Noyce Scholar Profile
Maranda Holley
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Master of Arts in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology and Secondary Science Education
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
The University of South Florida
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate student
School and school district:
Hillsborough County School District
Background:
I’m originally from Huntsville, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 2006 with a double major in biomedical sciences and molecular biology. I began undergraduate research in 2004 which lead to a publication in 2007. I began graduate studies in the Integrative Biology department at the University of South Florida in 2007, studying the biomechanism of feeding in salamanders, as well as, working part-time at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. I left my graduate studies and accepted a position at the zoo. Upon the discovery of my passion for science education I applied to the graduate program to pursue a masters in education at the University of South Florida.
Why do you want to teach:
I desire to give each and every person the opportunity to experience science as I see it. I do not want them to shy away believing it is to hard but rather stop and admire all the many wonderful things it brings and creates.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experience occurred in the 8th grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Herman, asked the class “Why is fire not alive?” She was holding what appeared to be a candle; in actuality, it was a potato with a fuse. Each time a student would give an explanation she countered it. My favorite moment was when someone stated, “You can not eat it,” where she then took a bite out of the candle! It was the first moment when I was encouraged to think outside of the box and explain what I new to be true, scientifically.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program has offered me the benefit of completing my degree requirements and teaching all at the same time. It is wonderful to begin a program and at the same time begin teaching.
