Annie first became interested in the exploration of space when she was in first grade and watched the astronauts land and walk on the moon. She has been involved in a hands-on approach to science for her school, including an afterschool science program and an afterschool space club. One of the units taught to her first graders is always space because the students have such an interest in exploration. Often the favorite part of the unit is eating astronaut food. The second most favorite part is launching paper rockets that the students have designed and made.

In the summer of 1999, Annie had the opportunity to work at the Goddard Space Flight Center with the IMAGE satellite educational outreach program, POETRY. She helped develop educational activities for students in grades K - 6.

When not teaching or working with students after school, Annie can be found enjoying long hikes, reading a variety of books and spending time with her family.