Noyce Scholar Profile

Karl Ottmar
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Environmental Engineering
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Chemistry, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Noyce Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Current academic or teaching status:
Pre-service
School and school district:
Armstrong High School
Background:
I have my doctorate in environmental engineering, having conducted research into the fate, transport, and occurrence of prescription pharmaceuticals in water and wastewater. I am also a veteran, having spent over nine years on active duty as an Army officer; I continue to serve as a reservist.
Why do you want to teach:
I want to teach because I have found that working with young adults is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that I have done in life.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
My most memorable teaching experiences have been when I have been working with students, and they’ve asked a question that I did not necessarily know and we have the opportunity to explore the answer right there on the spot.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
Noyce has been invaluable in preparing me to one day be an outstanding science teacher by giving me the experience and knowledge to be successful in the classroom.