The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

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Maranda

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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.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant Numbers DUE-2041597 and DUE-1548986. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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