Tell us why you became a teacher

I have worked in mining, petroleum science, paleontology, museums, fast food, construction and landscaping. No matter where I was I always found a way to teach science and critical thinking skills to my coworkers. I naturally fall into the roll of teacher, as anyone who has ever had lunch with me will attest. After working in various industry jobs I decided to try my hand at teaching full time and have loved it ever since.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Several years ago, I was teaching about landslides and the conversation got side tracked into talking about gravity, as so often happens in my class. Some students were confused about how gravity works and I took the time to explain the fundamentals and bring it back to the topic. As I made my final point, one of the students jumped up in excitement and finished my thought, having come to the answer herself by tying all the concepts together. She then made sure everyone else understood as well.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am currently locked in combat with my PhD, preparing my research for the inevitable defense to come! The hardest struggle so far has been putting enough time into it WHILE being a father and husband, WHILE teaching full time, AND looking for funding. This money would lessen the burden on my time so I could complete my research and provide for my family with less stress.