Volunteer of the Month: Dr. Aizenman

Our Volunteer of the Month is Dr. Morris L. Aizenman—affectionately known as Dr. A—who has been a dedicated volunteer at Taylor Elementary for the past 14 years.

A retired astrophysicist, Dr. A leads “Q&A with Dr. A” lunch sessions three times a week, engaging groups of students from kindergarten through fifth grade in informal science discussions.

While most questions are about space and dinosaurs, students are encouraged to ask anything they want about science. Dr. A says the conversations have ranged across many fields—from astronomy, biology, and chemistry to mathematics and physics. Occasionally, even this seasoned astrophysicist is surprised. He recalls one memorable moment when a second grader said he hoped to ask a question Dr. A didn’t know the answer to—so they could both learn something new.

Dr. A holds a doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics and spent his career researching the evolution and stability of stars at the National Science Foundation (NSF). During his time there, he served in a number of roles, including Program Director for various fields of astronomical research. Before retiring in 2012, he held the position of Senior Scientist for the Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

Dr. A came to Taylor through a program run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which places retired STEM professionals in schools across the DC metro area.

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering at Taylor, says Aizenman, is getting to know students across all grade levels and watching them grow from year to year. “I find myself being welcomed back by the children I’ve met in earlier years with the question, ‘Will you be doing Q&A Lunch Bunch this year, and when does it start?’”

Dr. A’s influence extends beyond the school day. He recalls a parent sharing that, thanks to the lunch Q&A sessions, dinner table conversations at home had changed. Another parent told him that their daughter had come home and announced that, because of her lunch bunch meeting with Dr. A, she had decided to become a scientist.

Congratulations to Dr. A and the entire Taylor community!