Meet Our Scholars

Joseph Cortez

Joseph graduated in Spring of 2024 with a B.S in Mathematics Secondary Education. During his time in Southern’s Noyce Scholarship Program, he participated in a project for the development of his teacher knowledge that includes technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (also known as TPACK). As part of this project, he created a professional instructional video on the conversion between Radians and Degrees using interactive whiteboards on an iPad and incorporated his emerging TPACK in the creation of the video. Watch his lesson on Youtube. Joseph is now teaching high school mathematics at Windham High School in Willimantic, CT! 

 

 

Amanda Hall

Amanda Hall

Amanda graduated in Spring of 2024 with a B.S in Mathematics Secondary Education. During her time as an SCSU Noyce Scholar, she participated in a research project related to the MaPP (Mathematical Puzzle Programs) Challenge, which is an annual outreach program offered by the Department of Mathematics at Southern for students between 7th and 12th grade. A major goal of this program is to help participants establish a broader understanding of what counts as mathematics by experiencing mathematics as discovery and exploration. Amanda had opportunities to work with the educational research team in developing the measurement for the impact of the MaPP Challenge in terms of players’ understanding of what counts as mathematics, their interests in mathematics, and their attitudes toward mathematics. Amanda also presented with Project PI Dr. Sherwood at the July 2024 Noyce Summit in Washington, D.C. (include popout link to the Publications and Presentations page). Amanda is now teaching middle school mathematics at Windham Middle School in Willimantic, CT! 

Andrew Mansfield

Andrew Mansfield

Andrew graduated in the Spring 2024 with a B.S. in Physics Secondary Education. During his time as an SCSU Noyce Scholar, he participated in an NSF funded project in which he worked with faculty in SCSU's Department of Physics, under the supervision of Project co-PI Dr. Broadbridge, as well as partners from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Lowell Observatory, to construct instrumentation for astronomical imaging. As part of this project, Andrew also developed related curricular modules for use in high school physics instruction. During his student teaching semester, Andrew developed a connection with his placement school, and was offered a long-term substitute teaching position there, which he continued after he graduated from Southern. Andrew continues to substitute teach while he pursues his Master’s Degree in Applied Physics at SCSU. He plans to teach full-time and fulfill the Noyce teaching service commitment once he obtains his Master’s degree.

 

 

Julia Grant

I am a junior, majoring in Biology Secondary Education. I grew up in Norwich, Connecticut and I am passionate about protecting our environment, establishing social justice, and the representation of women and minorities in STEM. I hope to one day make an impact on my students by sharing my love and curiosity for biology. I fell in love with New Haven, Connecticut and hope that I get to live and teach within the city after graduating.

 

 

 

Emily Jasinski

I am a junior majoring in Mathematics Secondary Education.  I was born and raised in Wallingford, Connecticut. My number one goal for teaching is to give all students a chance to find themselves in a comfortable environment where they are not afraid of failure. Teaching math can be one of the best ways to do that, because most of the time there is only one answer, leaving lots of room for error. I am passionate that through math we can teach kids to be confident in themselves and peruse their dreams. 

 

 

 

Aiden Kennedy

I am a Junior majoring in Physics Secondary Education. I am from Prospect, Connecticut, and I enjoy learning about how our world works through Physics and collaborating with and teaching others about Physics. I hope my impact as a future teacher will benefit my students and the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexandra Lindgren

I am a master's student in the MAT Secondary Education Biology program. I grew up in Northbridge, MA and moved to CT after high school for my undergraduate degree in Biology. Once I graduated, I moved back to MA and worked at UMass Chan Medical School as a research associate. After a year and a half, I decided to get a master's in teaching biology for grades 7-12. I hope to share my love of STEM to the next generation of students and help them find their passion in life whether that is in the science field or life in general.

 

 

 

Julie Reynolds

I am a graduate student in the MAT program for Chemistry Secondary Education. I am from Guilford, Connecticut and earned my bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Connecticut. I have a passion for innovation and spent a year working in biotechnology after my undergraduate career. My hope as a future STEM educator is to create a positive learning environment where students are driven by curiosity and confidence.

 

 

 

Zaya Powell

I am a graduate student in the MAT Biology Secondary Education program. I was born and raised in Connecticut. I am deeply motivated to become a science teacher to inspire and empower the next generation. My passion for science and health began at an early age. Representation in education is crucial, and as a woman of color, I understand the unique challenges that underrepresented students may face. I aim to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where ALL students feel valued and encouraged to explore their interests in science. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to motivate students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in related fields and form a love for science that can lead to meaningful contributions to our society. 

 

 

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