PhD Candidate in Science Education

Graduate Assistant

Topics for the Classroom

Teaching through Context of Local Area Issues

Energy Resource Studies

Water Quality Testing

Education:

B.A. in Biological Science Education, 2003

Current Research:

My current research stems from an interest in the promotion of energy and environment education in the K-12 setting through a context of local area issues. Currently, I am exploring how we may define energy literacy to inform programs that introduce challenging energy resource issues to the classroom

Background:

I distinctly remember the first time an educator introduced me to science as an exploration of the natural world, rather than a series of facts. That was in the fifth grade and I will forever thank this teacher for providing me with the opportunity to examine and challenge my own thinking. Her approach to teaching science cultivated in me an interest that continued to develop long after I left her class. When I graduated from Glenrock High School in 1994, I went on to dabble in diverse fields from occupational therapy to the arts. Eventually, I realized that I wanted a career in education. Gaining my teaching certificate from the University of Wyoming, I then taught middle and high school science in Natrona County While there, my goal was to learn as much as possible from my colleagues and students to develop as a teacher capable of providing students the essential experiences that help them make connection to and better understand science.

After a move to Laramie with my family, I decided to take advantage of the presented opportunities at the University of Wyoming.  That brings me to my current research in science education and work in conjunction with the Science Posse. I‘m happy to be involved in education and the programs that support Wyoming’s teachers and students.