Noyce Scholar Profile
Yookyung Chung
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, grades 9-10
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Current academic or teaching status:
Master's degree
School and school district:
George Wythe High School, Richmond, VA
Background:
I attended Virginia Tech to study biological science. During my second year in college, I spent a semester in South Africa as an exchange student which allowed me to participate in a research project studying the ocean ecosystem. Upon graduation, I started a post-bacc program to study physiology and biophysics at the Medical School of Virginia. Before I started working in the education field, I visited countries in Africa and Asia to participate in missionary work and volunteered at a research facility for Aquaponics systems. My current interest is in alternative agriculture systems and self-sustained lifestyles.
Why do you want to teach:
Science is a part of our lives because it explains the world around us. I believe that studying science will broaden understanding of the world around students, and it will teach the skills needed to approach most problems in an analytical and logical manner. It also teaches students to become critical thinkers. I want to teach because I can inspire students by bringing my past experience and knowledge in various science topics into the classroom.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The most memorable teaching experience is when I observe the reactions of students during experiments or demonstrations. It excites me when their eyes are so focused on observing the process of the reactions every time I do the lab with them. It really triggers their curiosity and imagination as they try to understand the scientific process.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program prepares me to be a well equipped secondary school teacher. I am able to gain new ideas, insights and perspectives from experienced educators and professors. It would not have been possible if I had not received a scholarship through the Noyce program.
