Tell us why you became a teacher

I began my career in science in 1999 as an analytical chemist, a role I held for nearly eight years. While I achieved my dream of becoming a chemist, I felt a growing desire to teach—an aspiration deep in my heart that called me to help people one-on-one, in real time. I made the decision to leave my successful laboratory career and pursue my passion for teaching. While my goal of "saving lives" has remained constant, becoming a teacher has expanded my ability to impact the world around me.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Over my 21 years of teaching, I have received many prestigious accolades such as the ACS Division of Chemical Education Southeastern Region Award for Excellence in High School Teacher. The awards and accolades I’ve received have been rewarding, but what I truly treasure are the opportunities to form meaningful connections with every student who walks into my classroom. Watching them grow into young men and women of character and integrity has been the most fulfilling part of my work.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest most of the $25,000 into continuing and expanding my ChemBowl competition, a chemistry-focused quiz bowl competition that I created five years ago that has brought both public and private schools together to compete in and further expand students and teachers love for the science of chemistry. I would use the money to help scale up this free competition past Marion County Florida and invite schools all around the state to further chemistry education.