Noyce Scholar Profile
Amy Marling
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Master of Arts in Teaching
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. Secondary Level.
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Iowa
Current academic or teaching status:
6
School and school district:
Northwest Junior High School, Iowa City Community School District
Background:
Amy Marling is pursuing her Masters in All Science Education at the University of Iowa. She received her B.A. in Biology- Honors Research with Suma Cum Laude standing at the University of Northern Iowa. With previous work as a production scientist synthesizing DNA for cancer research, vaccines, and agricultural purposes, she is excited for this transition into the field of education.
Why do you want to teach:
To me, the most intriguing aspect of teaching is building positive relationships with students. Remembering the impact that my science teachers and professors had on my life, I would like to spark that same curiosity for science in my future students. Through inquiry based practices, I hope to inspire my students to develop a scientific mindset and utilize critical reasoning in their daily life. Further, it is my desire to motivate my students to become innovators in science with the same spirit of creativity and vision exemplified by Dr. Robert Noyce. I look forward to those ‘ah ha’ moments and am excited to help my students fulfill their potential in the field of science.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
In the fall of 2007, I found myself on the doorsteps of the University of Northern Iowa’s Biology Department with a strong desire to learn more about the intricacies of life. Within my first year, I pursued an undergraduate research position in the reptile lab. At first glance, handling snakes, alligators, and snapping turtles seemed rather intimidating. Yet, the job was a remarkable experience. Each day I came to work, I was taught something new about life. My advising professor was incredibly knowledgeable and eagerly shared his wisdom with me. Whether it was about wildlife, new virus strains, fossils, or recent biological finds, I eagerly absorbed his teaching whenever given the chance. Further, the research I conducted in his lab eventually led to my undergraduate honor thesis on spiny softshell turtles. This mentorship along with my related work experiences (e.g., coaching swim league, mentoring as a Resident Assistant, and tutoring in Biology) inspired my desire to teach both the biological and physical sciences.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The financial assistance from the NOYCE program has provided me with more time to focus on my academics and my student teaching placement in the spring semester of 2014. Without financial worries impeding my career goals, I will be able to spend more time developing creative and innovative inquiry based lessons to meet my future students’ growing academic needs in the ever-changing, demanding field of science. Inspired by the accomplishments of Dr. Robert Noyce in the field of computer science (integrated circuits) and the microprocessor/semiconductor industry (Intel), I am excited to be on the cutting edge of tomorrow’s team of science educators that make a difference in the lives of young adults and inspire them to achieve such greatness. It is a true honor to be a NOYCE scholarship recipient.
