Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

At a young age, I watched my younger brother struggle in school because he did not conform to the submissive, ideal student that most teachers long for. My brother is bright, charismatic, and so many wonderful things, but none of those things were validated by his teachers. He grew up struggling in school and I realized that it had more to do with his teachers than it had to do with him. I decided then that hands-on, engaging teaching would help all students thrive. That is what I do now.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is probably the first time I taught Forensic Entomology in a high school. I bought a dead goat and the students were able to watch a specimen go through all the stages of decay and note all the insects and changes. I have seen students from more than 20 years ago who say that it was their favorite thing they have ever done in school and one student even told me that she uses it as a first date story. Lessons that get students talking to others are good.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 I would set up an at-home filming studio to make online Forensic Science and Science content so that all children with internet capabilities will be able to engage with hands-on learning using common household items for experiments and labs. Homeschool children and students without strong science programs will have access to free science lessons. I started writing the curriculum during COVID and would love to be able to film and edit it for mainstream consumption.