge Examiner, Cambridge Assessment International Education, UK
Certified Romanian Teacher - 1st Degree, Ministry of Education, Romania
Canadian Independent School Teacher Certificate, Ministry of Education Independent Schools, Canada
Trainer Certificate (Formator), Ministry of Education, National Association (ANC), Romania
Ethics of AI, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK

Awards:

2024 Women's Space Awards Global Winner - Education and Outreach Women's Aerospace, Washington, USA
International Teacher Liasion - Flight 24 Space Foundation, Colorado Springs, USA
HESA via NASA education 2018 International Ambassador, Huntsville, AL, USA

Awards for Coordinated Students in International Science Competitions:

Conrad Challenge 2025, Houston, Texas, USA – Conrad Innovator Diploma
Genius Olympiad 2025, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, USA - Finalist / Science category
International Greenwich Olympiad 2025, London, UK - Finalist / Engineering category
International STEM Olympiad 2022 - 3 runner-ups, 2 nominee
Roadmap to Space Settlement 2017 contest, National Space Society (NSS), USA - Grand prize winner
NASA Ames Space Settlement 2017 contest, National Space Society (NSS), USA
Bill Bryson Prize 2014 - Royal Society of Chemistry, UK – International Schools Winner
COBIS International Young Scientists Film Awards 2014, UK- 1 winner, 1 runner-up, and 2 nominees
COBIS International Young Scientists Film Awards 2013, UK - 2 winners, 1 runner-up, and 2 nominees
Odysseus 2013 - European Space Agency (ESA) - National winner team
Space Gallery Competition, ESA for Kids, Italy - 1 runner-up
Explore the high-energy Universe 2012 - European Space Agency (ESA), UK - 1 runner-up and 2 winners
Bill Bryson Award 2012 - Royal Society of Chemistry, UK- Runner-up
Spare - Energy and Habitat 2011 - National Winner