Noyce Scholar Profile
Benjamin Fridkis
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Physiology
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:
Arizona State University
Current academic or teaching status:
First-year Master's Student
School and school district:
Internship, Brimhall Junior High School, Mesa School District
Background:
I am from Colorado and received my Bachelor’s degree in pre-medical sciences. Originally I had intended to go to medical school, but came to believe that I could be more effective as an educator, teaching young people how to take responsibility for not just academics, but also their social, physical, and psychological lives.
Why do you want to teach:
I love kids and have the spirit and energy of a kid myself.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
I have limited teaching experience so far, but I have had a great time with my mentor teacher at Brimhall Junior High School. For a recent writing assignment, I was touched by the effort and talent that many of the students eagerly put forth. I intend that all my experiences teaching will be memorable in the most positive sense.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program demonstrates a commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for the education of young minds that is unprecedented as far as I have seen. Noyce has inspired me to strive for the same kind of selfless devotion that will spur the continuing evolution of our scientific community, beginning of course with the education of our young people.
