I teach fifth grade math and science at Holly Grove Elementary in Holly Springs, NC. This year marks my tenth year in education. In 2010, I received the Region 12 Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted award, and in 2011 the LBMS Teacher of the Year award. In 2013, I became a Nationally Board Certified teacher. I am passionate about STEM education, but most of what I have learned has been through trial and error. The Kenan Fellowship Program will pave the way for me to learn about STEM education, reflect on my practice, and network with an extraordinary group of colleagues.

My internship will be with Bayer CropScience, an international company involved in research of crop protection products and seed development. My mentor, Jeff Donald, another Kenan fellow, Lindsey Hensler, and I will be working to develop the Making Science Make Sense employee Volunteer program in which Bayer Crop employees share the science behind their work with kids. Bayer’s work with seed traits and bee health fits beautifully into my fifth grade science curriculum, and I cannot wait to share this experience with my students!

Pictured below: Jeff Donald (Bayer Crop mentor), Lindsey Hensler (Kenan Fellow), and me