When I initially chose my major, I did not realize the vast amount of opportunities I would encounter by choosing to study Biology. As a senior, I am now considering how I can use my skills and knowledge to enter a career in science education. It has been a privilege for me to participate in programs such as the Ocean, Marine and Polar Science Undergraduate Research Experience (URE), the Micro-Electronics and Photonics URE and the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program; where I have had a chance to discover myself, while exploring different career paths in the biology field.  After obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology I plan to obtain a Master’s of Science in Secondary Education and teach Biology in schools systems that are in high need of science educators.  After teaching for a few years I plan to become certified to teach mathematics and go on to obtain a Doctorate of Philosophy in Secondary and/or Science Education. 

Throughout my entire academic career, I have always been passionate about education, aiming to maintain high academic achievement and motivating others to do the same.  I understand the importance of education and recognize the need to encourage today’s youth to excel in math and science; as those subjects are the gateway to the future.  In most circumstances, students are not interested in science because they are unaware of the plethora of opportunities that studying science provides. They are also unaware of the dire need for scientists in today's society. Because of my participation in the aforementioned programs, I will be to be able to share positive experiences I have had through science with my future students.  By sharing my experiences with them, I hope to increase their interest in the STEM fields while helping them to realize how science can positively impact their lives as well. 

While I am interested in science education I am still exploring the various careers I can pursue with my education. Over the course of the last two summers I have had a chance to obtain a better understanding of what a career in research entails. After participating in my first research experience, I realized the importance of research and how it can be used for real world applications.  As a student it is sometimes difficult to see how learning certain information or even conducting research actually relates to real-life problems.  As an educator, I could help my students to acknowledge this relationship and as a researcher I could help discover solutions to some of the critical issues that are affecting today’s society. Ultimately, I am preparing myself to utilize the fundamentals I have been equipped with as tools for my success in life.