Noyce Scholar Profile
Robert Welter
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: Biology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Science, grades 6-8; Biology, grades 9-12
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Fifth year or post-baccalaureate Noyce scholar
Name of Noyce institution:
University of Missouri
Current academic or teaching status:
1st year graduate student
School and school district:
Columbia, MO
Background:
While studying biology at Truman State University, I worked in an ecological research lab and as a biology teaching assistant. As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work as a research intern at the Chicago Botanic Gardens and The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. However, although I loved biological research, teaching remained a stronger passion for me, and I decided to pursue a graduate degree in education from the University of Missouri.
Why do you want to teach:
Throughout my childhood and into my undergraduate years, I was always aware of a strong interest in studying living creatures. It is this passion for biology that I wish to share with others through my teaching and to try to instill a sense of biophilia within my students.
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
While working as a special education para-professional, I had the chance to teach a science class lesson. The topic of choice was seed planting–a subject of great interest for me. During the hands-on activities associated with the lesson, my students came up to me and told me how much they enjoyed the lesson. They wanted to know more about gardens and how they could take home a plant for themselves! This experience really helped me realize the importance of hands-on activities and relevance in education.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The NOYCE program has provided the financial means and professional community necessary to become a successful science teacher.
