What inspired you to become a teacher?

I love helping others find new passions and explore new topics. Providing opportunities to discover and experience new ideas are the best parts of teaching.

Why did you choose the subject area that you teach?

Science and engineering both provide some of the best hands-on experiences for students to find joy in learning and practice overcoming challenges, no matter how hard.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with students?

It is rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of students when they get to bring their ideas to life. Helping them not just learn about a topic, but turn it into a physical creation through a process that they can remember and look back on, makes teaching what it is.

How do you connect with and engage students in the learning process?

I do this by getting to know each student and who they are as an individual. Everyone learns differently, so it is important to help them find what works best for them personally and then find ways to connect their interests and passions to the current topic.

Beyond the classroom, what are some of your interests or hobbies that you're passionate about?

I love building and creating — from LEGOs to wooden structures to building computers. I especially love creating new and exciting things for my pet tortoise, Earl.