Noyce Scholar Profile
Collin Holmquist
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Secondary Mathematics Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Mathematics, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate student
School and school district:
Student Teaching with Pat Janicke, Fall 2012, Lincoln High School
Background:
I grew up in Lincoln, NE and went to high school at Lincoln Southwest. I have always been fascinated by the fields of mathematics and science. Those interests led me to major in Meteorology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where I really was able to dig into higher level mathematics. It was amazing to see our atmosphere put in the form of mathematical equations. After the research and internship experience, I decided that teaching would be the best fit for my passions.
Why do you want to teach:
Mathematically and scientifically speaking, the sparks that propelled my interests in math and science were my teachers, specifically, my high school teachers. The impact they had on me still lasts today, and I want to promote the math and sciences to the next generation of students in hopes that I impact them in a similar way.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Though he wasn’t a mathematics teacher, Mark Grudgel, an English teacher at Lincoln Southwest, inspired me to make a difference. He taught my Holocaust Literature class in high school. It was inspiring to see such dedication to a field, especially one dealing with human rights. His commitment was shown in his knowledge and the impact he had on students. He inspired me to have that same commitment as a teacher. Dedicating my time and energy to making sure that students are successful in their endeavors in the classroom.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
One of the biggest things I’ve taken from the program so far is the relationships I’ve created with professors and especially with other Noyce Fellows. I could not say I would have had the same level of success and satisfaction without them. They, more than anything else, have made teaching (and learning to teach) so real and so enjoyable.
