My name is Jessica N. Hathaway and I am a junior, pursing my Bachelors Degree at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Elementary school is where my passion for learning blossomed, and it was during those early grade school years that I decided I wanted to become a teacher.  It was not until high school that I became deeply involved in mathematics.  I found the subject enjoyable and knew that I wanted to share that great enjoyment that I found within the subject.

In the fall of 2012, I enrolled at Elizabeth City State University and declared a major in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. My interactions with influential professors, teachers, and staff have allowed me to learn and grow over the course of my short time at the University. During the academic school year I participate in the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER) program. Through my involvement with this I have acquired vital skills that I plan to use during future internships, research experiences and career.

During the CERSER academic year program, I participated as a member of the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Team. My research worked with the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) summer research program to impact student’s choice of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related major in college. The title of the research was The Impact of 2006-2012 CReSIS Summer Research Programs that Influence Student's Choice of a STEM Related Major in College. The team collected the surveys to see how the program impacted the students in chose of a STEM related major. Analysis of information received supported research objectives.

I participated in two internships during the summer of 2012. During my first internship, I worked with the Watershed Watch Program at the campus of ECSU. My mentor’s were Dr. Annette Schloss and Dr.Barrett Rock of University of New Hampshire. The project researched how campus development affects forest growth. During the project it was found that many of the trees were greatly affected by the traffic and other human forces.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science (REU) was the second internship that I completed during the summer of 2012. I worked with Dr. Darnell Johnson in addition to the other RET participants. Historical data, as well as newly collected data, was used to evaluate knowledge gains of seventh graders.  Information was collected from results of student completed pre and posttest.  The title of the project was Using Common Core State Standards of Seventh Grade Mathematics in the Application of NXT LEGO® Robotics for CReSIS Middle School Students.

As a student at ECSU, I feel grateful for all the opportunities that have been shown to me. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics I will strive to continue my education. By far my education will not stop there; learning is continuous. My education goals include successful completion of a Doctorial program. Upon completion, I hope to share what I have learned with others, because knowledge is power, and spreading knowledge is wise.