Noyce Scholar Profile

Audrey Hobbs
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Chemistry/Secondary Education
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry and Physical Science, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
Georgia Southern University/SMART Scholar Program
Current academic or teaching status:
Senior Undergraduate
School and school district:
Trinity Christian School, Bulloch County
Background:
I started at Georgia Southern University as a Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy major. The more I delved into my major, the more I developed a passion for the sciences. On a whim, I took a summer job as a camp counselor at a science camp in my home town. From the first day, I fell in love with sharing my passion for science with students. After that summer, my research professor suggested applying to the SMART Scholar Program. Ever since, I’ve enjoyed every second of my journey to becoming a teacher.
Why do you want to teach:
When I was in high school, my physics teacher inspired me with her passion for her subject. It made me want to pursue the sciences. It showed me that if more teachers had such excitement for what they teach, more students would be passionate about learning the subject. I want to teach, because I too am passionate about my subject. I want to show students the amazing things that science has to offer and hopefully inspire them to pursue the sciences as well.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experiences have come from the science camp that I work at every summer. These moments are memorable because of the pure joy the students get from experiencing science up close. It inspires me to bring these up-close experiences to my own classroom every chance I get.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce Program has shown me what it truly means to be an effective teacher. I feel better prepared for entering the field because of the experiences it has provided me. I know that when I have a classroom of my own, I will be a much more effective teacher because of what this program has given me.