Edgar A. Bering, III, is a Professor of Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering with 40 years of experience in space plasma physics. He has extensive hands-on experience in sounding rocket and balloon operations. He is currently involved in the development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket at the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center. As founding Chair of the Mars Rover Celebration, Bering leads the competition for students in grades 3-8 who design and construct a model of a Mars Rover as part of a 6-week classroom learning project covering Mars. The program also includes teacher training, an integral piece of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.