Noyce Scholar Profile
Danielle Avila-Sedoris
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of South Florida
Current academic or teaching status:
First Year Graduate Student
School and school district:
NA
Background:
My name is Danielle R. Avila-Sedoris. I was born into a large family in southern California, raised in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a Catholic and my faith has played a substantial role in developing my character and moral values. I am also an athlete and participated in a number of sports during my high school years, continuing on to the NCAA Division II Varsity Softball team at Eckerd College.
Why do you want to teach:
My passion for science was first ignited in the seventh grade when an inspiring teacher introduced the subject in a fun and stimulating manner. Since then, I have obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology and continue to investigate topics of interest through research and at home experimentation. I have always respected education and have shared close bonds with many of my teachers and coaches. I had the pleasure of teaching for Mad Science shortly after graduation and credit the experience for encouraging my pursuit of a career as a secondary science educator. Teaching is a field I respect, enjoy and believe can benefit from my talents. I look forward to beginning my career as a teacher and undergoing this next chapter in my life. What sets me apart from others is not only my optimism and hard work, but also my investigative mind and enthusiasm for science and education. I hope to one day inspire my students in a way that my teachers have all inspired me and to impact their lives so that they may always see the value of learning.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience took place when a student of mine approached me after our last lesson together and handed me a note that simply said “Thanks for everything. I had fun. Please don’t forget me.” This moment stands out to me because it made me realize the presence I have in my students’ lives and the power and potential all teachers have to positively impact their pupils.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Being a recipient of the Noyce Fellowship has allowed me to pursue a career in a field I love. Without the Noyce program, I do not believe I would have been able to afford the cost of education and would certainly not have been able to reach my goal of becoming a teacher as quickly as the Noyce Fellowship program allows.
