Noyce Scholar Profile
Ariel O'Brien
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S., Chemistry
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, grades 7-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Texas at Arlington
Current academic or teaching status:
Junior
School and school district:
Student Teacher
Background:
I was born in Tucson, Arizona but grew up in Saginaw, Texas. I am currently a junior at the University of Texas at Arlington pursuing my bachelor's of science in chemistry with UTeach. I work in an analytical chemistry lab under Dr. Khaledi studying the coacervate systems in proteomics. My personal interests include the psychology behind personality and music production.
Why do you want to teach:
The teachers I had in high school made such a huge difference in my life. My AP chemistry teacher is the primary reason I chose my major. Most of the close friends I meet after high school never went to college despite their high intelligence and capabilities because they never received the support I did. I want to make a difference in students' lives and help them find their passion in life.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
The entirety of my AP chemistry course inspired me to love chemistry because my teacher, Dr. Lugo, made it so easy to understand. She pushed the entire class to be successful. She stayed after school almost every day to tutor her students. Her dedication to her students inspired me.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
For me, the Noyce program is a door to opportunity in the field of education. It has provided me the opportunity to focus solely on my studies and to pursue my dreams without the added stress of needing an extra job to pay bills. That is an incredible blessing.
