Mali Hubert

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn’t see myself as a teacher until my first experience teaching in grad school. As a PhD student, I stood before undergraduates to teach the scientific method. To my surprise, the words flowed naturally, and I felt at ease. Seeing students transition from confusion to that “aha!” moment was transformative. Realizing I could help them understand complex topics was incredibly rewarding. From that moment, I dedicated my graduate career to preparing to inspire and educate the next generation.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my primary goals as an educator is to engage students in community service activities tied to course topics. In my introductory biology class, we concluded the semester by exploring biodiversity and the importance of protected areas. To make this lesson tangible, I brought the class to a local park to discuss biodiversity and participate in a cleanup to support its ecological health. Students felt they made a real impact and gained a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I plan to develop a biology scholarship at my college and create a study abroad course on biodiversity and conservation in Costa Rica. Studying in Costa Rica as an undergraduate transformed my view of science, and I want to offer that opportunity to students. Funds would also support research on rural ecosystems’ climate responses and provide scholarships for underrepresented students, fostering future scientists and promoting lasting ecological impact.