Noyce Scholar Profile
Arlyn Kilduff
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Psychology/Marine Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: 6-12 Biology
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
University of South Florida
Current academic or teaching status:
Graduate Student
School and school district:
Hillsborough County School District
Background:
After graduating from Eckerd College in 2006 with a background in Psychology and Marine Biology, I continued to pursue marine, environmental and animal education. As an educator I have held positions within environmental institutions, a zoo and aquariums. For the past four years I have been teaching marine science and environmental education at a small aquarium on the Long Island Sound in Stamford, CT. From this experience I have decided to pursue a formal science teaching career.
Why do you want to teach:
I have been a resident camp counselor for five summers and have always loved the challenge of teaching students. Throughout my professional experiences I have always been drawn back to the teaching. After all my amazing experience teaching in an informal setting, I have decided to take my teaching to the next level by becoming a certified science teacher.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
While teaching marine ecology my favorite part was taking students out of the classroom, getting muddy and wet in the many habitats of Long Island Sound. My personal goal was for students to realize how they are connected to the environment around them; how we affect the environment and how the environment affects our lives. Seeing students have an “Aha” moment is an amazing experience and knowing that I helped them make that connection is a wonderful feeling.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
By receiving this fellowship it lets me know that a group of people are supporting my decision and letting me know that I made the correct choice by following my heart and pursuing teaching. My main hesitation of continuing my education was taking on additional student loans. Because of this fellowship I am able to focus solely on my academics and not worry about getting by. I am honored to be selected for the fellowship and am ready to take on this new challenge and adventure.
