Noyce Scholar Profile
Lisa Augustine
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Zoology, Entomology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, Chemistry, grades 6-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Pacific University
Current academic or teaching status:
Master of Arts in Teaching
School and school district:
Practicum, Thurston Middle School. Springfield, OR
Background:
I earned my Bachelor’s degrees in Zoology and Entomology from Oregon State University. During college, my work experiences as a veterinary technician and laboratory assistant at an Entomology Extension Agency, and intern at a marine science center fostered my interest in life science research. After graduating I worked at the University of Arizona for nine years, where I was exposed to diverse research projects and discovered my passion for teaching.
Why do you want to teach:
My primary interest is to teach biology and chemistry at the secondary level, although I have enjoyed my experiences tutoring middle school students in mathematics and student teaching earth science. I enjoy the sciences and through my work experiences discovered my enjoyment of teaching.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The most memorable teaching experience I have had involved a high-needs student who was wavering on her career interest. Due to her personal situation, the logistics of higher education was a major factor in her decision-making. I chose a lesson that I hoped she would find interesting, but was not expecting the impact it would have on her life. During class she confided that the hands-on laboratory gave her the affirmation and confidence to pursue her career interest. That was a powerful moment for me to learn that the simple act of listening to your students and providing the opportunity for them to explore could have such an influence in their lives.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
As a single mother, the Pacific Noyce scholarship has given me the opportunity to attend a reputable university in a program that is ideal for my personal life. I wanted a program that had the expertise and individualized instruction that would help me to enter the workforce as an exceptional teacher. Thanks to the Pacific Noyce scholarship I am in a learning community where I feel I am truly challenged to learn the art of teaching.
