Tell us why you became a teacher

I come from a line of teachers, but I remember being college, I wasn't confident in my ability to teach so I was a research scientist for 12 years. I hated science when I was in Junior High, so I was determined to teach my students that science is not only necessary, but fun. I incorporated my experiences from teaching the importance of lab safety (don't spill 10M NaOH on you freshly shaven legs) to helping to solve a murder using plant DNA.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had students do an "I Am" poem in my science class. I had one student who hated to write. He had a learning disability, but he grew leaps an bounds from sixth grade to eighth grade. I started the poem for him, "I am brave and strong." When we got to I wish, he said, "I wish my brother didn't have cancer." The tears just started flowing, from both of us. With each line he completed, his confidence grew. When we finished we hugged, and he continued writing the rest of the day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Honestly, if I could get Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson, to come to my school, I would forfeit the $25,000. In the event I have to take the money, I'd like to donate some of it to my school for field trips, instruments, and athletic equipment. The rest I think I'd just save for a rainy day. I know that's boring, but I can't think of anything else at this moment.