Noyce Scholar Profile
Travis Fink
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biological Engineering
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Arkansas
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
Har-Ber High School, Springdale Public School District
Background:
I grew up being a student who always excelled in the classroom. School was always a fun and positive place for me. Throughout my school years, I enjoyed subjects in math and science. I went into the engineering field because I was drawn to these areas. I enjoyed the interesting research and application of engineering and used that as a launching point for my teaching career.
Why do you want to teach:
I have had the opportunity to work with students through a summer camp and loved it. This experience really opened my eyes to the idea of working with students as a career. I knew that by becoming a teacher I could combine my passion for math and science with my love of students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
During my first student internship rotation, I was able to work with my ninth graders on a float for their football homecoming parade. We spend several hours a day after school making the float. The students worked so well together, and we ended up making an awesome float. I really enjoyed being able to interact with my students outside the classroom and build some relationships with them. This experience was fun and will stand out for me when I think back to my time at that school.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
I have been so thankful for the Noyce program. It has given me the financial security to continue my education and pursue a career in education. It has also allowed me to build relationships with other Noyce scholars who will be able to help and encourage me through my years of teaching.
